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.