A Thing for Cars

Before Winter

Getting your car winterized is always a good idea. This may include changing to a winter grade oil, as well as having all season tires, or winter tires, put on your vehicle. Pack an emergency kit which should include flares, a candle (which will keep you warm in a stalled vehicle), matches, a high calorie candy bar, flashlight at batteries, extra hat, mitts, a shovel, a blanket, a list of emergency phone numbers, window scraper, and battery booster cables.

Be aware that the color of your vehicle will effect how easily it can be seen in the winter.

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You

In the winter prepare to leave your home earlier than you normally would so you do not feel rushed.

Get a membership from a road side assistance group, one that provides tows, boosts, any emergency help. You can use these in emergencies but many will flag you as a repeat abuser if you rely on them too much.

Check local weather and driving conditions, listen for accidents that may be on your daily route.

Clear the snow from the windows, head and tail lights, and hood. The snow on the hood can easily block your vision if it flies up onto the windshield suddenly.

Carry a cell phone for emergencies only, do not use it while driving.

Wear a seatbelt (you should do this anyhow).

Ideally have a passenger, car pooling reduces the number of vehicles on the road and offers you an other person if an emergency/break down does occur. That person should remain calm and not be distracting while you are driving.

Keep a greater distance between you and the car in front.

Drive slower, follow road conditions, just because you drive a 4 x 4 does not mean you are safer. Your fast driving may result in an accident of other vehicles.

Look further ahead than you normally would.

Do not use cruise control (this is also dangerous in rainy conditions, but especially deadly in icy ones).

Stay back from road clearing vehicles, they throw up snow and block visibility. In most areas they pull over frequently to allow people to pass.

Carry cash. This is a good all season practice as every now and again automatic payment systems break down, or you may have to buy gas from a farmer.

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Also

Keep your cars gas tank over half full. This is good in the event of emergencies, and ensures you will not run out of gas if you are stuck in traffic. Also it helps reduce gasoline freezing. Be aware that most gas already contains gas line antifreeze, but if not you may want to use this.

Keep your cars tires inflated correctly according to their guidelines.

You will save gas if you do not use your heater unnecessarily. This means waiting a few minutes for your engine to warm up before turning it on, and shutting it off a few minutes before you reach your destination.
If you are traveling with children remind them to keep quiet so you can focus on the road. Carry extra blankets in case of an emergency, and soft toys to keep the younger ones occupied.

If you are traveling with pets, keep them restrained so they will not jump around and distract you. Have a leash and collar in case you need to get out of your vehicle with them. Ideally leave them at home on cold days.

Do not make sudden turns, do not try to accelerate quickly, and avoid slamming on the breaks (pump them instead).

Use more room to slow down, remembering that heavy vehicles need more room to slow down.

If you get into a skid, steer gently into the direction you are headed and gently steer the way you prefer to go.

For people with light weight vehicles, carrying a bag of sand in the back will add weight, this is especially important in rear-wheel drive automobiles.

Stay home if you do not have to go out.