Before venturing out on the roads this winter, you'll want to make sure that your car is ready for the worst of winter weather. These tips can help you get where you're going safely.
A fresh blast of wintry air is pushing down from Canada as warm,
moist air moves up out of the Gulf of Mexico, with the two weather fronts on a collision course somewhere over America's midsection. If the air is cold enough, a huge snowstorm will envelope major cities extending from Chicago to Washington, DC extending up the northeast corridor to Boston and beyond.
Winter driving cannot be avoided, though it certainly can be curtailed. When the worst of the storms hit, state governors will often call an emergency and restrict driving to emergency vehicles until clean up can begin. In most cases drivers can return to the road again in short order, dodging snow drifts and hoping that black ice hasn't formed as they skirt from home to work and across town.
Whether keeping your driving mostly local this winter or if you are planning a long range trip across your region of the country, you'll want to keep your ears fixed to the weather warnings and updates as your life could depend on it. To that end, the folks at Osram Sylvania have offered their tips on getting your car ready for a trip including making sure that your headlights are working at peak performance before your begin your venture.
For drivers of any age, follow these tips to help maintain safety and improve visibility on the road this winter:
-- "Winterize" your vehicle. Change the engine lubricant to synthetic oil, change to winter wiper blades, flush your cooling system with fresh coolant/antifreeze, fill the washer fluid reservoir with de-icer washer fluid and carry an emergency safety kit.
-- Drive with your lights on. If daytime visibility is limited, turn on your headlights to be seen by other drivers. When traveling in snowy weather, remember to brush off your taillights, turn signals and headlamps.
-- Change headlights in pairs before they burn out. Most headlights dim up to 20 percent over time so evaluate yours every year for optimum performance. The end of daylight savings time is a perfect yearly reminder.
-- Upgrade to high performance halogen lighting. SYLVANIA SilverStar(R) ULTRA bulbs are up to 50 percent brighter and increase downroad visibility by up to 40 percent when compared to worn standard bulbs. Studies have shown that whiter, brighter halogen lighting can improve reaction time, increase nighttime visibility and provide better roadside viewing.
-- Check headlight alignment. Misaligned headlights can be distracting and dangerous. Ask your auto service technician to align them for you.
-- Clean headlight lenses regularly. Wash headlight lenses when you wash your windshield. You'll see better at night and in poor weather conditions.
-- Make sure all vehicle lights are working. Have a friend turn on your headlights and signal lights while you walk around the outside of your vehicle.
-- Check your tire pressure regularly. Whether you park inside or outside, you will lose a pound of tire pressure for every 10 degrees of outside temperature change.
-- Adjust your speed. By decreasing your speed you allow yourself more time to respond in bad weather.
-- Brake carefully. When roads are slippery, brake in a straight line before a curve in the road. Lift your foot from the brake before you steer into a corner. This allows you to steer and not slide through the corner. Don't accelerate away from the corner until the steering wheel is again straight.
Ensure that your trip is a safe one by driving defensively and making sure that your car is ready to hit the road this winter.
