by RANDY OWENS
Online Writer
Freezing temperatures and winter driving are just around the corner. Is your car ready for the weather or emergency situations? There are many things that you can do ahead of time to get your car ready for the onslaught to come. That everyday drive to work or school can become a nightmare or even deadly if you are not prepared.
First thing you need to do is make sure your tires are in good shape, battery is strong and other vital fluids like your antifreeze are at the proper strength to protect your car from freezing up and your brake fluid and oil are at the correct levels. If you don’t know how to check these things have someone like a mechanic or a knowledgeable friend check them for you. Most shops or parts stores will charge a minimal amount to check these things for you. Having them checked ahead of time will save you a huge headache in the long run. Always try to keep as much gas in your car as you possibly can because if you do get stuck it’s not good to run out when trying to keep warm. If you do idle your car while waiting for rescue, make sure your exhaust stays clear of obstructions so you don’t die of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Now that you’ve made sure that your vehicle is in good working order, let’s talk about what you should carry with you if anything happens like getting stuck in the snow or ice. It’s always a good idea to pack a blanket or two, some protein snacks (peanuts, granola bars, crackers and peanut butter, and maybe a candy bar or two), just in case you get stuck on a deserted section of road and don’t get found for a while. Some rock salt is handy to put under your tires to get traction on ice, or even a small piece of carpet to put under your tire that will give you just a bit of traction. A flashlight with a fresh set of extra batteries is always a good idea. Some water or juice to drink is another nice thing to have.
But most of all when the roads become slippery, slow down take your time and drive with smooth actions, and allow plenty of room for stopping. Watch out for aggressive drivers and give them plenty of space, because it’s not the cautious driver that gets into an accident — usually someone who is not runs into you.