5 Tips For Staying Safe On The Roads This Winter

Winter is right around the corner — and depending on where you live, so is inclement weather.

While it’s best to stay off the roads entirely when the weather is bad, that’s not always feasible. When you do need to drive, here are five winter driving tips to help keep you safe on the road.

This article is brought to you by Safelite®, America’s leading vehicle glass specialist.

1. Start Your Car Early Enough For It To Warm Up Before You Drive

Cold weather can cause already damaged auto glass to crack further. To avoid windshield damage, start your vehicle ahead of time. Not only does it make your drive more comfortable, but it can be a major time-saver: Your car can defrost while you’re getting ready to leave, so you won’t have to wait for a clear windshield before leaving for your destination.

If your car doesn’t have a remote starter, manually start your vehicle and set the temperature to “defrost” to prepare your car. However, make sure the temperature and blower settings are set midway, rather than at full blast, since small chips in the windshield can crack more when exposed to rapid and drastic temperature changes.

If you start your car inside a garage, make sure the door is open to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. And of course, always make sure to lock a running vehicle when you're not with it.

If you currently have glass damage, let Safelite repair your cracked windshield before winter arrives to avoid more costly issues later on. If you ultimately need a replacement windshield, Safelite will ensure it’s installed properly and that your vehicle’s forward-facing camera is recalibrated.

2. Use Caution

If you’re already on the road when bad weather hits, assess the road conditions and your current situation to determine whether it’s safe to drive. If you conclude it’s not safe, pull over, seek shelter (whether that’s in your car or a safe location nearby) and call for assistance.

If you must drive, accelerate slowly to maintain control of your vehicle — it’s very easy to lose traction and skid. Keep windows and all lights clear of snow and ice to ensure optimal visibility for both yourself and other cars on the road. Be aware of your surroundings and look out for cars slamming on their brakes, fallen debris on the road, black ice and other obstacles. Remember to use caution when driving on bridges and overpasses, as black ice is likely to form first there.

It’s important to drive cautiously in inclement weather, as obstacles can show themselves at any time. Follow these winter driving safety tips to ensure you arrive at your destination without harm.

• Don’t slam on your brakes. If your car slides or fishtails, avoid slamming on your brakes. A hard stop can make sliding worse — instead, steer out of the slide by turning your wheel in the opposite direction.
• Don’t tailgate. In case the car in front of you slams on its brakes or swerves, leave plenty of space so you have time to slow down. Give larger trucks and snowplows additional room, as they take longer to stop and may toss debris.
• Try not to stop completely. Avoid skidding and sliding by not coming to a complete stop (while still safely following traffic signs at intersections). Once a vehicle fully stops, it can be difficult to regain momentum on a slippery surface — instead, drive slowly and carefully.

3. De-Ice Wisely

Winter weather can be hard on windshields, particularly those with existing damage. To prevent scratching the glass, remove the ice with a plastic ice scraper. Ensure the scraper is easily accessible in a trunk or back seat for quick access during inclement weather. You’ll also want to avoid using hot water as a de-icing remedy, as this can crack your windshield.

Even when you follow proper protocols, harsh winter weather can still damage your windshield. If your windshield needs repaired or replaced, schedule an appointment with Safelite online and see why 6 million customers choose Safelite for their vehicle glass repairs every year.

4. Keep Your Gas Tank Full

Traveling in inclement weather can prolong your drive, taking you much longer to get to your destination than usual. When you’re stuck in a storm, the last thing you want is to run out of gas in the cold. Avoid unnecessary stress and potential harm by keeping your gas tank full during the winter months. While it’s always a good idea to keep your gas tank full, it’s especially crucial during the colder months when you could find yourself stranded due to bad weather and have to keep your car running for warmth.

5. Keep These Essential Items In Your Car

Keeping items in your car to prepare for inclement weather could wind up saving your life in the event of an emergency. Safelite recommends traveling with blankets, a cell phone charger, a first-aid kit, jumper cables, a shovel, a bag of cat litter or sand to help with tire traction, and a flashlight. Carry cash in small bills or change, paper towels or rags for clean-up, and non-perishable snacks, in case you are stranded in your car for an extended period of time. If you store your car outside, invest in a windshield weather covering to prevent ice from accumulating on your windshield.

Get Your Vehicle Winter-Ready

Prepare yourself and your vehicle ahead of the winter season so the bad weather doesn’t wreak further havoc. Handle any necessary repairs, such as making sure headlights are properly working, installing winter tires and changing wipers that may be streaking and impeding your visibility.

Safelite recommends replacing your wiper blades every six months to 6,000 miles. You should also inspect wipers regularly for signs of wear and clean them using a non-abrasive glass cleaner or windshield washer solvent with a soft cloth or cotton swab. Make sure to consult your owner's manual to see if the manufacturer recommends a specific cleaning solution for wipers.

And of course, make sure to fully clear ice and snow from your windshield and blades before operating your wipers. Failure to do so can damage your blades and cause the wipers to shut off. If this happens, consult your owner's manual.

No matter what your auto glass needs may be, Safelite’s trained experts are here to help. Their easy-to-use online scheduling system allows you to quickly get a free quote and schedule your appointment in just minutes.

Need your auto glass fixed? Contact Safelite today for a free quote!