As
drivers bundle up to take on Old Man Winter this season, having
a few tricks up your sleeve can be a big help in keeping your cool on the
road. Here are ve hacks for battling the elements and staying safe on
the roads.
Got stuck? Snow problem!
Hazardous winter weather requires that drivers take additional
precautions. According to the latest Hankook Tire Gauge Index, 72
percent of drivers indicated they would not want to drive in icy
conditions. Further, 84 percent of Americans recognize the dangers of
black ice, the most dangerous weather condition for driving.
If you nd yourself stuck in the snow and ice, apply a bag of cat litter or
sand under your wheels to provide much-needed traction to get out of a
snowy situation. As an added bonus, the additional weight over the rear
axle (especially for trucks and rear-wheel-drive cars) will further add
traction. Floor mats can also come in handy. Place them under your tires
in the direction you're looking to travel. The mats create a mini runway
of traction for your vehicle.
Here comes the sun
When the snow starts to pile on the driveway, nearly a quarter of
Americans (24 percent) rely on someone else to dig their vehicles out of
the snow, according to the Gauge Index. In fact, 18 percent simply wait
for the snow to melt! To help with the backbreaking chore, park your
vehicle overnight facing east. The rising sun can help melt the snow
before you even get out of bed.
Raid the pantry
By using some items commonly found in your pantry, you can make
your morning routines that much easier. For example, t resealable
freezer bags over your side-view mirrors to help prevent ice from forming.
Other household items like cooking spray can also help melt ice. Spray it
on your mirrors, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe off the ice. You also
can apply the spray to the rubber seals of your door on particularly cold
nights. This will help keep your door from freezing shut or damaging the
rubber seals if you force open the door.