Winter Driving Tips to Avoid Roadside Emergencies
Winter driving can turn a normal trip into a stressful situation in just a few minutes. Snow, ice, freezing temperatures,poor visibility and slippery roads can increase the risk of flat tires, dead batteries, vehilce breakdowns and accidents.
A little preparation before you leave can help you avoid many common roadside emergencies. Whether you are commuting to work, traveling out of town or running errands these winter driving tips can help keep you and your vehicles safer on the road.
Check Your Vehicle Before Winter Trips
Before driving in winter weather, take a few minutes to inspect your vehicle. Cold temperatures can put additional stress on your battery, tires, fluids and other important components.
Check your tire pressure and inspect the tread for signs of excessive wear or damage. Properly inflated tires can provide better traction and handling on cold, wet, snowy or icy roads.
You should also check your battery, windshield wipers, lights, brakes, engine oil, coolant and windshield washer fluid. If something already needs attention, taking care of it before a winter trip may help prevent a breakdown on the side of the road.
Keep Your Gas Tank From Getting Too Low
Running out of fuel is an avoidable roadside emergency, but it can become more dangerous during winter. Getting stranded in freezing temparatures without a running vehicle can expose you to the cold for an extended period.
Try to keep your fuel level reasonably high when traveling during severe winter weather, specially if you are driving through rural areas or on long streches of highway.
If you do run out of fuel, move to a safe location if possible and contact a roadside assistance provider for emergency fuel delivery.
Slow Down on Snow and Ice
Snow and ice can significantly reduce your vehicle’s tracion. Even if the road looks clear, there may be black ice in shaded areas, bridges, overpasses and less-traveled roads.
Reduce your speed and leave extra space between your vehicle and the traffic ahead. Avoid sudden braking, sharp steering movements and rapid acceleration.
Driving more slowly gives you additional time to react if another vehicle loses control or the road conditions suddenly change.
Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Vehicle
A winter emergency kit can be extremely useful if your vehicle becomes disabled. Consider keeping the following items in your car:
• Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Blankets or warm clothing
• Bottled water and non-perishable snacks
• First- aid kit
• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Phone charger or power bank
• Basic tools
• Reflective warning devices
• Gloves
• Tire pressure gauge
You may never need these items, but having them available can make an unexpected roadside aituation easier to manage.
Clear Snow and Ice Before Driving
Before getting on the road, remove snow and ice from your windshield, windows, mirrors, headlights, tailights and roof.
Do not rely on a small cleared area of the windshield for visibility. Snow blowing off the roof of your vehicle can also obstruct your view or create a hazard for drivers behind you.
Take the extra few minutes to clear vehicle completely before leaving.
Give Yourself More Stopping Distance
Your vehicle may require much more distance to stop on snow or ice. Following too closely can leave you with little time to react if traffic slows down suddenly.
Increase the distance between your vehicle and the car ahead. This gives you more room to brake gradually and respond to unexpected road conditions.
Remeber that four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive can help with traction when accelerating, but they do not eliminate the need for caution when braking or turning.
Watch for Low Visibility
Winter weather can quickly reduce visibility because of snow, freezing rain, fog or blowing snow.
Use your headlights when visibility is poor and keep your windshield clean. If conditions become too dangerous, consider pulling over at a safe location until visibility improves.
If you need to stop on or near a roadway because of a vehicle problem, make yourself as visble as possible and stay away from moving traffic.
Becareful on Bridges and Overpasses
Bridges and overpasses can freeze faster than other sections of roadway because cold air surrounds them from above and below.
A road may appear wet without looking icy, specially when temperatures are near freezing. Reduce your speed before reaching bridges and avoid sudden steering or braking while crossing them.
Know What to Do If Your Vehicle Breaks Down
Even with careful preparation, winter breakdowns can still happen. If your vehicle stops working, your first priority should be getting yourself and your passengers to a safe location.
If possible, move your vehicle away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights and use reflective warning equipment if you have it.
Stay inside the vehicle when leaving it would put you at greater risk from traffic or weather. Contact a towing or roadside assistance provider and clearly explain your location, vehicle type and problem.
If you are on a highway, provide the nearest exit, mile marker, cross street or other recognizable landmark so the tow truck driver can locate you more quickly.
Keep Your Phone Charged
A charged phone can be one of the most important items you have during a roadside emergency.
Before a long winter drive, charge your phone and consider keeping a backup power bank in your vehicle. Save the contact information for your preffered towing or roadside assistance company so you do not have to search for help while standing beside a disabled vehicle in freezing weather.
Plan Your Route Before Leaving
Check the weather and road conditions before starting your trip. If a major winter storm is expected, consider delaying unnecessary travel until conditions improve.
For necessary trips, choose major roads when appropriate, let someone know your route and allow extra travel time. Rushing to reach your destination can increase the chance of losing control or becoming involved in a collision.
When to Call for Towing or Roadside Assistance
Some vehicle problems should not be handled on your own, specially when you are stopped in dangerous winter conditions.
Consider contacting a professional roadside assistance or towing service if you experience:
• A dead battery
• A flat or damaged tire
• An empty fuel tank
• A vehicle stuck in snow
• Engine or mechanical failure
• A vehicle that will not start
• A collision that makes the vehicle unsafe to drive
• A lockout during freezing weather
Professional roadside assistance can help you get the appropriate service without putting yourself unnecessarily close to traffic or harsh weather.
Stay Prepared Before the Winter Drive
Winter roadside emergencies are not always predictable, but preparation can reduce the risk. Inspect your vehicle, maintain proper tire pressure, keep your battery in good condition, carry an emergency kit and adjust your driving for the road conditions.
Most importantly, do not take unnecessary risks when roads become dangerous. If your vehicle becomes disabled, move to a safe location when possible and contact a relaible towing or roadside assistance provider for help.
A few minutes of preparation before a winter trip can make a major difference when temperatures drop and road condiions become difficult.
Effortless Towing Solutions, Just a Call Away
At Smart Ace Towing and Roadside, we take pride in our ability to handle any situation with efficiency and care. Our fleet of modern tow trucks is equipped with the latest technology to ensure that your vehicle is towed safely and securely.