Winter Driving Tips

A winter storm kit is a must-have for drivers in any part of the country that could experience a severe winter storm. You never know when you may be caught in one while out driving, so a little advance preparation can go a long way in making any winter driving during unexpected storm experience go well, according to the National Weather Service.

In Wyoming, for example, at least two dozen major storms hit the state every winter, bringing heavy snow, strong wind and dangerous winter driving conditions. And storms can strike between October and May.

The Riverton, Wyo., office of the National Weather Service has an online pamphlet with tips for winter safety, including winter driving tips and items to include in a storm kit. The pamphlet recommends that every vehicle carry sand or cat litter, ice scraper, shovel, waterproof matches, tin can for melting snow, blanket or sleeping bag, high-calorie snacks, flashlight, first aid kit, knife, paper towels, tow rope, water, candles, road map, cell phone, bright cloth, tool kit and extra clothing.

"Hopefully, this will not only help you survive being stranded but also encourage you to stay with your vehicle," said Chris Jones, a meteorologist with the NWS, to the Casper Star-Tribune newspaper.

If you are stranded, don't panic, as most state highway patrols will have maintenance crews out clearing the roads and looking for motorists. Jones recommended running the engine for about 10 minutes every hour to keep the car warm, while remembering to crack the windows as well to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

As well as making sure you have the necessary supplies in your car in case you're stranded in a winter storm, there are also steps you can take to prepare your car for tougher winter driving conditions. The Tappet brothers, of National Public Radio's popular "Car Talk" weekly radio show, have a page on their Web site about car preparation.

Their winter driving checklist includes getting a tune-up, checking the battery and coolant, fixing leaks, checking the wipers, filling the tank and washer fluid, checking the rear defrost, getting snow tires and/or tire chains if necessary, and driving slowly. That means leaving plenty of distance between you and the other cars, braking and accelerating gently, and anticipating turns and stops.

"Even if you maintain control of your car, not everyone else will. So don't ever get lulled into a false sense of security," they write.

Sand bags or cat litter is useful in case your car has rear wheel drive and needs a little extra help in winter driving. Put the bags behind the rear axle -- which is at the center of the two rear tires -- for extra weight that will increase the traction of the wheels. The Trapp brothers recommend starting with a 20-pound bag and seeing how your car handles. Too much weight can also negatively affect the steering and braking of your car. If you have a front-wheel drive car, there's no need for extra weight because the engine already sits over the front axle.