During the winter season, the roads can become very dangerous and driving during harsh weather conditions can be stressful. The top ways to prepare your vehicle for the first snowstorm is to have it serviced, always drive safely, and pack a winter emergency kit. There are a few maintenance tasks when preparing to take to the road. The most important factors to consider are tires, oil and antifreeze, heating, car battery, and vision issues such as mirrors and wipers. Each of these steps is important, since if the vehicle is not prepared for snow or ice, it may cause a car accident.
What Maintenance Needs to Be Performed?
Before driving, motorists should ensure that their vehicle is in proper shape to handle winter conditions. Here are some tips to prepare your vehicle for winter.
- Check the tire tread. Check the tread on the tires before driving your car on snowy or icy roads. When inspecting your tires, you are looking for any wear and possible tears that may cause a blowout. It is also important to rotate your tires during every oil change.
- Check the tire pressure. Always make sure that your tires are inflated to the proper air pressure. If a tire has low pressure, it can be dangerous on winter roads.
- Are snow tires necessary? Many drivers choose to have snow tires installed to help when there is a heavy amount of snow on the streets. There is a good chance you will come across roads that are not well paved, or you are driving during a storm and the roads are not in the best condition. This is when snow tires can be an advantage.
- Change the oil and check the antifreeze. Get regular oil changes when needed, and make sure the antifreeze is filled. Replace the antifreeze when necessary. This simple regular maintenance is something that keeps your car running smoothly.
- Check the heater. Make sure the heater is working and responding in a reasonable amount of time. Sometimes heaters can be delayed or not work as strong as they should be, and during the wintertime this can cause problems.
- Inspect the battery. Make sure to inspect the battery because the capacity lessens when temperatures drop. Replace the battery when needed.
What Should Be Kept in an Emergency Car Kit?
Every driver should keep an emergency car kit during the winter season. Some necessities include a flashlight, extra batteries, ice scraper, and a shovel as well as rock salt or kitty litter, jumper cables, and a road map as backup to GPS. Each of these tools can be used to get you out of a minor emergency or at least make it bearable until help shows up. Sometimes drivers can run into road trouble, and these items can help you get to your destination where you can address the bigger issue.
What Can Be Put in an Additional Survival Kit?
Some additional items to include are warm blankets, hats, gloves, water and nonperishable food, chargers, and medicine. When stopped on the side of the road, it can be a while before you can get back on the road, and these essentials can make that wait time a little easier. It is better to be prepared for any situation when driving in winter. Drivers are advised to pack these kits, always keep at least a half a tank of gas, and avoid driving in a storm when possible.
Washington DC Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King Help Drivers Involved in Winter Accidents
Winter is an especially challenging time to drive safely, and drivers must take extra precautions to stay safe. If you were involved in an accident during winter conditions, reach out to the experienced Washington DC car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King. Our legal team will thoroughly review your case and fight to get the compensation for which you are entitled. Call us today at 202-331-1963 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Washington, DC, we work with car accident victims in Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, and Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.
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