Winter Driving Tips

The winter can be full of celebrations and holiday travels in Salt Lake City, but when it comes to winter driving, safety should be your top concern. Why? From icy driveways to snowy commutes, this season can be tough on drivers. But luckily, the team at AutoSavvy has compiled a list of our top winter driving tips to help you stay safe through even the most challenging weather. Read on for our winter driving safety tips, and be sure to visit AutoSavvy for all of your automotive needs!

Winter Driving Preparation Checklist

Before the worst of the weather sets in, it’s a good idea to take inventory of your vehicle. Have you been keeping up with maintenance? Are you in need of an oil change? Have your tires seen better days? Here’s a checklist to help you get started:

• Component Checks: Now is an excellent time to visit the service center for a checkup. This can include everything from battery checks to brake checks to tire pressure readings. Once your components have been cleared by a professional, you can drive with greater peace of mind!
• Fluid Top-Offs: Next, you’ll want to check your essential automotive fluids. Many Denver, CO drivers get an oil change before the winter, and you can also get your coolant levels and windshield wiper fluid adjusted as well.
• Winterizing: When the Boise, ID roads are really tough, winter accessories can make all the difference. Consider upgrading to a set of winter tires and switching to a windshield wiper fluid made for freezing weather. We also recommend replacing your windshield wipers, since they’re likely to work hard in the upcoming months!

Winter Driving Safety Tips

Let’s say you followed the winter driving tips above, and your car is ready for the cold weather to come. What else should you know about driving in the winter? Preparation is key. It’s important to keep a close eye on your gas tank during the coldest months of the year. You don’t want to end up stranded in a snowstorm as your gas tank runs dry, so be proactive about fueling up. If you have an EV, watch your battery closely! And of course, check the weather frequently. You might need to change your plans on the fly if an unexpected snowstorm is heading your way.

Winter Emergency Kit

Another part of winter driving safety is creating a basic emergency kit. You can find premade kits or just make your own, but having a few essentials on hand can make all the difference in a high-stress situation. Here are some suggestions to pack:

• Winter weather tools like a snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper
• Sand or kitty litter to create traction around your tires 
• Emergency gear like jumper cables, a flashlight, flares, and emergency markers
• Warm blankets, water, food, and any necessary medicine 
• Portable phone charger to call for help

Get Your Car Winter-Ready at AutoSavvy

We’ve gone through some basic winter driving tips, but if you want to learn more, contact us at any time. We’re always happy to help Woods Cross drivers with service and maintenance tips, and we also have plenty of car buying tips if you’re ready for an upgrade!