Best Winter Driving Safety and Vehicle Maintenance Tips

The best advice when driving in winter snow and ice is, don't. That's easier said than done. People still have to get to work, despite winter road hazards. Here are best winter vehicle safety and maintenance tips to see you through old man winter's storms.

Keep your vehicle fluids topped off:

-Radiator Fluid: Be sure you have adequate amounts of radiator fluid. Antifreeze is rated according to outdoor temperature and weather conditions. Use antifreeze with the correct weather rating.

-Transmission Fluid: Your vehicle cannot shift gears properly if the the transmission fluid isn't keep full. Make sure transmission fluid is clean and fresh, not old and dirty.

-Oil: Check your vehicle's oil level regularly. Make sure oil is brown and clear, like coffee and not black and opaque. Your car needs fresh, clean oil to run properly. Different vehicle require certain types of oil. Be sure to use the correct kind in your vehicle. Check oil filter also. Change your oil every 3,000 miles or three months.

-Windshield washer solvent: Keep this reservoir filled also.

Other vehicle maintenance tips and tools:

-Let your vehicle warm up at least 5-10 minutes. This may use gas, but it will circulate vehicle fluids and help your vehicle perform better.

-Keep tires properly inflated. Keep a tire pressure gauge in your glove compartment. When you refuel, check your tire pressure to be sure it is up to regulation level. Most gas stations have provide air pumps for use on vehicle tires. Properly inflated tires handle icy roads better. They also help your car get better gas mileage. When you check tire air pressure, scan your tires for leaks, cracks or perforations. Be sure that your tires have adequate tread. Insert a penny into the tire tread. If the penny does not go at least halfway into the tire, it's time to get new tires.

-Use Gas Line Antifreeze: Gas can freeze in your car. Place a bottle of gas line antifreeze in your vehicle gas tank when the temperature gets low.

-Keep a snow brush and ice scraper handy. Do not scrape the back window of your car if you have built-in rear window defrosters. Scrapers can damage the defroster wires.

-Keep two rugs or pieces of cardboard in your car. If your vehicle gets stuck in snow or ice, place them under your back wheels to provide traction.

-Take a cell phone with you when you travel.

Along with items listed above, keep these items in your trunk or vehicle:

extra bottle of antifreeze
gallon of water
jumper cables
flashlight and extra batteries
windshield and lock de-icer
shovel (to dig snow from vehicle)
cell phone charger
blanket
emergency first aid kit

You may never need these items, but it's better to be safe than sorry when dealing with winter weather.