Winter driving safety

The winter season is upon us and that means—for those of us living in frosty locations—snow, ice, and cold. It can also mean hazardous road conditions and dangerous driving situations. Here are some tips on how to be prepared on the roads this winter. Also, check out our winter driving hub for advice on car maintenance, tires, and safety.

• Visibility is vital. In the winter months, visibility is compromised by the salt, dirt, and precipitation that are kicked up from other vehicles onto your windshield. Make sure you have enough windshield fluid and choose one that has antifreeze. If your wipers are showing streaks of water, it's time to clean or possibly replace the blades.

• Check your charge. Before you go shopping for a new battery, get your battery tested by a repair shop as part of an annual safety inspection. It is particularly important to test your battery if it is more than two years old and you live in a warmer climate or four years old and you live in a colder climate.

• Inspect tires. It's a good idea to replace worn tires before the winter months. Partially worn or fully worn tires can significantly reduce your ability to get going, turn and stop in snowy conditions. Consider replacing summer or all-season tires with a set of dedicated winter tires, which have tread patterns and rubber compounds specially designed to grip snow and ice.

• Check your cooling system. Extreme cold can cause rubber parts to become brittle and fail. Check the radiator and heater hoses for cracking, leaking, or contamination from oil or grease. The hoses should be firm yet pliable when you squeeze them. Replace them if they feel brittle or overly soft. For most vehicles, the cooling system should be flushed at least every two years (check your owner's manual). This helps keep corrosion from building up in the system. The system should be refilled with a mixture of antifreeze and water, typically in a 50/50 ratio. This will keep your coolant from freezing to well below zero.

• Fill ‘er up. Make sure you have half a tank of gas in your car during the winter months as it will help prevent it from freezing in very cold temperatures.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR WINTER DRIVING

For the cold, wet conditions of winter, you may need additional items in an emergency kit, especially if you travel in remote areas or in severe conditions.

Windshield scraper. Good visibility is your most important safety item, but persistent snow and ice can build up quickly and make it hard to see. A long-handled, soft-bristled brush can also come in handy.

Tire chains and tow strap. Familiarize yourself with how to put the chains on your vehicle's tires or attach a tow strap before you need to do it in cold and possibly dark conditions.

Blanket and winter hat. If you run out of fuel or if your battery dies, the vehicle won't be able to provide heat. A blanket and hat can help keep you warm if you have to wait for a long time in cold conditions.

Chemical hand warmers. These small, inexpensive packets are available at ski shops and sporting-goods stores.

Small folding shovel. If you get stuck in snow, this can be a vital tool. A folding camping-style shovel will require more digging effort than a longer-handled shovel, but is more convenient to store in the vehicle.

Bag of cat litter. This can help provide some traction on an especially slick road surface.

—Liza Barth