Auto Insurance Car Quotes

Driving Tips for Winter Weather

What looks like a lovely winter wonderland from your living room window can make for a sloppy commute on the roads. When snow storms hit, but work can't wait, there are a number of things that you can do to make your travel safer. Connecticut-based Middlesex Mutual Assurance Co. offers the following tips:

Check your vehicle each time you drive

Clean your vehicle of ice and snow before you drive. This includes front, rear and side windows, roof, hood and trunk. Debris left on a vehicle can become a missile when the vehicle is put into operation
Let your windows fully defrost before you drive. If you warm up your car before you drive, make sure it is in a well-ventilated area to avoid carbon monoxide build-up
Keep towels in the car to wipe off headlights or light covers when they become dirty and covered in snow

Maintenance checks

Coolant — make sure it is properly mixed according to the manufacturer's specifications
Engine oil — use lighter weight oil such as 10W40 to ensure easier starts
Washer fluid — make sure it has an antifreeze agent in it, and keep extra fluid stored in your trunk
Battery — have it tested and replace it if it is not at peak performance — cold weather wreaks havoc on batteries.

Driving tips

Remain vigilant even though your car has ABS brakes and traction control: This does not change the fact that it takes a much longer distance to stop on snow or ice
Pumping the brakes on vehicles equipped with ABS will reduce the effectiveness of the brakes. Refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions on your vehicle's braking system
Steering into the direction of a skid while modulating the brake pressure can help you recover more quickly
Leaving a greater following distance allows you to anticipate stops better. Be aware of your surroundings, children love to play in snow, anywhere. They, too, require a greater stopping distance with sleds and winter toys. Keep your eyes open!
Remove snow and ice that become packed in the wheels, this can cause the wheels to become out of balance and make the steering wheel shake
Wear safety belts at all times. The proper use of safety restraints may reduce injury should an accident occur
Don't drive in inclement weather unless necessary. Don't place yourself at risk when it is readily avoidable.

Last updated December 28, 2000

Source: Insurance News Network