Over the river and through the woods,
To grandmother’s house we go;
The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh,
Through (the) white and drifted snow!
Well, we don’t have horse drawn sleighs but many of us will be traveling this Christmas season to visit our grandmothers and for fun family outings and road-trips through plenty of white and drifted snow!
It is important to be prepared to drive safely this holiday season whether we are off to grandma’s house on Christmas morning or on a family vacation! The sad truth is that 211,188 crashes occur each year due to snow and sleet! Be prepared with the following Top Tips for Winter Driving Tips from Kelley Blue Book.
Top Tips for Winter Driving
1. Avoid a car that won’t start by ensuring your electrical system is prepared. If you haven’t purchased a new battery in a while, it is a good idea to get your battery, charging system, and alternator checked before any road trips – around town, to grandma’s, or a Winter vacation.
2. Avoid your car from overheating when it is freezing outside by having the proper antifreeze/coolant in the cooling system. Have them check out your belts and hoses at the same time.
3. Do you have all-season tires with good tread depth and proper inflation pressure? You may even want to invest in dedicated winter tires if you live in the snow belt for added safety and peace of mind.
4. Check your windshield wipers and windshield washer fluid, do they need replaced? You’ll need excellent visibility while driving in the snow and sleet. Be sure everything is in proper working order and the washer fluid reservoir is full. Don’t forget your rear wipers too.
5. Keep your gas tank full. The last thing you want to do in a Winter storm is run out of gas – that could lead to dangerous situations if you are left standard. Never run on “E” in the Winter.
6. Be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Keep an extra set of clothing, blankets, gloves, flashlight, medication for chronic illness, snacks, and drinks in your car in case you need it. It is better to be safe and sorry. If you live where there is a lot of heavy snow, consider chains for added traction or a bag of kitty litter in the trunk in case you get stuck.
7. Are you new to driving in the snow and sleet? First and foremost, drive with patience and alertness. Consider practicing your driving skills in an empty parking lot.
Kelley Blue Book has always been my family’s go-to source for anything car-related. You can find out anything you want to know about a car! Check it out before you purchase any care. I was happy to find out that our Toyota Sienna made the Top 10 Best Cars for Winter list and was rated supreme when it comes to all-weather capability! It does handle well in the snow. We are always taking road trips for quick getaways as well as far away for vacations – we always drive! We chose our van for all the safety features, including all-season versatility.
If you are in the market for a new vehicle, now is the time to shop. Check out their 10 Best All-Wheel Drive Cars & SUVs under $25,000 for family-minded cars that are practicale and versatile.
