The harsh cold and wet conditions of winter can change the way your vehicle handles and operates. It can also put a lot of extra strain on some of the most vital components of your vehicle, including the tires, brakes and engine.
If you rely on your vehicle to get to work or just to get around, taking some time to winterize your vehicle now can be essential to ensuring optimal performance once winter officially sets in. It can also be the key to minimizing your risk of a collision so you and your loved ones can stay safe during your wintertime travels.
How to Prep Your Vehicle for Winter Conditions
- Check and/or replace your tires – Tires should have at least 1/8 inch of tread for safe winter driving. If your tires have less tread than this, replace them. Having sufficient tread can be essential to having traction and/or being able to safely stop in slippery conditions.
- Check your vehicles’ brakes & lighting systems – If your brakes are worn down or any elements of your lighting system don’t work (e.g., the headlights, brake lights, dashboard lights, etc.), get them replaced.
- Check other major vehicle systems – These systems can include (but may not be exclusive to) the electrical, engine and exhaust systems. Again, if any of these systems may have worn, broken or risky elements, get these repaired as needed. All of these systems are integral to the vehicle running properly – and to you being able to maintain control of the vehicle in adverse weather conditions.
- Get a winter safety kit to keep in your car – These kits should include things to keep you warm/safe (e.g., a blanket, hat, gloves, chemical hand warmers, imperishable foods, water), as well as things to help you get back on the road/call for help if needed (e.g., basic tools, jumper cables, a cellphone/charger, flares).
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when driving in the icy, slick and/or low visibility conditions that can come with the winter:
- Drive at least 5 mph slower.
- Leave plenty of room for snowplows.
- Leave a few extra car lengths between vehicles you follow.
- Check the weather and your planned route before leaving.
- Consider putting off your trip/plans if a storm or other adverse weather conditions are in the forecast.
Contact the Denver Car Accident Attorney at the Klibaner Law Firm
Have you been injured in an auto accident? If so, a Denver car accident attorney at the Klibaner Law Firm is here for you, ready to aggressively advocate your rights to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
To learn more about your options and how we can help you, contact our firm today by calling us at (303) 863-1445 or emailing us using the contact form on this page. From our offices based in Denver, our attorneys provide superior representation to injured people throughout the Denver metro area and Colorado.