Winter Safety Tips For the Vehicle Winterize your vehicle. Get a tune-up and be sure to check the battery levels in your vehicle. Consider buying snow tires or chains for the tires, as your travel dictates. Chains work best on glare ice. Be sure to check with local authorities on tire chains. Some locales prohibit their use. Other vehicle care tips include: • Check radiator coolant and sturdiness of hoses and belts • Refer to the vehicle’s manual to see if a lighter grade oil is recommended for winter driving • Change burned out headlights, tail lights and turn signals • Check tire tread and wear – minimum tread is 1/16” for adequate traction • Make sure brakes are in proper working order • Keep spare window washer fluid in the trunk and make sure the washer blades are in good working condition Prepare a winter emergency kit for your vehicles. Supplies should include: • At least two blankets or a sleeping bag • Flashlight or battery-powered lantern and extra batteries • Booster (jumper) cables • Emergency flares • Extra clothing, particularly boots, hats and mittens • A steel shovel and rope to use as a lifeline • Bottled water or juice and nonperishable high-energy foods (granola bars, raisins, nuts, peanut butter or cheese crackers) • First-aid kit and necessary medications • Sand or non-clumping cat litter for tire traction, if your vehicle gets stuck in snow or ice • A cell phone and car charger • If you need to turn on your wipers, turn on your headlights. Effective January 1, 2010, Ohio law requires drivers to turn on vehicle headlights whenever windshield wipers are in operation due to any precipitation. Failing to do so is a secondary offense, meaning motorists cannot be stopped solely for failing to have lights on with wipers. They must be stopped for another offense, such as speeding, before they can be ticketed and fined for not having headlights on. Fines start at $100. Click here to read ORC 4513.03. Survival Tips if Stranded The best advice is to remain with the vehicle. If nothing else, you are guaranteed shelter. Other helpful tips include: • Tie a bright colored cloth (handkerchief, towel, etc.) to the vehicle’s antenna, driver door handle or outside mirror. • Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow. Poisonous gases can filter into the vehicle if the pipe is clogged. • Run the engine and heater no more than 10 minutes every hour, leaving a downwind window slightly open for ventilation while the engine is running. • Light a flare or turn on a flashlight to let others know you’re stranded in the vehicle. • Use floor mats, seat covers and blankets for added warmth. If you must leave your vehicle during a severe snow storm or blizzard, secure a line of rope or cord to yourself and the vehicle to avoid becoming lost or disoriented. • Keep bottled water in your emergency kit or vehicle. Never eat snow. It will chill you and lower your body temperature. • Remain calm. Chances for rescue are better if you remain calm and in your vehicle. ________________________________________
Posted on: Wed, 09 Oct 2013 13:37:02 +0000
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