Winter Driving: Some Things to Take; Watch Out For

There are lots of reasons why this is true, but the biggest is your safety. Ice and snow translate into no traction; no traction translates into skids, and skids translate into trouble.

You may escape and be fine, but, chances are you will find yourself buried in a snow drift or worse.

So, unless you have to take to the roads, don't. If you do, though, there are some things you can do to prepared.

First, make sure your car is in good operating condition. Be sure the battery is less than three years old and is able to take a good charge. Also, make sure that all of your car's belts and hoses are in good condition and that the tires have more than enough rubber to handle anything nature can throw at you.

Second, make sure that all of the fluids are up to their levels and it's always a good idea to make sure your car has had an old and lube before the winter and that all filters are new, including the air filter, gas filter, oil and transmission filters.

The AAA has what it calls "trunk treasures" that you should always carry. They include a good shovel, blanket, flares and warning devices, high-calory food that will keep along with water for hydration. There's also a good set of snow chains, mud clips (two-chain snow chains that strap around a tire); flashlight and fresh batteries; a good set of jumper cables or jumper box; a working cellphone and change, in case the cell goes dead.

To that they had ensuring your car is properly serviced and ready to go for winter.

The National Safety Council, aside from urging you to stay off the road in winter's snow and ice, also urges you to drive defensively, constantly watching for other drivers. Also, it pays to exaggerate all your movements so you avoid doing anything suddenly.

The final analysis is this: if you have to drive, you have to drive, but take the advice of experts, wait until the storm is over and roads are clear before you head out.