Winter weather conditions can make the roads hazardous. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that of all weather-related car accidents, 24% occurred in snowy or icy conditions. Since New York State sees consistently snowy winters, maintaining your car for the season is necessary to reduce the risk of car accidents.
While many New Yorkers are familiar with driving in the snow, preparing your car for winter weather is just as important as knowing how to drive in it. Learn how to prepare your vehicle for winter driving and how Catalano Law can help if the outside conditions cause a car accident.
Your tires are one of the first lines of defense against snowy and icy streets. Poorly maintained tires have less traction on the road, and a flat tire or skid on a slippery street can cause an accident. Performing basic maintenance on your tires will reduce the risk of a car accident.
- Check your tire treads to ensure they aren’t worn down. Worn treads can cause your car to skid. Use the penny test. Insert an upside-down penny into the tire with Lincoln’s head facing you. If you can see Lincoln’s entire head, you need to replace your tires.
- Check your tire pressure. The average ideal tire pressure is between 30 and 35 PSI; however, you should check the tire pressure listed on the driver’s side door for your car’s make and model. If it’s low, fill up your tires. Low pressure affects traction, and your tire can blow out and cause you to lose control of the car.
- Rotate your tires to ensure they wear down evenly.
Upstate New York is home to some of the snowiest cities in the U.S. Syracuse alone averages about 127.3” of snow each year. Standard tires have a poorer grip on snowy or icy roads, putting you at risk of losing control of the car during winter. Switch your tires for snow tires, which get better traction on the road.
Engine oil keeps the moving parts of your car’s engine running smoothly, but the oil thickens once the temperatures drop. Thick oil has a higher viscosity and moves slowly through your engine parts, and poor lubrication can damage your engine. Before the winter chill sets in, switch to winter-grade engine oil that doesn’t thicken in the cold.
Standard windshield wiper fluid can freeze in low temperatures. If used on your windshield, it can freeze, impairing visibility and potentially leading to a dangerous crash. Switch to a winter windshield wiper fluid with a lower freezing point.
Your antifreeze or coolant regulates the internal temperature of your car’s engine and keeps the inner workings from overheating or freezing. If not replaced, the coolant will become acidic and cause your engine to rust. This can cause your engine to overheat, sustain damage, and potentially lead to a car fire.
The typical recommendation is to flush your antifreeze every 30,000 miles or every two years, whichever comes first. Some coolants are designed to last longer, only needing replacement every five or ten years. Check the owner’s manual for your car to see when the antifreeze needs replacement, and get it flushed before the winter if needed.
Car batteries naturally wear down over time. However, they’re adversely affected by cold weather: the cold weather slows down the chemical reaction required to produce energy, so the battery holds less charge. Have a mechanic test your battery to see how much charge it holds and whether it needs replacing before the winter.
Additionally, make sure to perform routine maintenance on your car battery. This includes:
- Topping up your car’s battery fluid.
- Cleaning any corrosion off the terminals.
- Ensuring the connectors are tightly attached.
- Replacing your battery if your car has problems starting up.
You may also want to consider getting a battery blanket. A battery blanket insulates your car’s battery and offers some protection from low temperatures.
Winter driving means cold weather, reduced visibility, and slippery roads. An unprepared driver can quickly find themselves in a dangerous situation if a car accident or mechanical failure leaves them stranded. Store a safety kit in your car with supplies for car repair and the vehicle’s occupants.
Safety kits can be purchased online or assembled on your own. All winter safety kits should have the following:
- Reflectors and flares
- Jumper cables and a battery booster
- Ice scraper and snow shovel
- Tow strap
- Spare tire
- First aid kit
- Flashlight and spare batteries
- Warm clothing and blankets
- Water and nonperishable food
- Car cell phone charger
Add items to your safety kit depending on your needs. For example, if you have a pet, keep pet supplies in your kit as well.
Call Catalano Law After a Winter Weather Car Crash
Even an experienced driver can fall victim to a winter weather accident. Dangerous road conditions and unprepared or negligent drivers can hit your car and leave you or a loved one seriously injured. If the sight of your medical expenses gives you chills, Catalano Law can help.
Our car accident attorneys have many years of experience obtaining damages from negligent drivers, even in the no-fault state of New York. We will review your case and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.