Winter weather like snow, sleet, or ice can create very risky road conditions. Each year, hundreds of fatal traffic accidents happen, along with tens of thousands of crashes causing injuries during snowy or sleety weather. Getting ready for winter conditions is crucial for both you and your vehicle.
Driving in Winter Weather
Learn The Basics
Drive slower. It’s tougher to control or stop your vehicle on slippery or snow-covered roads. Every year, thousands of traffic crashes are reported by police during snowy or sleety conditions. Increase your following distance on the road to ensure you have enough time to stop safely behind other vehicles.
Avoid driving too close to or alongside a snow plow. These trucks move slowly, take wide turns, stop frequently, cover multiple lanes, and frequently leave the road. If you’re behind a snow plow, keep a safe distance and be cautious if you decide to pass it.
Know What to Do in an Emergency
In wintry weather, if your car is stopped or stalled, keep your attention on yourself, your passengers, your vehicle, and the surroundings.
- Stay with your car and don’t overexert yourself.
- Let your car be seen. Put bright markers on the antenna, windows or pavement and keep the interior dome light on.
- Be mindful of carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of any snow and run your car only sporadically — just long enough to stay warm. Don’t run your car for long periods of time with the windows up or in an enclosed space.
Changes You May Notice
Check Your Tires
As temperatures fall, tire pressure decreases too. Check each tire to ensure it’s inflated to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. You can find this information in your owner’s manual or on a label on the driver’s side door frame. Avoid inflating your tires to the pressure listed on the tire itself, as that number represents the maximum pressure the tire can handle, not necessarily what’s best for your vehicle.
Some other tips:
- Inspect your tires at least once a month and before long road trips.
- It’s best to check the tires when they’re cold, meaning that they have not been driven on for at least three hours.
- Check each tire’s age. Some vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing tires every six years regardless of use.
- An inspection is not just about checking tire pressure and age.
Remember to check:
- for any damage or conditions that may need attention;
- the tread and sidewalls for any cuts, punctures, bulges, scrapes, cracks, or bumps. The tread should be at least 2/32 of an inch or greater on all tires; and
- your spare tire.
If you find tire damage, take your vehicle to a tire service professional.
Consider installing snow tires, but before buying new tires, visit NHTSA’s Tires page to review tire safety ratings. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS) lets you compare tire treadwear, traction performance, and temperature resistance.
Inspect Your Car Seats
In colder weather, parents typically dress their children in winter coats. But it’s important to know that heavy coats can interfere with the proper harness fit on a child in a car seat. When your child will be secured in a car seat, pick thin, warm layers, and place blankets or coats around your child after the harness is snug and secure for extra warmth.
Also, make sure car seats and booster seats are properly installed and that any children riding with you are in the right seat for their ages and sizes. See NHTSA’s child passenger safety recommendations to find the right seat for your child’s age and size. You can visit NHTSA’s Child Car Seat Inspection Station Locator to find a free car seat inspection site near you, or to get information on virtual inspections.
Check Your Battery
When it gets cold, batteries lose power. Gasoline and diesel engines require more battery power to start, and electric and hybrid-electric vehicles may see reduced driving range. It’s wise to have a mechanic inspect your battery, charging system, belts, and address any necessary repairs or replacements.
Learn About Your Vehicle’s Safety Technologies
Learn about the safety features in your vehicle and how they work in winter conditions. Find out if your vehicle is equipped with an antilock brake system and understand how to use it correctly. Antilock brakes help prevent your wheels from locking up when you brake. If you have antilock brakes, apply steady pressure to the brake pedal. Without antilock brakes, you may need to pump the brakes if your wheels begin to lock up. Visit NHTSA.gov/DriverAssistTech for more on driver assistance technologies.
Floor Mat Basics
In slushy winter weather, think about using thicker or rubber floor mats instead of your regular ones. Poorly installed mats could get in the way of your accelerator or brake pedals, which could lead to accidents. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for installing mats and use retention clips to keep them secure. Make sure to use mats that are the right size and fit for your vehicle.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Check All your Vehicle’s Lights
Check your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers and interior lights. Be sure to also check your trailer brake lights and turn signals, if necessary.
Does Your Windshield Wiper System Need Attention?
You can quickly go through a lot of windshield wiper fluid in a single snowstorm. Make sure your vehicle’s reservoir is full of high-quality “winter” fluid with de-icer before winter weather hits. Make sure defrosters and all windshield wipers work and replace any worn blades. Consider installing heavy-duty winter wipers if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow and ice.
Inspect Your Cooling System
Make sure you have enough coolant in your vehicle, and that it meets the manufacturer’s specifications. See your vehicle owner’s manual for recommendations. Check the cooling system for leaks, test the coolant, and drain or replace the old coolant.
You may also want to visit your mechanic for a tune-up and ask them to check for leaks, badly worn hoses, or other needed parts, repairs, and replacements.
Before You Go
Stock Your Vehicle
Carry items in your vehicle to handle common winter driving-related tasks, and supplies you might need in an emergency, including:
- a snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper;
- abrasive material (sand or kitty litter), in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow;
- jumper cables, flashlight, and warning devices (flares and emergency markers);
- first aid kit, including tourniquet;
- blankets for protection from the cold; and
- a cell phone and charger, water, food, and any necessary medicine.
Gas Up or Plug It In
Keep your gas tank close to full whenever possible.
Similarly, in the case for electric and hybrid-electric vehicles, it is important keep your battery charged and to also minimize the drain on the battery. In general, batteries with liquid electrolyte have reduced energy storage and delivery capabilities at lower temperatures, which is why most all vehicle batteries use battery power for self-heating in low temperatures. The battery drain due to heating can be minimized by keeping your electric vehicle as warm as possible during freezing temperatures. A common way to do this is plugging your vehicle in at night during the winter – keeping the battery in its optimal temperature ranges.
Plan Your Route
Before you start your journey, check local weather and traffic reports. If the roads are in poor condition, think about delaying unnecessary travel until they improve. If you must go out, be prepared for potential delays.
For long trips during predicted winter weather, consider leaving earlier or adjusting your departure time to avoid traveling during the worst part of the storm.
Get familiar with your directions and maps before you leave, even if you’re using GPS. Share your route and expected arrival time with others. On longer drives, plan enough breaks to stretch, grab a meal, check your phone, and switch drivers or take a rest if you feel tired.
Year-Round Safety
Check for Recalls
Use NHTSA’s Recalls Look-up Tool to enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) and quickly find out if there are any critical safety issues that need to be fixed. Learn how to get these repairs done for free. You can also download NHTSA’s SaferCar app and enter your vehicle and equipment details. If there’s a recall, you’ll receive an alert on your phone.
Avoid Risky Driving Behaviors
Remember the basics: Don’t text or drive distracted, follow speed limits, and always drive sober. Alcohol and drugs can impair your ability to drive safely by affecting coordination, judgment, perception, and reaction time. And don’t forget: always wear your seat belt.
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