Green Team Tips for Winter Preparedness!

Winter has arrived! It's essential to ensure your car is equipped to handle icy roads and frigid temperatures. Here's a quick guide to staying safe while driving this winter:

Car Maintenance:

·         Service your radiator, heater, and defroster. Ensure the battery and brakes are in good condition.

·         Use all season or winter specific tires. Make sure they have the right tread and proper inflation for snowy conditions.

·         Replace windshield washer fluid with a winter blend and confirm antifreeze levels are sufficient. Always keep your gas tank topped off or at least halfway full.

Emergency Car Kit:

·         Extra blankets, hats, gloves, and a flashlight with spare batteries.

·         Windshield scraper, shovel, and sand or cat litter for traction.

·         Non-perishable snacks, water, and a fully portable phone charger.

·         Keep family and emergency phone numbers, including your auto insurance provider and a towing company either on your phone or in your emergency kit. When driving, increase your following distance from 3-4 seconds to 5-6 seconds. It takes longer to slow down and stop on icy roads.

If stranded, run the engine for about 10 minutes per hour to run the heater and charge your cellphone. Lower the window 2 inches to avoid the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning.