How to Not Get Stranded This Winter

Snow, ice, and frigid temperatures make winter driving the most dangerous of the year. Keeping up with maintenance, staying aware of driving conditions, and being prepared for the worst-case scenario can keep you traveling in safety, instead of stranded in the cold.

Preventative Steps to Keep from Being Stranded

1. Winterize your car

While some of the most visible effects of winter will be on roadways, freezing temperatures can also affect your vehicle. Minor issues can leave you stranded any time of the year, but getting stranded in the cold winter months is perhaps the most dangerous.

Luckily, you can take a few easy steps to ensure that your vehicle stays in top shape through the colder months.

Get your battery charge checked; you need one that won’t let you down in cold temperatures.
Make sure your tires are up to the task. While you may not need to put on tires specifically for winter conditions, you should check to make sure you do have adequate tread left to grip the road if you find yourself needing to drive on snow or ice-covered roads. You should also make sure your tire pressure is correct, both to ensure proper handling and to keep your gas mileage up. Cooler temps can easily lower your PSI, so monitor and refill regularly.
Have your vehicle’s antifreeze and other fluids checked to ensure they are at an appropriate level and percentage for your area’s expected temperature range.
This one is more ongoing throughout winter, but make sure your fuel tank does not drop below half when it is parked overnight or longer. Keeping topped up will help prevent freeze-ups in the fuel lines.
Check your wipers. Rain is one thing, but having to contend with snow and ice on your windshield is a whole different ball game. Having heavier duty wipers that can easily and thoroughly clean off your windshield will keep you out of trouble when driving.
If you have time and haven’t had a general service check in a while, consider having a mechanic look over belts, hoses, spark plugs, wires, and cables. Even a minor issue might mean your car won’t start.

2. Keep an Emergency Kit

It’s best to prepare for being stranded; even the best-laid plans can go awry. Whether you might find yourself with a car that won’t start or having to pull over due to impassable roads, consider having a bag with a few essentials inside to shelter in place and potentially get yourself back on the move again.

Here is what to keep handy to keep yourself moving this winter.

Ice scraper/snow brush: Keeping your vehicle windows clear of ice and snow is essential. Keep one with a long arm around to knock accumulated snow off the hood, trunk, and top of your car. Chunks of ice and snow falling off on the road, especially the highway, can be hazardous to other drivers.
Jumper cables or emergency charging kit: In case your battery dies in the parking lot, this way, you ensure you can get a jump start from a nearby car.
Shovel, a bag of sand, or tire chains: If you find your vehicle stuck in snow or ice, having the tools handy to dig yourself out and get your tires some additional traction can help save you time and money on a tow.
Extra antifreeze, wiper fluid, and oil: This can help you top off essential fluids on the go if you notice a leak.

And in the worst-case scenario of finding yourself stranded, it’s helpful to have the following with you in the vehicle if you need to wait for emergency responders to make it to your location.

Flares and reflective cones to help keep you visible on the side of the road.
Extra clothing and blankets to stay warm
Spare water and non-perishable food
Basic first aid kit in case you are injured
Charged cell phone, even if it is just a prepaid one to make emergency calls, with a list of phone numbers of tow services or mechanics in the area.

3. Pay Attention to Weather Forecasts

The easiest way to avoid becoming stranded on the road this winter due to bad weather is to pay attention to the forecast. If you can avoid traveling in inclement conditions, do so. While main roads are generally kept clear, side streets and private parking lots can quickly become impassable.

Plan your travel and errands ahead of time. And remember, even if the road looks pretty clear, black ice is perhaps the most dangerous aspect of winter roads. Be careful going around curves and over bridges where the road will freeze faster.

4. Drive Carefully

Driving on snow or ice-covered roads requires a lot more care. Lower your speed to prevent sliding around corners, and leave plenty of space between your vehicle and others on the road.

You will need more distance to slow down for stopping vehicles or stop lights. Losing control of your car can quickly put you on a collision course with roadside obstacles and other vehicles.

If You Become Stranded

If you find yourself stranded, do not leave your vehicle on foot. Wait for a lift or tow along with it. Call and let someone know where you are as soon as possible.

If you find yourself waiting, do not run your car for long periods, even if it still has gas, as toxic fumes can build up quickly. Turn it on just enough to warm up. Flash dome lights to make yourself more visible to rescue vehicles and other drivers, if your battery allows.

Professional Help

For everything from minor dings to extensive collision repairs, come see us at First Aid Collision if you find yourself on the wrong end of winter weather this year. Conveniently located in Asheville, NC, near main roads and off a major highway, I-26, we provide shuttle service to and from a car rental company.

Blog