Driving in the winter here in the Inland Northwest requires some additional preparation, as well as patience. Proper preparation can be the difference between an uneventful trip, and a breakdown, or even an accident:
- Keep a stocked emergency kit in your car.
- Make sure to replace windshield wipers and fill your wiper fluid with a winter mixture.
- Replace worn tires and check your tire pressure regularly as cold weather can cause deflated tires.
- Have your car in good working condition (radiator, brakes, battery, exhaust, etc.).
- Drive with your headlights on.
- Keep your gas tank close to full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
- Don’t use cruise control in wintry conditions.
- Leave plenty of room to stop your car; brake carefully. Slower speed, slower acceleration, slower steering, and
slower braking.
