AS SEASONS CHANGE:

Get your car battery checked out. They typically fail after three-to-five years without advance warning. Extreme cold affects battery life.
Make certain tires are properly inflated, maintaining the recommended pressure listed on the door frame on the driver’s side. Don’t forget to check the spare as well.
Never mix radial tires with other tire types.
Have a roadside rescue plan to reach professional help should it be needed.
Pack a winter emergency survival kit with a cell phone and charger, lightly colored or reflective hat and jacket, blankets, flashlight, ice scraper, small amount of abrasive material, such as sand or cat litter; roll of paper towels, small shovel, can of de-icer and a warning device like a reflective triangle.

WHEN EXTREME WEATHER ARRIVES:

Ask yourself, “Is this trip really necessary? Can it wait until the storm passes and roads are cleared?”
Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage. Most vehicle engines don’t need to warm up.
Activate emergency breaking and other automated safety features on the vehicle.
Keep gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
Remove ice and/or snow from all vehicle windows.
Buckle up. Your seatbelt is critically important.

WHILE DRIVING

Slow down. Adjust your speed to the road conditions, and leave ample distance to stop. Accelerate, turn and brake gradually.
Switch headlights on low beam to avoid glare and to ensure that taillights are on.
Do not tailgate. Allow at least three times more space than usual from the car in front of you - a minimum of five to six seconds when driving on slippery surfaces. You’ll need it to brake if a sudden stop is necessary.
Never use cruise control on slippery roads. Stay in full control of the vehicle.
Avoid unnecessary lane changes. Avoid the chance of hitting a patch of ice between lanes that could cause loss of vehicle traction.
Minimize the need to brake on ice. If you’re approaching a stop sign, traffic light or other area where ice often forms, brake early on clear pavement to reduce speed. Vehicle control is much more difficult when braking on ice-covered roadways.
Look ahead and pay particular attention to "hot spots": bridges, culverts, on and off ramps and elevated highways. Be alert for "Black Ice."
If you find yourself beginning to skid, ease up on the accelerator, keep a firm grip on the wheel, and steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.

Weather Related Driving