Remember your pre-trip!
- Keep tires properly inflated. Check air pressure often and perform checks when tires are cold.
- Your tires should be at 95 PSI on the steer tires and 100 PSI on the drive tires.
Wipers and washer fluid
- Modern wipers typically last 6-12 months.
- Weather and environmental factors, such as heat, dust, and UV radiation can wear on wipers.
- Wipers designed for winter weather can hold up better to snow and ice.
Winter equipment prep: Heating and cooling
- Ensure a vehicle’s cooling system contains the right antifreeze/water mix percentage in the radiator.
- Pay attention to any smells, sounds, or fluids that may indicate a leak.
- Use factory-recommended vehicle coolant
Winter equipment prep: Lights and visibility
According to the Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles:
- Keep all vehicle lights in good working order to avoid collisions
- High beams can reflect off precipitation and hinder visibility.
Winter Equipment Prep: Emergency Kit
The following items, carried in a vehicle, may help in an emergency:
- Warm clothing
- Blankets
- Non-perishable food
- Drinking water
- Fire Extinguisher
- Shovel
- Flashlight & batteries
- First-aid kit
- Duct tape
- Reflective triangles, vests & brighten clothing
- Jumper cables
- Windshield washer fluid
- Compass
- Cell phone charger
- Rain poncho
- Tool kit
