AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- With an arctic blast expected to now bring the threat of wintry precipitation to Austin and much of Central Texas over the next few days, drivers should take some steps now to better prepare their vehicles if they need to get out on the roadway.
AAA Texas says the best advice is to delay trips whenever bad weather is expected. If you do have to get out on the roads, here are some tips:
*Heed warnings and guidance from local officials and law enforcement
*Before you hit the road, let someone else know your intended route, destination, and estimated time of arrival
*Make sure your windshield is clean - inside and out - before traveling
*Make sure your defrosters are in good, working condition
*Replace worn windshield wiper blades
*Clear all snow and ice before driving
*Use an ice scraper to remove snow and ice from the windshield and all windows, including side and rear windows
Well-maintained tires are critically important to driving safely during winter weather. AAA Texas offers the following suggestions for maintaining your vehicle's tires:
*Inflate tires to the correct pressure when tires are cool and haven’t recently been driven on. Check the tire pressure often, at least once per month. Low tire pressure results in poor handling and braking, reduced gas mileage, and excessive wear.
*Check the tread depth. A tire’s ability to stop within a safe distance becomes compromised when its tread depth reaches 4/32 inch. An easy way to determine if a tire is worn out is to place an upside-down quarter (not a penny) in a tire tread. If you can see the top of Washington’s head, it’s time to replace the tire. Check your tire’s tread periodically for uneven wear patterns and replace tires if necessary.
*Rotate your tires regularly.
*Know the age of your tires. As a tire ages, its rubber becomes hard and brittle, losing elasticity and strength. Therefore, the older a tire, the higher the risk for failure. AAA Texas recommends replacing any tire that’s six years old or older.
If you have to get out on the roadways during icy or wet conditions, here are some tips on how to drive safely:
*Turn on headlights to increase visibility.
*Reduce speed and leave plenty of room to stop. Drivers should allow at least three times more space than usual between their vehicle and vehicles in front of them.
*Brake gently to avoid skidding. Even careful and experienced drivers can skid on slippery surfaces. When a vehicle begins to skid, it’s important not to panic, avoid slamming on the brakes, and continue to look and steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go.
*Do not use cruise control on any wet, snow-covered or icy roads.
*Be especially aware of possible icy spots on bridges and overpasses, which freeze sooner than roads. And, even at temperatures above freezing, if conditions are wet, drivers may encounter ice in shady areas.
*Be careful on infrequently traveled and rural roads, which may not be cleared as often as other roads.
