Check to see if your exhaust pipe is clogged. Check tire pressure once a month before driving, when tires are cold. If the check engine light is flashing this indicates an engine misfire that could be a result of a malfunctioning ignition system, Paul said. If you become stranded in an unfamiliar area, do not leave your car. Your car's defroster can be supplemented by wiping the windows with a clean cloth to improve visibility. If the worst happens, he said, keep your seatbelt and flashers on, and stay in the car. Your tires should regain traction as you slow down. Winter Driving: higher chance of an accident based on the following factors:-Longer hours of darkness-Fog-Rain-Snow-Sleet-Ice ****Before driving in cold weather, start the engine of your vehicle and let the vehicle warm up before driving on the roadways. The more volatile a gasoline, the higher its pressure and the easier it evaporates. When going down a hill, slow down well ahead and use a low gear. Remove ice from the radiator shutters. Generally if they drive conservatively but positively they will be OK and no real reason to worry. And December through March can be an especially busy time for dead batteries, flat tires and vehicle extractions. State agencies routinely publish forecasts of potentially hazardous weather that may affect travel. Drivers should also slow down, it says. QR code Never drive when distracted by an electronic device or anything else. If the pressure is too low on a frigid day, the vehicle will be hard to start and once started, will run rough. Our Paris destination expert answers your most pressing travel questions. Comments are subject to moderation and may or may not be published at the editors discretion. Even if your vehicle is ready for winter and you follow all of the winter driving tips spelled out here, there is a chance you could be stuck with your vehicle for an extended period of time. 1. Having been in a snowy pileup on the interstate and have seen cars ,busses and trucks out of control running into the pack of stopped cars, i notice that when cars are stopped drivers usually put their car in park and take their foot off the break. Barbara Ward, a traffic safety specialist with AAA Northeast, has several winter driving tips. This can be frustrating if you are behind one and have somewhere to be. Always have your oil changed per manufacturer recommendations. or get instant Do not send or read text messages, or engage in other distracting behavior. Lights and reflectors are especially important during bad weather. Summer will be here soon enough. Top 5 Golden Rules for Safe Winter Driving. Stopping takes much longer on snowy and icy roads than on dry pavement, so be sure to leave enough room between your vehicle and the one in front of you. You and everyone in your vehicle should be wearing seat belts for every ride. explanation Make sure your vehicle is ready before driving in winter weather. You can employ all the tips and tricks for safe driving but not everyone else will. Defrosting and Heating Equipment. . Uneven tire wear can indicate alignment, wheel balance or suspension problems that must be addressed to prevent further tire damage. Technical Support Be first to know about the latest update and access free materials only Driving too slowly is the most dangerous as you round blind curves. Vehicles with anti-lock brake systems allow drivers to brake and steer at the same time, possibly in avoidance of a collision. Transportation departments, the National Weather Service and 511-type social media accounts provide live updates. Watch the traffic ahead of you. When driving conditions are different, like in the winter, it is best to increase this following distance to about eight seconds. Good info. Carbon monoxide is odorless and deadly. Ensure your car's heating and cooling systems are working properly so you can defog the windshield, keep an ice scraper handy to clear windows and windshields, and make sure your car's wiper fluid reservoir is filled and the wiper blades are in good shape. to install app, Make sure your vehicle is ready before driving in winter weather. If not, dont be afraid to use floor mats or other items in your car for warmth. Therefore there is no warning for the cars coming up from behind. Driving with a flashing check engine light will permanently damage the engines catalytic converter, and thats a very expensive repair.. Staying alert at all times is important when driving, not only in severe weather conditions. Slow down immediately but again, moderately at the sight of brake lights, skidding vehicles or emergency lights. Hope they have a good trip. It is important to consistently check your antifreeze and windshield washer fluid levels. Total time: 1.5 seconds for perception, and one second for reaction, at best. This is normal. During the winter, it's also a good idea to stock your car with a few specialty items that can help get you on the road faster first thing or get you out of a jam if you get stuck along the way. Keep looking where you want to go, not at the obstacle you need to avoid.". The switch between the two fuels happens twice a year, once in the fall to winter blend, and again in the spring, to summer blend. Damaged ignition wires, a cracked distributor cap or worn spark plugs can make starting difficult or cause a sudden vehicle breakdown. Your AAA membership covers you with 24/7 roadside assistance. The cold won't affect the car unless you're fighting the cold," he said. One more tip sunglasses are always good to have, especially to combat strong snow glare. Skidding is something a good amount of people who drive in snow and ice will encounter. Check from time to time during bad weather to make sure they are clean and working properly. c. Stay in the car, leave the car running, and turn on your emergency flashers. They were a little concerned about driving on roads covered in snow. Take precautions to ensure you arrive safely at your destination. Wipers and Washers. MORTGAGE BROKER ONLY, NOT A MORTGAGE LENDER OR MORTGAGE CORRESPONDENT LENDER. That includes the roof, taillights, headlights and side mirrors. Find a AAA Approved Auto Repair shop near you. Help us help everyone and make an online donation now! C. Keep a safe following distance. All-season tires work well in light-to-moderate snow conditions provided they have adequate tread depth. Ask a Mechanic: What Is Proper Tire Care? Being an alert, defensive driver while on the road is critical for winter driving safety, but so too are the ways in which you prepare and care for your vehicle during the colder months. We went to an expert to learn more about proper tire care and maintenance. Alongside enjoying the cold and icy landscape, you will need to get around somehow, presumably by car. Ski and Snowboard Safety Shovel Snow Safely Flu Vaccination Facts Driving in the winter can be harrowing, especially in snowstorms and icy conditions. Even the best winter driving tips arent enough to convince some drivers to take their prized vehicles out in the snow. b. We focus on eliminating the leading causes of preventable injuries and deaths. Have the battery and charging system tested by a trained technician, especially if your vehicles battery is more than three years old. It carries away carbon monoxide and other harmful gases produced by your vehicles engine. Braking too abruptly can cause your car to lose traction and skid, resulting in a crash. Keep blankets, flashlights, jumper cables, and flares or emergency lights in your vehicle. Heavy trucks require a longer stopping distance on slippery roads than passenger cars. Chapter 11 Driver's ED: Hazardous Driving Conditions. If it is, do not run your engine. Gross said. Any of us can get caught out in the elements and help might not be just around the corner. Be sure to keep your tires properly inflated and reference the snow chain instructions when putting them on. Remove any ice, snow, etc., from the windshield, windows, and mirrors before starting. The Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) claims that modern winter tires can offer over 50 per cent more traction than all-season tires in the winter, and that they can improve surface grip in every type of road condition at temperatures below seven degrees Celsius. Tips and tricks to get you through every step of buying a new car, whatever new means to you. Cloudy headlight lenses can be polished back to like-new condition with specialized kits, Paul said. While of course driving at an unsafe high speed is the most dangerous thing you can in bad driving conditions, going too slowly is also more dangerous during the winter than in any other season. A: 25% . If your car starts to skid, DO NOT slam on the brakes! Tires The traction between tires and roadway determines how well a vehicle rides, turns and stops,and is crucial for safe driving in winter. Go slow and anticipate upcoming obstacles and traffic lights. Recent multiple-vehicle pileups amid this years brutal weather have underscored the dangers of driving in winter conditions. Make sure they will fit your drive tires. Prepping your vehicle for a winter drive is great, but you shouldnt overlook prepping yourself. "Don't stop going up a hill," AAA recommends. Check the operation of all headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers and backup lights. Before venturing out into the icy roads, check the weather to make sure that you wont get caught in a storm. Avoid unnecessary lane changes. Dont power up snow-covered hills. And as more than 70% of the roadways in America are in regions subject to snow and other winter conditions, there's a good chance anyone reading this could face the heightened dangers of winter driving. Answers Coolant and antifreeze levels The air conditioning unit The oil pressure Explanation We use 2.5 seconds to recognize that something is going on ahead of you, to decide to swerve or brake and then make that maneuver, Mr. Gent said. From urban beaches to Bastille Day fireworks, here are all the best things to do in Paris this summer, plus tips on what to wear and what to pack. Carbon monoxide gas will cause you to be sleepy. true Click the card to flip 1 / 25 Flashcards Learn Test Match Created by Kyndall_Elizabeth Terms in this set (25) for winter conditions, reducing speed in areas such as bridges, intersections, and curves can be helpful with maintaining control of the vehicle true You are not that likely to encounter snow in the Paris area, (although you might!) (True or False) true Which of the following is NOT one of the general tips for driving in bad weather conditions? As the clocks fall back, signalling winter is well on its way, European drivers may find themselves in a rush and hitting the road before fully clearing their windscreen or realising it's been months since they last checked the state of their tyres. The summer-blend, however, is also more expensive to produce, which is why gas prices tend to spike a bit at the start of the summer driving season. Remember to keep your cars emergency preparedness kit fully stocked, too. You need to go to the mountains for that. Radiator Shutters and Winterfront. Keep up to date with the latest information and updates from AAA Northeast. "Steering a little to one side where the snow is closer to pure white and is less packed usually increases traction somewhat.". Winter is still in full force. Dont pull away without clearing all snow from your car. * Ten-year averages from 2005 to 2014 analyzed by Booz Allen Hamilton, based on NHTSA data. Avoid pulling off onto the shoulder unless it is an absolute emergency. In both states, the authorities had issued warnings about hazardous driving conditions. Lay off the cruise control. Children should be in age- and size-appropriate child seats. Light flares in front and behind the car and make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow, mud or objects. Youtube They might make the cabin nice and toasty, but they arent necessary, even on the coldest mornings. In addition to annual maintenance, here are some tips to winterize your car: Test your battery; battery power drops as the temperature drops Make sure the cooling system is in good working order Have winter tires with a deeper, more flexible tread put on your car If using all-season tires, check the tread and replace if less than 2/32 of an inch Check the tire pressure; tire pressure drops as the temperature drops Check your wiper blades and replace if needed Add wiper fluid rated for -30 degrees Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze. 6. "You need to have patience in the morning and let your car warm up and the engine expand. Your vehicle is set and your seat, seat belts and mirrors are in the correct positions. Check cooling system hoses for leaks, cracks and loose clamps, too. If you must climb such an incline, try to get a little momentum going and let that carry you up. If light can be seen through much of the filter, its still clean enough to work effectively. You should not use cruise control on snow, in rain, in fog, or under similar hazardous conditions. If you must leave, let others know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival. My Car Does What? Its the slippery surface contact that matters.. Make sure you have enough tread on your tires. . Even a good battery might lose up to 50% of its capacity when the temperature drops to zero, said John Paul, AAAs Car Doctor and senior traffic safety manager for AAA Northeast. Enough tread is especially important in winter conditions. I think my parents will be reassured with that info. While a good following distance on dry roads is three to four seconds behind the car in front of you, six to 10 seconds is a good distance on ice and snow, Ward said.