The cold is here, and snow is inevitable. So here’s a reminder on how to safely navigate Chicago’s winter roads.
Winterize Your Car
- Before bad weather really sets in, give your car a preventative once-over — check your battery health, lights, brakes, wipers, windshield fluid, and tire pressure. (Pro tip: Make sure you have de-icing windshield fluid.)
- Check the tread on your tires. One method is the quarter test: Put a quarter into the tread of your tire and look for George Washington’s head. If you can see any part of the top of his head, you don’t have enough tread, and you should replace those tires.
- Planning a trip outside the city and its salted streets? Invest in the right tires — either snow / all-season wheels. Snow chains are legal in Illinois, but are dangerous on bare roads.
Good tire traction will help keep you steady in snowy weather. (alexandrumagurean / Getty)
Be Prepared
- Keep your gas tank at least half full to decrease the risk of getting stranded in bad weather.
- Consider keeping an emergency kit in your car in the event you are stranded.
- Know your route — look at a map before you start driving to avoid extra distraction on your GPS or getting lost.
Drive Defensively
- Maintain steady speeds and keep extra space between yourself and other cars — no matter what type of vehicle you have.
- Be extra careful on bridges and underpasses, which tend to be slickest.
- Remove all snow and ice from your windows, hood, and roof before you drive.
- If you begin to skid, let off the accelerator and brake, then turn your steering wheel in the direction you want to go.
