Car Care in the Winter
By Brayden Suckstorf
As temperatures drop and snow hits the road, driving in the winter becomes a little tougher for everyone, especially high school students who are new to driving.
Car care in the winter is something many people do not want to take care of, unless it is in a heated place. Some of the most important components in the winter are tires. Cold air makes tire pressures drop, and bald tires can double the stopping distance of a vehicle. Checking tires regularly and to make sure they are snow or all-weather tires would be a great idea to prepare for winter driving.
Another key part would be batteries; they can struggle when it gets to these colder temperatures. A faulty battery can cause issues, and especially some issues you do not want to handle when it is freezing outside.
“My truck battery died while I was in Norfolk; now I always carry jumper cables,” senior Cameron Kuehler stated.
Visibility can be a major issue when driving in the winter. Old wiper blades and frosty windshields can make it hard to see. Changing wiper blades in the winter could benefit people, also propping them up when parked so they do not freeze. Warming up the car with defrost also will help visibility in the winter.
Something drivers could do to be safe in the winter, in case they find themselves stranded, would be to keep a winter kit, including a blanket, gloves, flashlight, knife, jumper cables, and an ice scraper.
“Driving home, seeing animals on the road, gives me ptsd from sending a (rac)coon flying. So in the winter, I try to pump my brakes and stop sooner, also taking care of my car,” senior Skyler Stern stated.
By taking a few simple steps before heading out, students can avoid major problems and stay much safer on the roads. Winter driving comes with challenges, but with the right care and awareness, everyone can get where they need to go.
