A Few Basics Can Ease Tough Driving in Rough Winter Weather

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 16, 2004 -- The roughest months of winter are still ahead. Are you prepared to weather dangerous driving conditions? Many people are not. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), traffic accidents are the leading cause of death during winter storms.

When it comes to safe winter driving, "the time to prepare is in your garage, not on the side of the road," advises Buzz Rodland, Chairman of the American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA). Here are some preparatory tips:

  * Get a tune-up.  If your car is due for scheduled maintenance or just
    needs a tune-up, do it now.  If certain parts are damaged, like the
    water pump, hoses, and belts, they could unexpectedly leave you
    stranded.

  * Check the battery.  Cold temperatures reduce a battery's storage
    capacity, and the more frigid the temperature, the more power your
    engine needs to start.  If your battery is four years old, it's time to
    replace it.

  * Check your tires.  Tire pressure drops about one pound per square inch
    (PSI) for every 10-degree shift in temperature.  So if your tires were
    last inflated at summer's peak, chances are they'll be grossly under-
    inflated when the mercury drops.

  * Change your oil.  Motor oil tends to thicken in cold temperatures,
    meaning your engine has to work harder.  Ask your mechanic to use
    thinner-grade oil -- one with less viscosity -- during the winter
    months.

  * Keep the tank full.  If you get stranded, the last thing you want to do
    is worry about conserving gas, your only source of heat.  Also, keeping
    your gas tank full in the winter prevents moisture from condensing and
    rusting in your tank.

"The first rule of thumb for severe winter weather is stay off the roads unless it's absolutely necessary," adds Rodland. "If you must drive, be sure to budget more time to get to your destination."

In icy conditions, traveling at posted speeds can be deadly, particularly while turning and braking. According to AAA, most accidents in winter occur because motorists fail to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of them. Anticipate curves, turns, and stops and reduce your speed earlier than you normally would. When possible, simply decelerate instead of braking to prevent spinning out. And if you do start to spin out, remember to turn into the skid -- if the front of your car turns to the left, turn the wheel to the left. It may be helpful to practice this in an empty parking lot.

Poor visibility is another leading cause of vehicle collisions during the winter season. Keep your headlights on so that other drivers can see you more easily. If it is snowing hard, keep your low beams on; high beams can be blinding. And make sure your rear window defroster works before heading out.

For additional tips on preparing your vehicle for winter driving, or for more pointers on driving in dangerous conditions, visit www.aiada.org/winterdriving.