Winter weather is here, and though we’ve had a mild start here on Long Island, it’s best to be prepared for everything just in case. These seven simple steps will help you if you’re stranded in inclement weather or rapidly dropping temps. In no time flat, you’ll be prepared for just about anything the season can throw at you.
Always keep your fuel tank at least halfway full. In the event of an emergency such as breaking down on the side of the road in frigid temps, getting stuck in a snowbank and needing a tow, or other winter-weather emergencies, it’s good to have plenty of fuel in the tank. You’ll be able to keep yourself insulated with the heat, and be able to keep the lights on for safety without draining the battery.
Keep some spare towels, blankets, and winter clothes in your car. You never know when you’re going to run into trouble in the cold weather. You may leave your office and come out to find your car buried in snow, or covered in a thick layer of ice/sleet. Being able to change into dry, warm clothes can make a difference! Keep an extra set of dry clothes in a waterproof bag in your trunk or cargo area. If you’re stranded with a non-running vehicle and no heat, these emergency thermal ponchos/blankets can keep you insulated and dry.
Always travel with a flashlight and reflectors or flares. With the daylight hours waning earlier and darkness lasting a little longer, and it can make it harder to spot your vehicle on the side of the road. Tools such as a very bright flashlight and extra batteries or one with a crank rechargeable option. Be sure to carry reflectors, road flares, or an emergency spotlight with you as well to enable service folk to find you when necessary!
Carry a small shovel and a bag or small lidded bucket of salt. In the event you’re iced in or perhaps spinning your wheels in slush, a small portable shovel and a bit of salt can go a long way! You might be able to avoid calling roadside assistance if you’re able to just melt your troubles away.
Don’t force your key into any locks that may be frozen. Instead, consider adding a de-icer to your emergency bag in the event your locks, hatchback, trunk, or doors are frozen shut!.
Change to winter tires if your area calls for it, and maintain consistent tire pressure. In the winter weather, your tires are a key element in ensuring your safety in event of inclement weather or an accident during wintry conditions. Keeping a tire-pressure gauge on hand for monitoring your wheels is a great idea.
Protect your windshield wipers from damage. Ensure that your car is fitted with properly working, new wiper blades before the worst of winter weather rolls in. If you live in an area where there are very low temperature dips at night, or you park outdoors and your vehicle is exposed to icy elements, leave the windshield wipers in a raised position to prevent freezing to your windshield. Do not use your wiper blades to remove caked-on snow or stuck on ice! Use your snowbrush and ice scraper for the job to ensure your blades remain efficient and sturdy for driving in bad weather. Consider also applying a coat of something like RainX, as well.. Adding a a proper de-icer fluid or all-weather or cold-weather wiper fluid can also make a world of difference.
