Tis the season when snowfall transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland. But while skiers, sledders and snowman aficionados are all welcoming the wintry precipitation, drivers may not be quite so happy to see all the snow and ice.
The season's precipitation and sub-freezing temperatures can create all manner of driving hazards, whether you're on the highway or on local roads in the middle of your town. Staying safe is just as important as getting to where you need to go, so consider these tips this winter.
"Your car needs more battery power in winter than in the summer."
Keep up with your maintenance
Winter weather can be harsh on your car. There's nothing worse than being stuck on the side of the road in a snowstorm or in freezing conditions because your engine is frozen or your battery is dead. Get a head start on avoiding these potential problems by making a trip to your mechanic's shop at the beginning of the season.
In particular, you want to pay special attention to your battery. Car Talk noted that you actually need more battery power in winter than you do in the summer. This is because your motor oil is less fluid in the freezing temperatures, meaning you need more power to get the engine started. Additionally, the colder the weather, the less power your battery will generate. If your car battery is old, consider replacing it with a larger, more powerful version to avoid being left out in the cold.
Also remember to keep your antifreeze topped off in your engine. The best ratio of water to fluid is actually 1:1: Opting for 100 percent antifreeze in your engine actually is less effective than this ratio.
Check your tires
You know the importance of using good winter tires in the cold season, but it bears repeating because it's so important. Even in parts of the country with milder winter weather, you want to use winter tires instead of all-weather radials, since they have much better traction and hold up better in cold conditions. According to Edmunds, your tread needs to be at least 6/32-inches deep to maintain the best level of traction in snow or on ice.
Drive defensively
Careful driving is obviously a must for any time of year, but it's absolutely essential in the winter. Snow storms can reduce visibility to almost nothing, effectively eliminating your response time in the event of a potentially accident-causing occurrence like a car stopping short in front of you or an animal darting out into the road.
On top of the reduction in visibility, winter is the season when black ice comes out. This dangerous driving hazard was responsible for 458 traffic fatalities in the 2009-2010 winter season, according to IcyRoadSafety.com. Keeping a slower speed on icy roads can give you more time to spot this danger, and may help reduce the loss of control you experience when you hit a patch. If you do find yourself skidding out thanks to black ice, stay calm. Press down on your brakes as firmly as you can and keep your foot there. You'll feel the brakes pulse automatically as the ABS cycles, helping you regain control.
Ensure you have an emergency kit in your car during the winter.
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Be prepared
Even if you follow the above advice to the letter, there's still a chance that you could find yourself in an emergency situation. Create an emergency kit and keep it in your car in case you get stuck on the side of the road. Include items like a blanket, a flashlight, a first-aid kit and flares or reflective triangles. Also ensure you have bottled water and a small supply of nonperishable food, as well as a charger for your cellphone and jumper cables for your car, if needed.
If you need a car to see you through the holiday travel season, head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. You'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot, and a helpful and knowledgeable staff ready to assist you in finding the perfect high-quality used car.