Expert Tips for Preparing Your Car After Winter Weather

Prioritizing Safety: Staying Off the Roads

• ⚠️ Staying off the roads is the safest option until conditions clear, allowing road crews to work efficiently.
• 🚗 However, if driving is necessary, preparedness is key to ensuring personal safety and ease of travel.

Accessing a Frozen Vehicle

• 🧊 To open a frozen car door, avoid excessive force on the handle; instead, lean on the door to break the ice seal.
• 🚪 If the driver's door is stuck, try the passenger door or other doors before resorting to warm water (never boiling) around the seals.
• 🔑 Getting inside the vehicle to start it and allow it to warm up is crucial for thawing ice and making access easier.

Fuel and Emergency Preparedness

• ⛽ Always aim to have a full tank of gas before winter storms due to potential power outages at gas stations and the risk of getting stranded.
• 📱 Ensure your cell phone is charged and carry a charger, as power outages can affect charging capabilities.
• 🎒 Pack an emergency kit with warm clothes, water, and non-perishable snacks for unexpected delays or breakdowns.

Clearing Your Vehicle for Visibility and Safety

• ❄️ Clear all windows and mirrors completely, not just a small viewing area, to ensure full visibility.
• 💡 Don't forget to clear headlights and tail lights to ensure your vehicle is visible to others.
• 🧊 Remove as much ice from the car's exterior as possible, as large sheets can become hazards for other vehicles.

Vehicle Warm-Up and Winter Driving

• 🔥 Warm up your vehicle sufficiently to thaw ice from windows, making it easier to remove with an ice scraper.
• ⚡ For electric vehicles, ensure they are plugged in and charged before a storm, as power outages can limit charging options.
• 🛣️ When driving, reduce speeds, increase following distance, be cautious on curves, and watch for black ice.