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Winter driving presents a number of challenges to both you and your car. In Southern California, we rarely have to battle inclement weather, but here are some tips for cold, wet weather you may encounter on holiday road trips.
IT PAYS TO BE PREPARED!
- Avoid driving while you're fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather reduces driving risks.
- Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
- Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
- If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.
- Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).
- Always look and steer where you want to go.
- Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.
- Watch weather reports prior to a long-distance drive or before driving in isolated areas. Delay trips when especially bad weather is expected. If you must leave, let others know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival.
- Pack a cellular telephone plus blankets, gloves, hats, food, water and any needed medication in your vehicle.
- If you become snow-bound, stay with your vehicle. It provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Don't try to walk in a severe storm. It's easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.
- Don't over exert yourself if you try to push or dig your vehicle out of the snow.
- Make sure the exhaust pipe isn't clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment with the engine running.
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ROAD-WORTHY HOLIDAY SLEIGHS
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The spirit of Christmas is all around us. With the average American being on the road 40 minutes a day, our cars should not be left out of the Christmas spirit! Here are some of our favorite examples of extreme automotive holiday cheer.
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