Winter Driving Preparedness

Winter weather driving can be a challenge for even the most experienced drivers. Use these tips to help you drive safely during the winter season.

• Check your brakes, transmission, and tires.
• Check the condition of your battery and ignition system.
• Check radiator coolant, hoses, and belts.
• Check your anti-freeze and thermostat to avoid freezing.
• Check your windshield wiper blades and de-icing washer fluid.
• Check your headlights, tail and brake lights, blinkers and emergency flasher.
• Check your exhaust system, heater and defroster.
• Check fuel and air filters.
• Check your oil and power steering fluids.
• Properly lubricate door locks that may be prone to freezing.

• Before beginning your trip, check the current road conditions and weather forecast. For statewide highway information 24 hours a day checkout your state's Department of Transportation. For the best weather information all day everyday, check out wunderground.com
• Keep your car's windows, mirrors and lights clear of snow and ice.
• Buckle up.
• Allow plenty of time to make it your destination.
• Be aware of sleet, freezing rain, and potentially icy areas.
• Brake early and slowly. Avoid slamming on the brakes.
• Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and trucks that are plowing the road.
• When driving on ice and snow, do not use cruise control and avoid abrupt steering maneuvers.
• Keep an emergency winter driving kit in your car. See our Preparedness Kit page for more information.
• Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season. This is good for emergency preparedness and it keeps the fuel line from freezing.

Source: Department of Transportation

The Department of Transportation applies several materials to roads to assist with snow removal or to improve vehicle traction. While these materials may vary from state to state, they generally include the following.

Special Note: De-icing chemicals such as sodium chloride and calcium chloride are very detrimental to gravel-surfaced and surface-treated roads. Chemicals are used very sparingly on these types of roads and only when absolutely necessary.

	Sodium Chloride: For snow and ice control, sodium chloride ("Salt") is the most plentiful and inexpensive de-icer. When salt is applied, it creates brine, which keeps snow and ice from bonding to the pavement. Salt is effective to temperatures of about 27 degrees F and above.
	Calcium Chloride: A more expensive de-icing chemical, calcium chloride is most often mixed with salt to provide some moisture so the chemical reaction that causes melting can take place. This chemical is used when temperatures fall into the low 20s because at those temperatures, moisture isn't present to help salt start the melting process. In liquid form, calcium chloride provides quicker action.
	Abrasives: Small gravel or sand that can't melt snow or ice, such as non-clumping cat litter. Often, abrasives are mixed with salt to provide additional traction and lessen the cost of applying chemicals. Abrasives can be used on roads generally not treated with chemicals.

Source: Department of Transportation