Preparing for Illinois Winter Weather Driving

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Car Accidents

Although winter has not yet arrived, experts say that now is the time to winterize your vehicle. This helps to ensure that you and your family are ready and safe, long before the winter season arrives. Not sure what to do? The following provides information on how you can winterize your vehicle and reduce your risk of an auto accident this winter season.

Start with Tires and Brakes

There are a number of important steps to winterizing your car, but your tires are arguably one of the most critical. This is because your tires are your contact with the road. They help to ensure you can grip the slick road surfaces. So start by checking your tire tread. You should be able to insert a penny into the grooves, head down, and not see the face anymore. Anything less than that and you should consider adding a new set of tires to your list of purchases – preferably winter-weather tires. If you cannot afford winter tires, make sure you have chains for when the road gets extremely slick. You should also check tire pressure since colder weather can cause you to lose some of the air.

Good brakes are also especially critical during the winter weather. Worn brakes can leave you at risk for skidding. Snow, slush, and ice can clog brakes, making stopping even more difficult. So, before winter hits, make sure you have your brakes inspected by a professional. If necessary, have them changed.

Fluids and Battery

In the winter, batteries drain easier. If yours is already low, then you may not be able to start your car when the temperature starts to drop below freezing. Have yours checked at an auto parts store to ensure you do not need a new one. It is also recommended that you check your connectors for corrosion and that you check the battery is fully in its housing.

Fluids are also an important part of winterizing your car. Specifically, make sure your car has antifreeze, which is designed to help protect your engine from corrosion during the winter weather. Also, check to make sure your car does not need a flush of its system. Other fluids that you might want to check would include your washer fluid (helpful in melting ice and snow on your windshield), oil, and transmission fluid. Some are not necessarily a part of winterizing, but it is always a good idea to do a full check.

Pack Your Winter Weather Kit

Even if you winterize your car, you could find yourself stranded. Be prepared with a winter weather kit. This should include a flashlight, flares, warm blankets, extra clothing (particularly socks and gloves), an ice scraper, a cell phone charger, a map, kitty litter, water, and non-perishable food. Also, if you do get stranded, remember to try and stay put as long as you can. Venturing out into the cold can actually be more dangerous, especially if you are far from a house or business.

If You Experience an Accident

Unfortunately, accidents are extremely common during the winter season. Should one happen to you, contact our experienced Lake County personal injury lawyers. Dedicated and experienced, we can help you pursue the compensation that you deserve. Learn more about how we can help with your case by scheduling your personalized consultation today.

Source:

http://fox61.com/2016/10/26/winter-driving-safety-tips/