Road-worthy Vehicles

Another important consideration is making sure your vehicles are road worthy during the winter. It is costly and inconvenient if your vehicle breaks down or gets stuck on the road. It can also be a hazard to other drivers if your vehicle blocks a lane.

• Make sure your vehicle has good tires. Good tires will allow a vehicle to navigate through most street conditions. Tires with worn, thin tread should be replaced. Some experts advise that tires older than six years should be replaced. The rubber becomes hard and inelastic and doesn’t perform well in the snow.
• Inflate tires to the recommended pressure.
• Expect slick conditions during and after snow events. Stops will take longer. Turns must be navigated at slower speeds.
• Respect other drivers. Traffic will slow during snowfalls and when the pavement is wet and snow covered. Drivers should try to move with rest of the traffic and not aggressively change lanes and pass. Traffic is safest when everyone is moving at the same speed.
• Use sandbags or other ballast in rear wheel drive pickup trucks.
• Have your vehicle’s antifreeze checked.
• Keep windshield washer fluid in your vehicle.  Keep the reservoir full and some extra fluid in the trunk.
• Keep a small snow shovel in your trunk. Hopefully it will never be needed but if it is, it will be invaluable. Some ice melt and a piece of scrap carpet can help if traction is needed.
• If you are not comfortable driving in the conditions you see, don’t. Ask for a ride, use public transportation, or forgo the trip.