Plan Your Travel

 Check weather, road & traffic conditions
 Allow ample time to reach your destination safely.
 Familiarize yourself with directions and maps before you go, and   let others know your anticipated arrival time.

Know Your Car

 Every car handles differently, particularly on wet, icy or snowy roads.  Practice driving your car in adverse weather conditions in an empty parking lot in full daylight.
 Before moving your car, clean snow, ice or dirt from windows, forward sensors, headlights, taillights and the backup camera.
 When renting a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the vehicle before driving it off the lot.
 Drive slowly and increase following distance so you have plenty of time to stop.
 When braking, apply firm, continuous pressure with antilock brakes; for non-antilock brakes, pump the pedal gently.
 In a skid, ease your foot off the gas and carefully steer in the direction you want the front of your vehicle to go; stay off the gas and brakes until you regain control.

Get Your Car a Checkup

 Visit a mechanic for routine maintenance before your trip.
 Have your vehicle checked thoroughly for leaks, worn hoses and other items that may need repair.
Have your battery checked for sufficient voltage, amperage and reserve capacity; have the charging system and belts inspected; keep fresh gasoline in your tank.
Make sure you have enough coolant in your vehicle as prescribed by the owner’s manual and check for coolant leaks.
 Fill your windshield washer fluid reservoir completely using high-quality fluid with deicer and buy extra to keep in your vehicle.
 Make sure your windshield wipers work and replace worn blades, and check your window defrosters to ensure they are working properly.
 Check tire pressure and make sure each tire is filled to the manufacturer’s recommended inflation, which is found on a placard on the driver’s-side door frame and in the owner’s manual.

In Case of Emergency

 Bring a snow shovel, broom and ice scraper; abrasive material such as sand or kitty litter in case you get stuck; jumper cables, a flashlight and warning devices like flares and emergency markers; blankets; a cell phone with charger; water; food; and any necessary medicines.

Stay with your stopped or stalled car and do not overexert yourself.

Keep the car’s interior dome light on.

To avoid asphyxiation from carbon monoxide, do not run your car for long periods of time with the window up or in an enclosed space; keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow and run the engine only long enough to stay warm.