Severe winter driving tips

With dropping temperatures, snow, and dangerous icy road conditions are on the way, make sure your car is prepared to take on the severe winter driving conditions that are coming. Giving your vehicle a once-over is key to overall safety. Check your battery, engine, brakes, tire pressure, coolant, transmission and windshield washer fluids before driving. Also, make sure mirrors and seats are adjusted and seat belts are working properly. Other tips include: Leave more distance than usual between your vehicle and the one just ahead of you, giving yourself at least 10 seconds to come to a complete stop. Be careful when driving over bridges as well as roadways rarely exposed to sunlight, as they are often icy when other areas are not. Be sure to keep your gas tank full. A fuller gas tank also averts the potential freezing of your car’s gas-line. Do not activate your cruise control when driving on a slippery surface. Do not warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage. Keep your tires properly inflated and remember that good tread on your tires is essential to safe winter driving.