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Winter driving may be one of the most challenging drives for most Southern Californians. In their region most SoCal drivers have never needed to drive in icy or snowy road conditions. For that rare time of the year when a driver does make it up the mountains and manage to catch some fresh snowfall, they tend to have very little knowledge on how to handle a vehicle in those dangerous conditions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the best way to battle difficult weather is precaution and preparedness. Preparing for tough weather is essential to reducing the risk of an auto accident on the mountains. The first step is to do a little bit of research, and then prepare your vehicle for those conditions. You will depend on a responsive and functioning vehicle on your trip to the mountains. The NHTSA advises that during winter driving season, drivers have their vehicles tuned-up and taken in for routine maintenance if they can’t do it on their own. Read through the cars owner’s manual and follow the proper maintenance schedule for your vehicle. If you are unsure about certain procedures, take it to an auto shop and have a qualified mechanic take a look. Here are a few basics when you inspect your vehicle: • Ensure you have a good set of tires with plenty of thread and a set of tire chains that you know how to install. You can stow away the tire chains in your trunk until you encounter icy roads, make sure you practiced installing them prior to embarking on your trip. • Test the defroster system and windshield wipers. Windows can get steamy when you are traveling in packed vehicle up cold weather and the windows are shut. Ensure that your defroster system works. And for snow fall or rain make sure your wiper blades can clear your windows, if not get them replaced. • Check fluid levels and hoses for leaks. Your fluid levels should match the manufacturer’s specification, if not get them there. Hoses should be free of holes to prevent leakage of vital fluids, if not, get those replaced too. • Finally do an electrical check. Check that your lights work and that your battery has enough power because with a drop in weather, there is also a drop in electric power. If at any point while you are out on the mountains you are in a wreck, contact a car accident lawyer. Remember stay protected and have a well-functioning vehicle prior to engaging in winter driving conditions.
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