How to Make Sure Your Car Is Prepared For Hazardous Conditions - AllCarIndex
Driving during hazardous conditions is never advisable if it can be avoided. This isn't possible for some people, though, as there are many jobs that require a considerable amount of hours spent behind the wheel. For example, those who work in sales must be ready to drive from client to client across a particular region.
If you find yourself driving quite a bit for your job, or if there is some other reason that you spend a significant amount of time in the car, you want to make sure that you have everything you need in order to travel safely in less than desirable conditions. Here are a few ways that you can ensure that your vehicle is fully outfitted for the more hazardous driving conditions.
Check Your Tires
The state that your tires are in will play a significant role in the amount of control you have over your vehicle in hazardous conditions. Heavy rain and icy weather are responsible for roughly 34% of crashes that occur on the road. One of the best ways to prepare your car to take on risky weather conditions is to make sure that your tires are in a good state.
Generally speaking, if the tread on your car's tires has been worn down to less than 4/32" in depth, then it is time to change them out for a new set. It is vital that your tires have enough tread on them to reduce the amount of friction that can occur on wet or icy roads. The less friction there is, the better your control will be over your vehicle.
When you do change your tires, it is worth considering opting for a set of safe tires for emergency travels . By fitting your car with tires specifically designed for hazardous conditions, you can reduce the chances of an accident happening when you are forced to drive in such conditions.
Have an Emergency Kit
You wouldn't work in a kitchen without having at least a fire extinguisher on hand. Similarly, you shouldn't take on risky driving conditions on a regular basis without a fully stocked emergency kit on board. This is especially if you are making long-haul trips during the colder winter months.
In your emergency kit, it is a good idea to have a few food items that are ready to eat and that have long shelf lives. You will also want a generic first aid kit , a flashlight, and jumper cables in case your battery dies. It also doesn't hurt to have some flares and a whistle on hand in case you need to make your presence known or attract attention to yourself.
In addition to these items, there are a few other things you should carry with you. A fully charged power pack by which you can recharge your phone's battery as well as an extra set of clothes will all be useful if you get stranded.