Colorado winters are something many of us are used to. However, for those newer to the area or drivers just passing through, the changing seasons in Colorado can present significant challenges on the roadway. As we approach the colder months this season, we want to review the main steps involved with preparing your vehicle for the upcoming changes. Even if you are a seasoned Colorado driver, a review of some of these suggestions certainly would not hurt.
Get Your Vehicle Winter-Ready
Now is the time to make sure your vehicle is properly winterized. You do not want to be handling the following vehicle issues when a winter weather storm is imminent. Before you begin your winter driving, make sure the following vehicle parts or systems are all working properly:
- Windshield wipers and wiper fluid
- Defroster and heater
- Radiator and antifreeze
- Headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals
- Tires with proper tread
- Battery
- Vehicle brakes
Try to always keep your fuel tank above the halfway mark. If you know you will be doing a decent amount of driving during the winter months, you never want to be stranded with gas tank with no fuel. Keeping your vehicle topped up is a good way to prevent this from happening throughout the winter (or any season, for that matter).
Your Winter Safety Checklist
We encourage you to keep certain types of equipment in your car. Everyone should have a travel kit inside their vehicle, and this travel kit should be updated as the colder weather approaches. You should keep the following items inside your vehicle at all times during the winter months:
- Sturdy snow scraper
- Smaller snow shovel
- Sleeping bag or blanket
- Water
- Non-perishable foods
- First aid kit and basic over-the-counter medications
- Toe strap
- Tire chains
- Jumper cables
- Flares or reflective triangles to signal other motorists
- A battery-operated or crank-powered radio
Going to a Mechanic
As the weather gets colder, we encourage you to go to a mechanic who can perform an assessment on your vehicle and get it ready to go for the winter weather. Most reputable mechanics or auto shops offer winter weather inspections, and you can approach the season knowing that you have taken the steps necessary to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Remain Cautious on the Roadway
If you do have to go out in the winter weather, we encourage you to drive defensively at all times. If you are involved in an accident reach out to a Boulder lawyer who specializes in car accidents to assess your situation. Remain alert of your surroundings, and make sure to leave enough distance between your vehicle and the vehicles in front of you so that you have time to adjust to any visible hazards or abrupt driver actions.
We encourage all Colorado drivers to allow for additional driving time if there is any type of wintery weather outside. It may take longer to get from place to place, particularly if there has been an accident on the roadway or if traffic gets backed up as a result of the weather. If you have given yourself plenty of time to get to your destination, there will be no rush and thus no chance of any type of speeding or reckless driving.