If you’re a true Minnesotan, you know how to drive in winter weather. In just a few hours, the weather in Minnesota can go from sunny and pleasant to cold and snowy with a blast of the polar vortex. Whether you love winter or long for warmer temperatures, it’s worth knowing how to drive in the snow when you live in Rochester, Minnesota. At Tom Kadlec Kia, we want to ensure you stay safe this cold season, so we’ve put together this guide you can use when it’s time to bundle up and brave the snowy streets.
Use Tire Chains
Keep chains in your vehicle to use when the weather gets rough. Tire chains, also known as snow chains, go on your vehicle’s tires to provide additional traction in the snow. They’re also helpful for gripping the road better in icy conditions.
When picking out snow chains, make sure you get the right size for your tires. You should also familiarize yourself with your car’s drive wheels so you can install the chains correctly. The chains go on the front tires for a vehicle with front-wheel drive and on the rear tires for a vehicle with rear-wheel drive. All-wheel-drive models need chains on all four wheels.
Keep a Scraper and Brush in Your Vehicle
Have an ice scraper and a snow brush in your vehicle at all times during the winter. If you’re still using the tiny ice scraper you got at the Olmsted County Fair last year, consider upgrading to a larger scraper-brush combo. You’ll be grateful you made the investment when you need to scrape your windshield on a brutally cold morning. In addition to these tools, an extendable shovel can come in handy if you need to dig your vehicle out of the driveway or a parking lot.
Get a Windshield Cover
Better yet, save yourself the hassle of scraping altogether with a windshield cover. This product is a lifesaver if you don’t have a garage or other sheltered area to park your vehicle during a snowstorm. A cover attaches to your vehicle’s windshield with magnets or ties, blocking snow and ice from accumulating.
Invest in All-Weather Mats
How many times has it snowed right after you washed and vacuumed your car? After a winter storm, passengers track in mud and slush, potentially staining your vehicle’s carpet. Invest in a good pair of all-weather mats to keep the interior clean and pristine all winter. These mats are specifically designed to withstand dirt and grime in all seasons, including winter.
Install Winter Wiper Blades
It’s a good idea to install winter wiper blades on your vehicle before snowy weather hits. These wiper blades have a special design to remove snow and ice quickly. Additionally, winter wipers have a rubber layer to keep them from clogging or freezing. While you’re installing winter wiper blades, top off the washer fluid with a concentrated or winter-specific blend, which can prevent freezing and improve visibility in wintry conditions.
Carry a Battery Charger and Jumper Cables
The freezing temperatures outside can quickly drain a vehicle’s battery. Keep a battery charger and jumper cables in your vehicle, just in case. These items can ensure you won’t find yourself stranded on the side of the road in the middle of a blizzard. Plus, you can use these tools to jump-start a friend or neighbor’s vehicle if they need help. That’s just being Minnesota nice, after all.
Prepare an Emergency First-Aid Kit
Even the most cautious drivers can benefit from having an emergency first-aid kit in their vehicles. In wintry weather, it can take first responders longer to arrive at accident scenes. Having this kit in your vehicle can allow you to perform some basic first aid if necessary. Make sure your first-aid kit contains the essentials, such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, wraps, and aspirin. You can also keep other helpful supplies with your first-aid kit, such as a flashlight, blanket, and extra clothing.
Tips for Driving in Winter Weather
In addition to these winter-weather accessories, there are other ways you can keep yourself and your passengers safe on the roads this season. Here are some top tips for driving in less-than-ideal conditions:
- Brush snow completely from the vehicle: If your vehicle is outside when it snows, brush the snow completely from your car before driving. If you leave snow on the hood or roof, it can blow onto the windshield, headlights, taillights, or windows once you start moving.
- Increase your following distance: When driving on ice or snow, it can take your vehicle longer to stop. Drive slowly and increase the distance between your vehicle and others on the road.
- Remain calm if you skid: Skidding on the ice can be scary, but if it happens, do your best to stay calm. Gently lift your foot off the gas and turn the wheel in the direction you want to go.
- Don’t crowd the plow: If you see a plow on the roads, give it space to work. As a rule of thumb, stay at least five car lengths behind a plow or other snow removal equipment.
- Keep the gas tank full: You never know when bad weather might force you to turn around, take another route, or get stuck in traffic. As a general precaution, keep your gas tank full throughout the winter.
- Stay with your vehicle if you get stranded: If you get stranded during a winter storm, don’t leave your vehicle. Call for help right away and keep warm by running the car for a few minutes each hour and moving your extremities for circulation.
Prepare for Winter Weather With Tom Kadlec Kia in Rochester, Minnesota
Do you need some help getting your vehicle ready for winter? At Tom Kadlec Kia, we offer a wide range of winter-weather accessories so you can protect your vehicle and stay safe. It’s also a good idea to schedule a service appointment and let our qualified technicians inspect your vehicle for some extra peace of mind. We can make sure your battery is charged and that your heating works properly so you can stay safe and comfortable all winter long. For more information about winter driving or our service department, contact us today.
Putting on tire chains alongside the highway by Oregon Department of Transportation is licensed with CC BY 2.0 DEED
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.