{"id":3658,"date":"2019-12-07T07:46:31","date_gmt":"2019-12-07T07:46:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/18.236.70.230\/?p=3658"},"modified":"2020-08-24T23:52:35","modified_gmt":"2020-08-24T23:52:35","slug":"get-your-vehicle-ready-for-the-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stickerquicker.com\/blog\/get-your-vehicle-ready-for-the-winter\/uncategorized\/","title":{"rendered":"Get Your Vehicle Ready for the Winter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The\nholidays have passed, and it now marks the beginning of the winter season.\nRain, ice, and cold winds can all make traveling the California highways a\nhassle. Crowded highways paired with poor road conditions can be a recipe for\ndisaster. If you haven\u2019t already, now is the best time to inspect your car and\nensure it is in good shape for the winter roads. Even though you can never\nfully predict the weather, there are useful ways that you can prepare yourself\nand your vehicle for whatever is to come this season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Continue reading to\ndiscover important tips on how to share the road safely this winter. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay Ahead of the Storm<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During\nthe winter season, there is an increased likelihood of vehicle collisions. As\nthe winter weather sets in, ice, wind and rain can all cause unpredictable\nconditions on the road, but it never hurts to be prepared for the worse. Before\nheading out, stay up to date on the current weather and road conditions by\nlistening to the Caltrans Highway Advisory Radio or calling the California\nHighway Information Network. These platforms are constantly updated with the\ncurrent travel conditions to keep drivers safe and aware. If you can, try to\nminimize travel during these times, but, if it is necessary to travel in poor\nweather conditions, make sure your car is ready to take on the weather. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brake Yourself<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            It is important to check all components of your vehicle\nto make travel safe and efficient. At the top of the list is your car\u2019s brakes.\nMake sure that your brakes and brake lights are in good shape and working\nproperly. In high traffic situations, you will need to use your brakes\nfrequently. Your brake lights can warn others behind you that it is time to\nslow down or come to a stop. Properly operating brakes and brake lights can\nensure the safety of you and others on the road. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tired Tires<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Slippery\nroads, covered in rain and ice can make it easy for you to lose control of your\nvehicle on the highway. Always ensure that all your tires are inflated and the\ntread of each tire is in good condition. In the case of a flat tire or poor\ntread on your tires, it is important to always carry a spare in your trunk. Or\nopt for tires with deeper treads that allow for better traction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Relax, Don\u2019t Panic <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            <\/strong> In the\nunpredictable conditions on the slippery roads, there is an increased chance of\nskidding or hydroplaning on the road. In these situations, turn off cruise\ncontrol as it can cause your car to skid and lose tire traction on the roads. Slow\ndown and use your seatbelt, driving too fast can increase the chances of an\naccident occurring and seatbelts are always a good safety precaution just in\ncase. If you do start to skid or hydroplane while driving remember this advice\nto safely regain control of your vehicle. In the event that you start to skid,\nturn the wheel in the direction of the skid until you recover control and can\nstraighten out the wheel again. If you are hydroplaning, whatever you do, don\u2019t\nbrake, just take your foot off the gas until you feel traction again. If you\nfeel as though you absolutely need to brake, do not fully apply pressure to the\nbrakes but rather a light pumping motion to slow down your vehicle. Though\nskidding and hydroplaning can be very scary in the moment, remaining calm and\nremembering this advice could help you stay safe in the event of an\nemergency. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be Observant<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Cleaning<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

            <\/strong>Anything can happen in poor weather conditions,\nso it is important to be vigilant at all times. An important part of remaining\nvigilant is removing any unnecessary distractions such as your cellphone or\nloud noise while operating your vehicle. Be observant of what is happening\naround you, because the unexpected can occur at any time in these weather\nconditions, especially with poor visibility. The wind and rain can make it\ndifficult to see in front of you, and your windshields are your main source of\nvisibility while on the road. Make sure that your windshield wipers are working\nand are replaced if needed. Add a winter formula fluid to deice your windshield\nand increase your visibility on the road. It may be difficult to see, but try\nyour best to stay observant of what is going on around you and keep your eyes\non the road. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Snow Chains<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\nare traveling to the mountainous areas of Northern California this winter be\nsure to stay aware of the current weather conditions. In the state of\nCalifornia, winter weather calls for traction chain controls. Stay alert of\nroad signs that will inform you that it is time to attach your snow chains or\nany snow traction device, intended to provide better traction. Snow chains are\na web of chains that you place over your wheels to provide grip and traction in\nthe snow and ice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are\nthree levels of chain requirements implemented in the state of California. Requirement\nlevel one, requires that all vehicles must attach their snow chains with the\nexception of passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks under 6,000 lbs.\nRequirement level two, requires that all vehicles must attach their snow chains\nexcept four-wheel-drive vehicles that have snow treads on all four wheels. And\nthe last requirement level three, requires all vehicles to use snow chains. The\nCalifornia Department of Transportation rarely calls for a level 3 requirement,\nbut regardless of the requirement, it is important to always bring your snow\nchains just in case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the\nevent that you do have to attach your snow chains, here are some valuable tips\nto make the process quick and easy. You must first safely pull over to a stop\nwhen roadways indicate that chains are required. If your vehicle is front-wheel\ndrive, the snow chains must be placed on the front tires and if the vehicle is\nrear-wheel drive then the snow chains should be placed on the rear tires. Snow\nchains do not need to be put on all four tires. Failure to put on snow chains\nwhen required can result in a fine by the California Highway Patrol. Whenever\nyou are driving in poor weather conditions or with snow chains, keep your speed\nbetween 25 and 30mph. Snow chains are for your own safety, the transportation\ndepartment only requires them as a means to keep drivers safe on the\nroad. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Read below to\ndiscover additional tips to help you weather the storm.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the winter you never\nknow what to expect, heavy rains, long delays or slow-moving traffic. To prepare\nyou for the weather and whatever happens here are a few additional items to\nbring with you on your travel. These items may not be tools to help you on the\nroad, but they will definitely make your travel safer and more comfortable.\nItems include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n