![]() abrasive material (sand or kitty litter), in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow.Always use mats that are the correct size and fit for your vehicle.Ĭarry items in your vehicle to handle common winter driving-related tasks, and supplies you might need in an emergency, including: ![]() Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mat installation and use retention clips to secure the mats. Improperly installed floor mats in your vehicle could interfere with the operation of the accelerator or brake pedal, increasing the risk of a crash. Floor Matsĭue to slushy winter conditions, you might consider switching out your usual floor mats for thicker material or rubbery ones. For more information on driver assistance technologies, visit /DriverAssistTech. If you don’t have antilock brakes, you may need to pump your brakes if you feel your wheels starting to lock up. If you have antilock brakes, apply firm, continuous pressure to the brake pedal. Antilock brake systems prevent your wheels from locking up during braking. ![]() Know whether your vehicle has an antilock brake system and learn how to use it properly. Safety Technologiesįamiliarize yourself with the safety technologies on your vehicle and how they perform in wintry conditions. Have a mechanic check your battery, charging system, belts, and for any other needed repairs or replacements. In cold weather, gasoline and diesel engines take more battery power to start, and electric and hybrid-electric vehicles’ driving range can be reduced. When the temperature drops, so does battery power. You can visit NHTSA’s Child Car Seat Inspection Station Locator to find a free car seat inspection site near you, or to get information on virtual inspections. See NHTSA’s child passenger safety recommendations to find the right seat for your child’s age and size. When your child will be secured in a car seat, pick thin, warm layers, and place blankets or coats around your child after the harness is snug and secure for extra warmth.Īlso, make sure car seats and booster seats are properly installed and that any children riding with you are in the right seat for their ages and sizes. But it’s important to know that heavy coats can interfere with the proper harness fit on a child in a car seat. In colder weather, parents typically dress their children in winter coats. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS) lets you compare tire treadwear, traction performance, and temperature resistance. If you find tire damage, take your vehicle to a tire service professional.Ĭonsider installing snow tires, but before buying new tires, visit NHTSA’s Tires page to review tire safety ratings. The tread should be at least 2/32 of an inch or greater on all tires and the tread and sidewalls for any cuts, punctures, bulges, scrapes, cracks, or bumps.for any damage or conditions that may need attention.Some vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing tires every six years regardless of use.Īn inspection is not just about checking tire pressure and age. It’s best to check the tires when they’re cold, meaning that they have not been driven on for at least three hours.Inspect your tires at least once a month and before long road trips.That number is the maximum pressure the tire can hold, not the recommended pressure for the your vehicle. Do not inflate your tires to the pressure listed on the tire itself. Make sure each tire is filled to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure, which is in your owner’s manual and on a label located on the driver's side door frame. Don’t run your car for long periods of time with the windows up or in an enclosed space.Īs the outside temperature drops, so does tire inflation pressure. ![]() Make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of any snow and run your car only sporadically - just long enough to stay warm.
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