Updated September 2024
Wintertime in Chicagoland ranges from mild and almost balmy to devastatingly cold, snowy and downright dangerous. It’s a time when we hope for the best but prepare for the worst, as they say. There’s no time like the present to get yourself and your vehicle prepared for the next polar vortex. Read on for some common-sense tips to help you avoid a winter driving emergency:
As always, please remember to maintain a safe driving distance based on the slickness of the road and other wintry conditions. Please remind any race-car drivers you know, who weave in and out of traffic on the expressway (or is it you?), to please slow down!
Take time to evaluate your car’s winter readiness. Plan to set aside a couple of hours to check out some crucial components of your vehicle, including the wiper blades and wiper fluid level; brakes; as well as tire treads and pressure. And make sure your trunk is stocked with emergency supplies including jumper cables, a warm blanket, flashlight, snacks, and more.
Another valuable suggestion, from the National Safety Council, is to clean snow or winter grime off your car’s safety features, including sensors and cameras, if so equipped. Watch this NSC video for a great summary of what to do to winterize your car.
In addition to clearing all the windows, headlights and taillights before driving, one important area to clear of snow is the roof of the car. Sudden stops or starts can make snow slide down from your car’s roof onto the front or back windshield, blocking the view in perhaps a critical situation. Learn more winter-driving tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Be safe out there!
by Kris A. Mainellis
