{"id":1209,"date":"2022-02-01T10:47:05","date_gmt":"2022-02-01T16:47:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mymechanic.net\/?p=1209"},"modified":"2022-02-01T10:47:05","modified_gmt":"2022-02-01T16:47:05","slug":"want-to-be-truly-prepared-for-icy-snowy-roads-try-these-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mymechanic.net\/2022\/02\/01\/want-to-be-truly-prepared-for-icy-snowy-roads-try-these-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Want to be Truly Prepared for Icy\/Snowy Roads? Try These Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

By now you’ve probably read about or heard about, the Virginia snowstorm that trapped hundreds of
\npeople for hours, some as many as 48 hours.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

While most native Chicagoans will tell you with pride that they can drive during the absolute worst snow
\nconditions ever created, it\u2019s good to note that it wasn\u2019t really the driving part that was the issue in
\nVirginia, it was the being stuck part.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Some people were stuck because of the traffic in front of them. Others became involved in accidents.
\nHowever, there were more than a few who got stuck at first by the accidents, but then had car trouble
\nor ran out of gas. Those folks were in some serious trouble.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Are you and your car prepared in case you encountered a similar situation, such as what happened in
\nVirginia?<\/p>\n

Best Tips to Avoid Trouble on the Road<\/b><\/h3>\n

Of course, the best way to survive this type of situation is to not leave home at all, but sometimes, we
\nunderstand that this simply isn\u2019t possible.<\/p>\n

When this happens, the following tips can help you avoid trouble.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

1. Use All Available Resources to Check Road and Weather Conditions<\/i><\/strong>Whether you chose to listen to the radio, watch a local TV channel, or use an online source, such as this one<\/a>, it pays to know what might be headed your way. Many of the people in Virginia stated that they didn\u2019t bother to check the road conditions or weather before leaving home.<\/p>\n

2. Prepare Your Car Ahead of Time<\/i><\/strong>
\nDon\u2019t wait until the morning you need to leave to think about what your car might need for the road.
\nTake your vehicle at least a week before your trip or\u00a0anytime now<\/i>\u00a0that winter has started to My
\nMechanic professionals. Our highly qualified technicians know what cars in Chicago need to get through a long, tough
\nwinter.
\nWe will ensure that your tires are properly inflated and in good condition. We will inspect all the fluids
\nand change any that are necessary, such as the windshield washer fluid, as well as check the wiper
\nblades and all the light bulbs.
\nIf you\u2019ve been putting off that regularly scheduled maintenance, we are constantly offering specials to help get
\nyour car road-ready again. Check out these specials available on our website.
\n<\/i><\/p>\n

3. Check Your Emergency Bag<\/i><\/strong>
\nMany of the people who were stranded in Virginia had little or no emergency supplies. Even Senator
\nTom Kaine was stranded for 27 hours with nothing to eat but an orange that someone gave him.
\nBe sure that you have non-perishable food stored for everyone in your vehicle. Favorite foods include
\ncereal, granola bars, beef jerky, and dried fruit or nuts. Have a blanket, hat, gloves, scarves, and perhaps
\neven an extra coat for warmth. Bring a few bottles of water and one cup so that you can melt snow for
\ndrinking if necessary.
\nYou should also have some emergency tools, kitty litter, a crank flashlight or a regular flashlight, and
\nbatteries, as well as jumper cables or one of those portable car jumpers.
\nIf you have small children, bring extra formula and diapers.
\nThese might seem like small details, but they can make the difference between life and death
\nsometimes.
\n<\/i><\/p>\n

4. Clear the Snow and Slow Down<\/i><\/strong>
\nTake the time required to clear the snow and ice off your vehicle before you leave. Check that the
\nheadlights also are clear from snow. You should limit distractions and drive with the utmost caution.
\nRemember that no matter how good a driver you are or how safe you think your vehicle is, the \u201cother
\nguy\u201d may not have either option.
\n<\/i><\/p>\n

5.\u00a0<\/i>Never let the gas tank go below half. Keeping the tank filled between \u00be and full is the safest measurement.<\/strong><\/p>\n

If You Should Get Stuck<\/b><\/i><\/h3>\n

<\/i>Despite our best intentions, we can get stuck due to icy roads or accidents at almost any time during the
\nwinter months. If you should find yourself stuck:<\/b><\/p>\n

\n