IN Monroeville Winter 2016 | Page 35

INDUSTRY INSIGHT WINTER DRIVING SPONSORED CONTENT Safety Tips For Winter Driving For several months each year, winter weather makes driving more difficult—slippery roads, salt trucks, whiteouts and dead batteries. No matter how severe your winter is, safety is always the first priority. Erie Insurance offers the following tips to help you deal with winter’s challenges: Tires first • Use properly inflated all-season or winter tread tires. Don’t forget a spare. • Take your car to your local tire shop or auto parts store to check the tread. Under the hood • Have a mechanic check your battery, cables, hoses, belts, brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, heater, exhaust system and fluid levels. • Add special solvent to your windshield washer fluid to prevent icing. • Always maintain at least a half tank of gas. On the road again • Beware of ice. Bridges and overpasses freeze with the slightest amount of moisture. • Be extra cautious when starting and stopping in icy conditions: n Stopping: If your car doesn’t have an Antilock Brake System (ABS), gently pump the brake to stop. If you do have ABS, use continuous pressure. Check your owner’s manual for recommendations specific to your vehicle. n Starting: Press the gas gently to accelerate from a stop. n For hills: Gather momentum slowly and don’t stop on the hill. Load it up and bring it along • An ice scraper or commercial de-icer and a snowbrush • Water, food, warm blankets and some extra clothing in case of a long delay • A 25-pound bag of sand, salt or kitty litter that can be used to add traction • A shovel to free your car in case it gets snowed in • A first aid kit with bandages, gauze, hydrogen peroxide and medical tape If you get stranded Remaley Insurance 4130 Monroeville Blvd. Monroeville, PA. 15146 [email protected] 412.374.0900 • If you’re ever stranded with help hours away, follow these guidelines: n Don’t leave your car. n Use wool items, newspapers or paper bags to help prevent frostbite. n Keep one window slightly open so heavy snow or ice can’t seal the car shut. n Run engine and heater for 10 minutes every hour. Be sure the exhaust system and underside of your car is clear of snow and blockage. This information is presented as a public service of Erie Insurance and your local ERIE Agent. Monroeville | Winter 2016 | icmags.com 33