Winter Safety Tips
Winter Safety Tips from Our Tech Advisors
Winter is well underway here in chilly Connecticut, and with it comes unpredictable weather and
challenging driving conditions. To help you stay safe on the road, we spoke to our expert tech
advisors, and here’s their top advice for keeping your car in great shape this season.
Tip #1: Get Your Car Routinely Serviced
Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your vehicle is running smoothly and efficiently all year long, but
especially during these harsh winter months. When you get your car routinely serviced we can perform
essential checks to keep you safe.
During your routine service, we’ll inspect your tires for any issues such as worn-down treads or improper
air pressure, ensuring they're in optimal condition for traction and stability on icy roads. Your brakes will
be checked for wear and tear, so you can trust they’ll perform when you need them the most.
Additionally, we’ll verify that all your fluids – including coolant, brake fluid, engine oil, and even
windshield wiper fluid – are at the perfect levels to keep your car running smoothly and prevent engine
overheating or freezing. A properly maintained car is far less likely to break down unexpectedly, leaving
you with peace of mind all season long!
Tip #2: Dress Appropriately for the Weather and Pack Emergency Supplies
Winter weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to prepare both yourself and your vehicle for the
cold, just in case. Dressing appropriately for the weather by wearing warm clothing or multiple layers can
help keep you warm in case anything goes wrong.
Keeping emergency supplies such as a blanket, gloves, water, and non-perishable snacks in your vehicle
at all times will keep you warm and comfortable if you ever get stuck or stranded. Additionally, a small
snow shovel and snow broom will help you to be proactive in clearing away any snow that is limiting
visibility or blocking your vehicle from moving.
Extremely cold temperatures can drain your car’s battery faster than usual, so jumper cables are another
essential item for driving in winter. If you frequently travel in remote areas where help may be far away, a
portable jump starter pack is also great to have on hand.
Tip #3: Avoid Spinning Your Tires in the Snow
Getting stuck in the snow can be frustrating, even scary, but it’s important to stay calm and take the
proper steps to avoid causing damage to your car. It may seem like a good idea to “power through”
leading many drivers to spin their tires after realizing they’re stuck. But the more you spin your tires the
more your transmission heats up which can cause lasting damage as you reach the point of overheating.
Damage to tires, such as significant wear and tear on the treads, is also a common winter sight.
If you find yourself stuck the first thing you should do is stop spinning your tires. Our tech advisors
suggest that instead, you try to gently dislodge the tires from the snow by gently shifting between drive
and reverse. If that doesn’t work you can try digging yourself out, using the small snow shovel we
recommend you keep in your car. If you still can’t get free it’s time to call for a tow truck. They will have
the proper equipment to safely pull you out without risking further damage to your vehicle.
Bonus Tip: Keep Your Gas Tank Half-Full
In addition to the tips above, it’s also a good idea to keep your gas tank at least half-full during winter
months to avoid condensation in the gas tank, which can freeze and cause fuel system problems. It also
ensures that you have enough fuel in case of an emergency, such as getting stuck in snow or traffic, or
needing to run the heater if your car breaks down in the cold.
By following these simple yet important tips, you can be at ease knowing you and your car are
ready for whatever the winter weather throws your way! Our expert team is here to help keep you
safe on the road no matter the season.