1/10/2007 11:00:00 AM Winter is sure to come, so
be prepared in your vehicle
Winter road conditions require motorists to slow down and use caution.
By Mary Whalen
Although southeastern Minnesota is experiencing an usually mild winter, with January just beginning we are bound to still have stormy weather before spring arrives. It is a good time to take some precautionary measures to insure safety as we travel roads that are snow and ice covered.
Getting your vehicle serviced and ready for subzero conditions is a good place to start. The mechanics at Arenson Valley Auto Repair, Kuehn Motors, Lyman's Auto Repair, Marchant Motors , Peterson Motors, Zeimetz Motors, Scott's Auto Works or Spring Valley Automotive can winterize your vehicle.
Having a scraper, shovel, and broom available is important. Warm winter clothing, especially boots, mittens, a hat and a survival kit, should be kept inside your vehicle so that a sudden snowstorm doesn't catch you off guard.
There is much information available that offers suggestions helpful in reminding those who must drive on icy or snow packed roads of safety tips. Almost every publication begins with the same thought: If you do not have to venture out into inclement weather, stay home.
AAA reminds motorists to be cautious while driving in adverse weather with the following comments, "do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand). Always look and steer where you want to go. Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle."
Federal Emergency Management Agency states that if driving in hazardous conditions, following a few safety measures are important. "Travel in the day, don't travel alone, and keep others informed of your schedule. Stay on main roads; avoid back road shortcuts. If a blizzard traps you in the car, pull off the highway. Turn on hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the radio antenna or window. Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter. Be careful; distances are distorted by blowing snow. Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. Be careful not to waste battery power. Turn on the inside light at night so work crews or rescuers can see you. If stranded in a remote area, stomp large block letters in an open area spelling out HELP or SOS and line with rocks or tree limbs to attract the attention of rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by airplane. Leave the car and proceed on foot - if necessary - once the blizzard passes."
There are several precautions one can take before weather gets bad. Having a vehicle that is serviced on a regular basis is helpful especially making sure the battery and charging system is working well. In the winter, the engine is harder to start, not only because the oil isn't as "fluid" as at other times of the year, but because batteries lose power as the temperature drops. You need more power to start the engine in winter and you are getting less power from the battery.
Checking out the cooling system to be sure the antifreeze will protect your car at the winter temperatures will help insure optimal performance.
Make sure your windshield wipers are in good shape and fluid levels are high. When using your wipers remember to turn them off before shutting off the engine. Doing this will keep your blades from freezing to the windshield thus causing problems when you go to start your car the next time you get in it
By keeping your gas tank close to full, a person insures that if stuck or stranded, the engine will be able to provide the heat needed. Running the engine for about 10 minutes every hour will keep the inside temperature comfortable. But don't forget to get out periodically and remove snow from around the tailpipe to keep it unobstructed.
The notion of carrying sand is one's trunk has many pros and cons. The placement of the weight is important and making sure that one is not weighing down the rear end too much should be considered. If the rear end is too heavy, the risk of "lifting up" the front end and losing some steering and braking abilities becomes a reality.
It seems that nothing will make a bigger difference in your winter driving success than having good tires. Some people even invest in snow tires or all weather tires because they travel so much on hazardous roads. Contacting Matt's Tire, Scott's Auto Works or Lyman's Auto Center or the dealerships in town can all offer you advice on the correct tires needed.
Cellular phones can be a life savor. Not only can a person call to alert law enforcement authorities of dangerous spots and enlist their help, but calling
Lyman's at (507) 346-2975 or Zeimetz' at (507) 346-7715 for a tow if the car has just slid off into the ditch allows faster service.
Before leaving home or work, take some extra time to make sure your car is clean and your visibility is good. Clearing off the entire car is important because the rest of the snow could slide off the roof and cover your windshield as you're slowing down; or fly off onto someone else's windshield potentially causing an accident.
Knowing the unique quirks of your own car is important too. When driving in the snow, accelerating slowly and gently, turning slowly and gently, and braking slowly and gently, will drastically decrease potential problems.
Keeping one's mind on driving and anticipating turns and stops also helps keep roadways safe. Leaving plenty of distance between your vehicle and other cars plus eliminating rapid movements, which lead to skids and loss of control, insures chances of safer travel.
The National Safety Council offers the following advice. "Despite a popular misconception, the best approach to recovering from a skid is the same for front and rear-wheel drive vehicles. If your rear wheels start to skid: Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right. If your car has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), keep your foot on the pedal. If not, pump the pedal gently, pumping more rapidly as your car slows down. Braking hard with non-anti-lock brakes will make the skid worse. If your front wheels skid: Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don't try to steer immediately. As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in 'drive' or release the clutch, and accelerate gently." In short, when your vehicle starts to skid it is suggested to "turn into the skid."
When sleet, freezing rain or snow start to fall, remember that bridges, ramps, and overpasses are likely to freeze first. Also be aware that slippery spots may still remain after road crews have cleared the highways.
The best advice for driving in bad winter weather remains to not drive at all. If you are not able to avoid it, don't go out until the snow plows or sanding trucks complete their tasks, and be sure to allow yourself extra time in order to reach your destination.
