Capital Lease Group

GM Offers 8 Winter Weather Driving Tips

November 28, 2011

DETROIT – General Motors recently posted a short list of winter weather driving tips that you might want to pass along to drivers. The tips focus on emergency situations and remind drivers about basic preventive maintenance they should follow up on before heading out onto the road.

The company offered the following tips:

Be prepared for emergencies – keep a blanket, boots, an extra pair of gloves and a flashlight in the trunk of your car
Be sure your car has a communications lifeline in case of emergency
Keep your fuel tank at least half full to prevent fuel line freeze-ups in cold weather climates
Have your battery and coolant system checked. Older batteries and weak antifreeze might not provide the protection and functionality in the cold weather, and worse, can cause damage to your vehicle when it’s not running
Understand how anti-lock brakes work. Do not pump your brakes. Instead, press firmly on the brake pedal when braking and let the system do the work to stop your car
Traction mats, kitty litter, or sand can be used to improve traction on icy surfaces
Be sure to have the proper winter-rated tires on your car and be sure to keep them properly inflated
Keep an ice and snow scraper with you at all times and be sure to stow it safely when driving