Be informed: Here are some tips for driving in winter weather

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Winter weather can wreak havoc on your vehicle. With temperatures below freezing this week, there are things you can look out for and do if you find yourself in an emergency.

Winter brings a number of challenges to your driving routine. Here are some ways to prepare for the incoming snow and ice, from Gerald Jones Honda Augusta.

Emergency supplies

When the roads are slick and the temperature is dropping, it can potentially leave you in dangerous situations. For example, if you were to lose battery power while out on the Mike Padgett Highway, you will need ways to stay warm until help can arrive. They recommend that you keep extra blankets and clothing layers inside your cabin so you can bundle up while you wait. Flurries can arrive out of nowhere as well. To combat the fresh falling snow, keep a portable shovel and ice scraper in your trunk to wipe away the elements.

Driving habits

Once snow is on the ground, you won’t be able to drive across Augusta as you did in the past. This is because there are now more obstacles and hazards to be aware of. For example, ice can make it risky to go at higher speeds or brake suddenly. To best enhance your odds of staying grounded, apply stopping power at a slower rate. Whether you’re leaving for work or a day exploring the winter wonderland that is Phinizy Swamp Nature Park covered in snow, it is important to for drive times. You should try and leave your home earlier than normal to give yourself more leeway to arrive at your destination.

Vehicle preparation

Cold conditions are known to cause issues with vehicles. For example, your gas level is more likely to drain at a quicker rate when the weather outside is frigid. Due to this, you should keep your tank at least 50 percent full when blizzard-like storms arrive. You should also look into getting winter tires if you don’t already have them, as they were specifically designed to help when the grounds are coated in ice and sludge. Regardless, you should schedule an appointment with Gerald Jones Honda service center so we can ensure the tread on your components is enough to keep you from sliding. While you’re here, feel free to ask us to check your heating system as well. By doing so, you’ll know for certain that your Honda will be able to keep you warm as you drive.

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If you must drive

• Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.
• Keep an extra Ready kit in the trunk of your car. In addition to the basic essentials, consider adding a portable cell phone charger, ice scraper, extra blanket, sand for traction and jumper cables.
• Follow directions from local officials about driving during snow and ice storms, and drive with caution.
• Slow down to at least half your normal speed and use a low gear as you drive.
• Don’t stop going up a hill. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
• Do not use cruise control and avoid abrupt steering maneuvers.
• Be mindful of road crews working to clear the snow and ice from the roadway.
• Motorists should not a dump truck spreading the salt/gravel mixture, as gravel may bounce up and could break windshields. Follow at least 100 feet behind all vehicles.
• If you come to a traffic signal that is not working, treat it as a four-way stop.
• Beware of black ice, especially on bridges, overes and shady areas. Four-wheel-drive may help your vehicle get going in the slushy stuff, but it’s of no use when you’re trying to steer or safely stop on a slippery road surface.
• Watch for fallen trees or power lines.
• If at any point during your trip you feel that the weather is too bad to continue driving, simply stay put.

Stopped or stalled?

• Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter.
• Don’t idle for a long time with the windows up or in an enclosed space.
• Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm and to conserve your battery and gasoline. When the engine is running, open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe. This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion.

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