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It’s Winter Driving Season Again!
Winter Driving
Driving in Oregon in the winter can be challenging
both to drivers and their vehicles.
During the winter driving season, the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration urges motorists to take precautionary measures to ensure that
all vehicles are in optimal driving condition and properly equipped, especially
in inclement weather.
NHTSA safety recommendations include the following:
Visit your mechanic for a
periodic safety inspection and to address routine vehicle maintenance. Have
your vehicle checked thoroughly for fluid leaks and any other needed parts,
repairs, or replacements.
Have your starting system
battery checked for sufficient voltage. When the temperature drops, so does
battery power. Be aware that it takes more cranking power to start your vehicle
in cold weather. Also, be sure the connections are properly tightened and free
of corrosion. If necessary, clean them with a solution of baking soda and
water.
Make sure you have enough
coolant in your vehicle and that it's designed to withstand the winter
temperatures you might experience in your area. A 50/50 mix of coolant to water
is sufficient for most regions of the country.
If your engine cooling
system hasn't been flushed (draining the system and replacing the coolant) for
several years, have it done now. Over time, the rust inhibitors in antifreeze
break down and become ineffective. Coolant also needs to be refreshed
periodically to remove dirt and rust particles that can clog the cooling system
and cause it to fail.
Make sure your windshield
wipers and defrosters are working properly. Refill the windshield washer
reservoir as needed with high-quality, "no-freeze" washer fluid.
Check tire pressure and make
sure each tire is filled to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended inflation
pressure, which is listed in your owner's manual and on a placard located on
the driver's side doorjamb (called the "B-pillar"). Tire pressure drops as the temperature drops.
Properly inflated tires ensure optimum tire performance and optimum vehicle
driving range.
Keep a tire pressure gauge
in your vehicle at all times and check pressure when tires are "cold"
– meaning they haven't been driven on for at least three hours.
Check your tire tread depth
and make sure you are using a tire appropriate for the winter driving
conditions you may encounter. If the winter season means sleet, slush and
snow-covered roads in your area or where you're traveling to, consider
replacing tires when they reach approximately 5/32" of remaining tread
depth. If you regularly encounter severe winter driving conditions, you may
consider a dedicated winter/snow tire for optimum traction.
Stock your vehicle with
essentials in the event of an emergency including a snow shovel, broom, ice
scraper, jumper cables, flashlight, warning devices (flares, reflective
markers, etc.) and blankets for protection from the cold. A mobile phone,
water, food, and any necessary medicines may prove useful if you become
stranded.
If road conditions are
hazardous, wait until road and weather conditions improve before venturing out
in your vehicle.
If you do become stranded,
don't run your car for long periods with the windows up or in an enclosed space
to avoid asphyxiation from carbon monoxide poisoning. If you must run your
vehicle, clear the exhaust pipe of any snow and run it only sporadically – just
long enough to stay warm.
In the unfortunate event you
are involved in a collision, please see the information provided at Practice-Areas Car-Accidents.
