
Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Weather
Before winter arrives, it's important to get your vehicle ready for the cold temperatures and challenging road conditions. At Ed Shults Ford in Jamestown, NY, we recommend checking your tire pressure and tread depth. Properly inflated tires with good tread provide better traction on snowy or icy roads. It's also a smart idea to keep your gas tank at least half full during the winter to avoid a fuel line freeze-up.
Pack a Winter Emergency Kit
In case you get stranded in winter weather, pack an emergency kit to keep in your vehicle. Your kit should include items like
- Blankets
- Non-perishable snacks and bottled water
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First-aid supplies
- Ice scraper
- Jumper cables
Adjust Your Driving Habits for Winter
Snow and ice require you to adapt your driving style. When roads are slippery, reduce your speed and increase your following distance to maintain better control. Avoid sudden braking and acceleration that could cause your tires to spin or skid. When starting from a stop, gently apply the gas to get moving. Always brush and scrape all windows, mirrors, lights, and roof of your vehicle before driving so you have full visibility.