With reports of first snowfalls showing up, I thought I would post my list.

Winter Driving Tips

Ø Keep a blanket, flashlight and water in your vehicle.

Ø Keep a ice scraper in your car (use a credit card if needed)

Ø Always keep a phone charger and cord in your car.

Ø Keep a small first aid kit handy.

Ø Keep at least half a tank of fuel in your car.

Ø Keep high-calorie food in your car (nuts, granola bars, hard candy, etc.)

Ø Make sure your battery, heater, and wiper blades are good order.

Ø Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread.

Ø Never use cruise control on snow and ice.

Ø If you slide off the road, stay with your vehicle, call 911 or road service.

Ø If phone service is not available, try texting 911.

Ø Make yourself visible with the hazard lights on.

Ø If it’s dark, keep the interior dome light on as it uses less electricity.

Ø Don’t over-exert yourself if you are trying to dig out your car.

Ø Keep the exhaust pipe clear to avoid carbon monoxide in the car.

Ø Only run the car for 5-10 minutes at a time with a window slightly open.

Ø It’s a good idea to carry jumper cables for you or if someone else needs a start.

Ø Non-clumping cat litter, sand or rock salt can be used under your wheels for traction.

Ø Keep a small shovel to clear 2-3 feet in a straight line in front of the drive wheels.

Ø Remember it can take up to 10 times longer to stop on snowy or icy roads.

Ø Be alert to nearly-invisible black ice on the roads.

Ø Keep an ordinary coffee can in the car: scoop snow, collect snow for water, or to put a candle in for heat. Long-burning candles /waterproof matches from camping supplies.

Ø It’s always good to have extra gloves, dry warm clothes, hat, etc.

Ø Link where snowplows are in a MI storm: https://mdotjboss.state.mi.us/MiDrive/map

 

I will add if you start sliding look were you want your vehicle to go not the object you are sliding towards.

 

Thank you Dave. I have printed this out and will keep it handy.

 

Thanks, I put it together for my wife and grandsons (both first time car owners). The wife likes to empty things out when spring comes and then forgets when winter comes to put them back.

 

I'm 40 years accident free, but I have slid into curbs each of the last two winters. That is great advice Rob but I keep looking at that damn curb as I am sliding towards it , it's like a bad dream in slow motion.

 

Better a curb than a tree.

 

In the last couple winter seasons I bought some dedicated snow brushes, they are foam brushes with long reach extending poles. They make clearing of the snow from the vehicle so much easier, especially when you get those big snow storms and you can have a foot of snow all over the vehicle. The snow brushes can pull or push big amounts of snow off the vehicle and they don't scratch the car at all. I wish I had them years ago.

I also have the typical ice scrapers and brushes for light dustings, the foam snow brushes come out for the bigger storms.

 

I put a coat of wax on my car a couple of weeks ago so it is nice and slippery the snow slides right off. The brushes with extensions are nice they keep the snow off you.

 

Isn't that what push brooms are for - big snow falls? I know I've used them in the past to get the worst off.

 

Dave I will profess to using them for decades - yes !

These new fancy versions do work better though and less chance of scratches