How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Driving

Anyone living in Ilinois understands that winter driving presents a unique set of challenges; it is not uncommon for even seasoned winter drivers to need to "relearn" certain elements of driving and vehicle maintenance when the snow hits. Smart preparation can dramatically improve one's safety and peace of mind.

The Jasmer Law Firm is proud to offer this guide to get your vehicle ready before the cold weather arrives, so you’ll be equipped for whatever the season brings.

Perform Vehicle Maintenance

We all know that Illinois winters can be brutal, especially for driving in the ice and snow. Before the first frost, have a mechanic inspect critical systems like brakes, battery, lights, wipers, heater, defroster, and antifreeze levels. Cold temperatures reduce battery performance, so consider a battery check or replacement if yours is old.

You should also make sure your tires have sufficient tread and proper pressure, and think about switching to snow tires if you drive in areas prone to heavy snow and ice. Confirm your windshield wipers and fluid are rated for winter use, and replace wiper blades if they are worn.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has emphasized the importance of people maintaining their vehicles so they are in good working order for the winter driving season. Specifically, the NHTSA officials recommend that drivers:

Replace windshield wipers and fill the windshield washer fluid reservoirs with "no freeze" wash
Have a mechanic perform a tune-up on their vehicles, topping off fluids
Check to see if the battery has sufficient voltage for starting in cold weather
Check that defrost systems are working properly
Flush the engine cooling system if it has not been done in a while to remove rust and dirt particles
Check tire pressure and tread depth, and replace tires that are worn
Put emergency kits in their cars, stocked with flashlights, warm winter clothing, warning flares, ice scrapers, shovels, jumper cables, food, and water

Stock Your Emergency Kit

Prepare a winter emergency kit for your car. We suggest that you include the following items:

Small snow shovel
Broom
Ice scraper
Sand or kitty litter for traction
Jumper cables
Flashlight with extra batteries
Emergency flares or markers
A first aid kit, blankets
Warm clothing
Bottled water
Non-perishable snacks
Medications
Cell phone charger
Hand warmers
Battery-powered radio

Make sure this kit is stored where you can access it quickly in case of a breakdown or delay.

You may also save the Jasmer Law Firm's number in your phone under “Chicago Car Accident Lawyer,” in case of a car crash during winter storm driving conditions. 312-782-6344.

Maintain Smart Winter Driving Habits

In addition to these tips, always keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid freezing fuel lines and ensure you’re prepared for unexpected delays. If you drive an electric or hybrid vehicle, maintain a full battery charge and plug in overnight to prevent cold drain. Always check your local weather and road conditions before heading out, and let someone know your route and expected arrival time. If you can, plan travel when road conditions are clear and visibility is good.

By taking these steps to prepare your vehicle, you’ll be ready to handle the challenges of winter on the road and minimize the risk of breakdown or accident in cold, snowy conditions.

"How Bad Is Illinois' Weather In The Winter?"

According to the Illinois State Water Survey Prairie Research Institute, Illinois winters can be harsh. ISWS reports that the state experiences an average of five severe storms between November and April each year, although the state has been hit by as many as 18 storms within recent memory. These storms blanket the state in freezing rain, sleet and snow. Many Illinois drivers know about the hazards winter driving can bring.

Drive Carefully in Adverse Weather

Winter weather, such as rain, snow, wind, and ice, all work to reduce vehicle traction, making it more difficult for cars to stop. Vehicles require more time and distance to stop. Additionally, when the temperature drops, tire pressure also falls. Tires that are underinflated respond more slowly to steering changes.

Drivers can follow some safety tips to help adapt their driving to the conditions, including:

Increasing the following distance between vehicles and reducing speed to prevent the chances of a rear-end collision
Beginning to try to stop three times earlier than when driving in clear weather
Driving cautiously on roads at first to get a sense of the conditions
Keeping windows clear for maximum visibility
Use caution on bridges and exit or entrance ramps, as they freeze more easily than roads
Approaching shady areas with care, as those spots are more likely to form black ice
Not braking suddenly or making abrupt steering shifts when stopping, as it can lead to loss of vehicle control in ice

All drivers have a responsibility to modulate their driving behaviors to suit the weather conditions. Drivers who fail to do so and cause accidents through their negligence may be liable for the property damage and injuries that they cause. If you have been involved in an accident with a driver who failed to exercise proper caution when driving in winter conditions, speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help ensure that you recover for your losses.

What To Do After a Car Accident

The scene of a car accident can be a very chaotic place. Many people do not know what to do, and this confusion can lead to crucial information getting lost. When someone is killed or seriously injured in an accident, these details may be necessary for a Chicago car accident attorney to help you build claims for compensation or assist with wrongful death lawsuits. Some of the things that are important in a fender-bender are also necessary in more serious car accidents.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind after you have been involved in a Chicago car or truck accident:

Seek help immediately. If you have a cellphone, call 9-1-1 and give the dispatcher your location. In a city as big as Chicago, this can ensure that rescue personnel can find you in a timely manner.
Move your vehicle, if possible. After the police have investigated the scene and the paramedics have removed all the injured parties, try to move the vehicles out of the way of traffic. It can prevent further accidents and injuries from occurring.
Get the names and addresses of any witnesses. If your case ends up going to trial, these people may be called to testify. Having someone testify in court about what happened to cause the accident can help you establish your claim.
Do not admit fault. There is a lot that happens at an accident scene. You may think you ran a stop sign or did not signal a turn, but there may be another reason why the accident happened. Maybe the truck driver was sleeping or speeding and did not see you. Let the police and the courts determine who is responsible for the accident.
Do not settle your case without speaking to an attorney. In accidents that cause serious injuries or death, the medical expenses can be quite high. Insurance companies are not on your side; they are looking to settle these cases for as little money as possible.

If your case ends up going to trial, it may be necessary to use experts to show how the accident happened and the extent of the injuries that occurred. Working with an experienced Chicago car accident attorney can help you understand how to proceed. Call the Jasmer Law Firm to learn how we can help: 312-782-6344.