Winters can be very cold and harsh in Indiana. The ice, snow, wind, rain, fog, and dark environment all contribute to hazardous road conditions, which many people don’t really know how to drive safely in. However, it’s very important to be prepared for the hazardous conditions that can occur so that you don’t end up in a disastrous situation. Here are some tips you can follow to improve the safety of your vehicle for winter driving.

Get your vehicle inspected – In order to make sure that your vehicle is adequately prepared for driving in winter weather conditions, it’s important that you have it inspected before winter begins so that it doesn’t cause issues that could cause you to get stuck out in the cold.

If possible, purchase snow tires – Roads can be covered in ice often during the winter, which makes it hard for your car to get traction. However, snow tires give your vehicle more grip. While they may slightly decrease your gas mileage, they are the best way to get that traction that can ultimately save you from getting into an accident.

Check your tire pressure – Tire pressure is always an important thing to keep an eye on, but it is even more important during the winter months. The ideal pressure for your tires is usually branded on the side of your tire, but you can always consult an expert if you aren’t sure.

Change your oil and oil filters – Clean, high quality engine oil goes a long way in protecting the motor of your vehicle in cold start situations. You should always use the oil recommended by the vehicle manufacturers.

Stay alert, slow down, and stay in control – In the winter it is especially important to abide by the driving laws. You should always be keeping weather conditions in mind while you are out there on the road. Keep a safe distance between you and he vehicle in front of you to avoid a situation where you might have to suddenly hit the brakes. The roads might be slippery, which could mean that your tires won’t get enough grip to stop.

Prepare a roadside emergency kit. You should always have an emergency kit in your car, but you need to make sure that it is prepared for the things that could happen in the winter. You should include a flashlight with extra batteries, a blanket, food bars, water bottles, a cell phone, jumper cables, flares, Fix-a-Flat, and a first aid kit.

The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all. If you can avoid staying off the road when conditions are bad, then do it. Don’t take a chance if you don’t need to. Sometimes you just need to stay where you are to avoid getting hurt.

Resources:

http://www.edmunds.com/car-safety/driving-on-snow-and-ice-10-safety-tips.html

http://jalopnik.com/5962139/the-ten-best-ways-to-improve-your-winter-driving