fall/winter tips

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By Lauren Fix, The Car Coach®
(F/W 2004)

For many drivers, winter is cause for alarm. There were over 2 million crashes and 11,000 deaths nationally in 2002 during the winter months (Source NHTSA). However, according to the Women’s Board of the Car Care Council, some of these accidents may have been avoided had the driver been more car care aware.

To be safer on the roads this winter, I have created a WINTER DRIVE TO SURVIVE GUIDE that encourages motorists to CHECK and/or CHANGE specific parts or components and CARRY helpful emergency items.

1.) CHECK Your Vehicle

• Check all of your engines vital fluids including oil, coolant, and brakes. “Be Car Care Aware” by always preparing your ride.
• Check your tire pressure. 90% of all vehicles have at least 1 under-inflated tire. Properly inflated snow tires greatly improves your car’s traction, handling, well as fuel economy and the life of the tire.
• Check your battery - Your favorite automotive technician can check or even replace your battery if necessary. Don’t get stuck with a dead battery. If you buy a new battery, make sure to get enough cold cranking amps and a warranty.

2.) Make Some CHANGES

• Wiper blades - Icy and dirty windshields greatly reduce visibility. Replace your wiper blades every 6 months, and use winter wiper blades in the snow.
• Winter blades - Changing to winter wiper blades will greater improve your visibility and will keep the wipers on the windshield, because they have a winter coat to protect the moving pieces from clogging with snow and ice. TIP: De-icer washer fluid stops refreeze, the haze that occurs when you use regular washer fluid, making it impossible to see. De-icer washer fluid will eliminate this problem. It doesn’t cost much more and may prevent an accident.
• Snow Tires - All-season tires are a compromise, and will not perform as well as on snow and ice. To maximize safety and control, use the best snow and ice tires available. If the snow is deep, make sure to use chains for ultimate safety. TIP: Four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles are not all mighty. Many drivers mistakenly believe that four-wheel drive vehicles have the best traction in winter. Every vehicle depends on four small contact patches the size of your fist, where the tire meets the road for traction. This contact area is the limiting factor of any vehicle on a slippery surface. Four-wheel drive does not improve braking or cornering effectiveness, which is why snow tires offer the best traction and control.

3.) CARRY An Extreme Weather Kit

Include these items:

• All-weather power source that will permit you to jumpstart your vehicle without another vehicle. That can be comforting if you’re by yourself.
• Antifreeze
• Snow brush with an aggressive ice scraper
• First aid kit, including regular medications
• Blankets for each person that regularly rides in the vehicle.
• High protein, non-perishable foods such as protein bars, nuts, raisins, and water.
• Cell phone with a power cord for recharging
• Shovel (preferable foldable)
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Flares or a red safety triangle
• Work gloves
• Snow chains
• Hand warmers ( I usually carry 8 packets- 2 for the hands and 2 for the feet for 2 people)
• Extra warm cloths (scarves, gloves, hats, boots)
• Contact information of people to be called in case of an emergency

Driving Tips

Few of us are educated and practiced in how to drive in heavy rain, snow or on slippery road surfaces.

ADJUST YOUR SPEED TO THE CURRENT CONDITIONS
When driving in challenging conditions, slow down. By decreasing your speed you will allow yourself more time to respond when a difficult situation occurs.

ANTICIPATE DIFFICULT SITUATIONS
Many studies have shown that 80% of all accidents could be prevented with only 1 more second to react. This 1-second can be gained by looking far enough ahead of you to identify problems before you become a part of them.

USE GRIP EFFECTIVELY
When roads are slippery, always brake in a straight line before the curve in the road. Taking your foot off the brake before steering into the corner allows you to use the entire grip available for steering. Don't accelerate until the steering wheel is straight.

DRIVE WITH YOUR HEAD LIGHTS ON
Whenever daytime visibility is less than clear, turn on your head lights to be seen by other drivers. Remember this rule of thumb, Wipers On - Lights On. When traveling in snowy weather, remember to clear taillights, turn signal lights and headlamps regularly.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKES CAN'T PERFORM MIRACLES
ABS braking systems are limited by the grip available on the road and the type of tires on the vehicle. When driving to fast into a corner and try to brake, even ABS won't keep you on the road.

WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT.
Leave headlamps on low beam when driving in snow or fog. This will minimize the reflection and glare, improve visibility and help reduce eye fatigue.

WEAR QUALITY SUNGLASSES.
Good quality sunglasses help highlight changes in the terrain and road surface, even in low visibility conditions. Polarized lenses are the best choice.

WHEN DRIVING UP A STEEP HILL
Gain speed and momentum on the flat before starting uphill. When the car begins to slow part way up the hill ease off the accelerator and allow the car to slow down, cresting the hill slowly. If you try and accelerate too hard, the result may be spinning the wheels. It’s better to make the top at a slower speed than to not make it at all.

For a Dependable Motor Vehicle
visit us in the Redwood Auto Care Center
Across the street from the Skyview Drive-In

2335 Soquel Drive
Santa Cruz CA 95065
831-462-4436
Monday-Friday/8:00 am-5:00 pm