Colorado Winter Weather Awareness & Travel Safety

Suggestions on how to winterize your car include:

• Battery and ignition system should be in top condition and battery terminals clean
• Ensure antifreeze levels are sufficient to avoid freezing
• Ensure the heater and defroster work properly
• Check and repair windshield wiper equipment; ensure proper washer fluid level
• Ensure the thermostat works properly
• Check lights and flashing hazard lights for serviceability
• Check for leaks and crimped pipes in the exhaust system; repair or replace as necessary
• Check breaks for wear and fluid levels
• Check oil for level and weight - heavier oils congeal more at low temps
• Consider snow tires, snow tires with studs or chains
• Replace fuel and air filters - keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining full tank
• Remember to keep a winter weather emergency kit in your vehicle, just in case...

Winter Weather Vehicle Emergency Kit - more from READYColorado

• Extra clothing, such as blankets, coats, hat and gloves
• Shovel
• Flares and jumper cables
• Water and foods, such as trail mix and snacks

Driving safely on icy roads:

• DO NOT PASS snow plows or sand trucks in operation!!!
• Allow extra time for any travel
• Decrease speed - stopping on ice and snow requires greater distance
• Brake gently to avoid sliding or skidding
• If your brakes do lock up, ease up on the brakes to regain traction
• Use lower gears in poor conditions to maintain traction
• Be careful when crossing bridges/overpasses as they will ice faster than roadways

www.coemergency.com/2010/10/colorado-win...-awareness-week.html
www.readycolorado.com/blog/winter-weather-travel-safety