How to drive on ice: 11 safety tips for drivers

Do you change your driving habits when snow and ice come to town? If you don’t, here’s why you should. Snow and ice exponentially increase the chances of unexpectedly sliding, spinning out, or crashing. In fact, the American Highway Users Alliance reports over 116,800 injuries annually from vehicle crashes on snowy, slushy, or icy pavement.

But luckily, there are ways to stay safer simply by adjusting the way you navigate your vehicle and the road conditions. Interested in how to drive safely on ice?

Follow our 11 safety tips:

  1. Reduce your speed and give yourself more time to get where you’re going. We tend to speed when we’re running behind, so it’s best in winter months to leave ahead of schedule and give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. The more cautious you are with your speed, the less dangerous a potential slip or skid will be.
  2. Stay in your lane. When possible, avoid changing lanes and keep away from the shoulder of the road where ice buildup accumulates. Never pass vehicles when conditions are slushy or icy.
  3. Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Road conditions can change in an instant, so it’s important to always proceed with caution. Accelerating and decelerating slowly may stop your tires from spinning out under you or keep the back of your car from sliding to one side.
  4. Double check the temperature. Don’t rely solely on your car’s temperature gauge to determine the conditions of roads. Instead, look for ice on your windshield wipers, outside mirrors, road signs, or trees for indicators.
  5. Stay alert on bridges. As signs suggest, bridges can freeze faster than nearby roads. Be extra cautious and proceed slowly and steadily across any overpass.
  6. Drive when it’s light. Night driving increases risks in general, but this is especially true during the winter months. Try to drive during daytime hours when temperatures have risen, more vehicles have made pathways, and crews have cleared and salted the roads.
  7. Increase following distances. A good rule of thumb for winter driving? Keep ten times the following distance between you and the car in front of you compared to the distance on dry roads. Increasing your following distance can also give you time to maneuver around icy patches if you see cars sliding ahead of you.
  8. Don’t use your cruise control. Avoid cruise control in slick or icy conditions to keep control of your vehicle and prevent wheels from spinning at different speeds.
  9. Work with your antilock braking system (ABS). If your vehicle has ABS and starts to skid, you’ll feel a pulsating of the brake pedal under your foot. This is normal and it’s by design. Do not remove your foot from the brake pedal and stay calm as the system helps you come to a stop.
  10. Steer into a skid. If you notice your vehicle sliding, take your foot off the gas and turn your steering wheel in the same direction the back of your car is sliding.
  11. When possible, stay home. Not driving in slick or icy conditions is the most reliable way to stay safe. If you can delay your errand or drive another day, do so.
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How Long Does a Car Battery Last?

Usually, a car battery lasts 3-5 years. However, how long a car battery lasts varies based on weather conditions where you live, how you drive and your battery’s quality.

Car batteries are an essential part of an automobile. From getting your car started to charging your phone on the go, batteries provide the electricity your vehicle needs to keep rolling. That’s why it’s so important to know when to start considering a car battery replacement, as well as what you can do to extend its life span.

Factors that can affect the car battery lifespan

From external factors such as hot or cold weather to conditions inside the battery, many things can cause a car battery to die.

  • Time: All batteries will eventually reach the end of their life span, and performance will decline, which is when installing a new battery could become a good option.
  • Climate: In cold weather, the chemical reactions that produce the battery’s electrical charge occur more slowly, which is why dead batteries are common on cold mornings. On the other hand, in hot temperatures, the chemical reactions speed up, which can accelerate internal corrosion and decrease the battery’s life span.
  • Vibration: Damage to the inside of the battery from significant vibrations can shorten its life. The most common culprits are large potholes, longer drives on bumpy roads and driving over a speed bump too fast.
  • Driving habits: How long your car battery lasts depends on your driving habits. For example, if you often take short trips, your car battery may not fully charge, which may lead to “undercharging.”
  • Charging circuit: The charging circuit, also known as the charging system, helps maintain your car battery’s charge and provides the main source of electrical energy when the car’s engine is running.
  • Battery type: The type of battery is also a factor for how long it will last.
    • Lead-acid batteries: These batteries are common in vehicles because they’re considered reliable and cost-effective. Regularly check and maintain lead-acid batteries to maximize their lifespan.
    • AGM (absorbent glass mat) batteries: Because AGM batteries have an absorbent glass mat between the battery’s lead plates, these batteries charge more quickly. AGM batteries are more commonly used in cars with start-stop technology or cars with several electrical accessories. These batteries typically last between 4-7 years.
    • EFB (enhanced flooded battery) batteries: EFB car batteries are typically used in modern vehicles that have higher electrical demands, which is why you’ll usually see them in cars with start-stop systems. Compared to lead-acid batteries, EFB batteries are more willing to accept a charge and have an improved life cycle. They typically last from 4-6 years.
    • Lithium-ion batteries: These batteries are primarily used in hybrid and electric vehicles. Although they perform well and have a long lifespan, they’re typically more costly. Lithium-ion batteries can last about 10 years.
  • Battery quality: Low-quality car batteries can degrade faster, causing a shorter lifespan, while high-quality batteries typically can withstand different conditions and last longer.
  • Battery drains: When your vehicle is turned off, anything that draws power from the battery could drain it. Examples include charging your phone, using the car’s electronics or leaving an interior light on. Issues with the car’s electrical system could also cause battery drain.
  • Corrosion: Battery connections that have become corroded can affect the battery’s ability to charge. Corrosion can also damage the clamps that connect the battery to the car, which could affect the electrical connection.

Signs your car battery is dying

Watch out for the following signs that may indicate your car battery is dying:

  • Slow engine crank: If your engine cranks slowly, your car battery might be dying, and it may be time for a new one.
  • Clicking sound: Do you hear a clicking sound when you turn the key to start your car? This likely means the battery is weak or dead and can’t provide enough power to crank the engine.
  • Dim headlights: Dim or flickering headlights may also be a warning sign that your car battery is dying.
  • Electrical system issues: If your power windows move slower than usual or your radio cuts in and out, it’s likely that your car battery can’t provide enough power to the electrical system.
  • Battery appearance: You may be able to diagnose a dying battery by looking at it. If your battery case is swollen or has a clear film, or the battery terminals have blue build-up, your battery may be corroded.
  • Age of the battery: Car batteries typically last 3-5 years, and trying to push them past that 5-year mark can cause them to fail or die. Consider getting your car battery tested if it’s 3 or more years old.

  • How to extend your car battery life

    Check out the 8 tips below on extending the life of your car battery.

    • Test your battery: Knowing the condition of your car battery matters when you want to maximize its life. You can use a car battery tester to monitor its condition and decide when it’s time for a new one.
    • Keep the battery at a neutral temperature: When possible, avoid driving or storing your car in extremely hot or cold temperatures, which can shorten the life of your battery.
    • Ensure that your battery is tightly fastened: A battery needs to be well fastened to guard against vibrations that could cause internal damage. Make sure you regularly inspect your car’s battery to ensure that it is tightly fastened.
    • Utilize a battery maintainer: If you won’t be driving your car during winter months, a battery maintainer can help keep the battery charged. It monitors the voltage and maintains the correct level of charge.
    • Prevent corrosion: Keeping your battery clean is a great way to help it stay in good shape. To ward off corrosion (or clean existing spots), scrub the clamps with a toothbrush dipped in baking soda and water. Make sure you take the proper precautions and wear safety gear when you clean your car battery.
    • Turn off the lights: Keeping your headlights and car door lights on can take a heavy toll on your vehicle’s battery. Make sure you turn them off before you exit your car.
    • Take longer drives: Driving your car frequently and for extended periods can help maintain the battery’s power. Car batteries can recharge at longer distances, whereas they are not able to do so at shorter ones. Consider investing in a portable jump starter, which can help jump-start your battery without another vehicle in case you’re ever stranded.
    • Care for your whole car: Your car is composed of many parts working together. Taking your car in for routine tune-ups as well as properly storing your vehicle are simple ways to help ensure that your battery’s lifespan can reach its full capacity. The battery is just one component of a well-running car, so make sure to properly maintain all parts of your car to extend its life and the life of your battery.

    No matter how well you maintain your car battery, you can’t always foresee when it may die. Learn more about roadside assistance and how it can help you in the event of an emergency.

 

TIPS

Ways to Prevent Rust From Road Salt

Road salt helps keep us safe as we travel local roads and highways in poor weather conditions—but it sure can do a number on our vehicles. Salt is used because it lowers the water’s freezing point, melting any ice that has formed and preventing further ice buildup. Unfortunately, salt can cause corrosion and rust on your vehicle, particularly on your car’s exposed undercarriage.

It can be helpful to file these prevention tips away for next season to avoid any future salt damage.

How to Prevent Rust on Your Car From Salt

• Wash your car after a snow storm.
This may seem obvious, but it does help to wash the salt off of your car as soon as possible. Sometimes we think it isn’t worth it to wash our car in the middle of winter; after all, it will just get dirty again, right? Post-snow storm washes aren’t really for cosmetic reasons; they are preventative care for your car. Don’t forget to spray the undercarriage!

• Stick to a regular car wash schedule.
Even when there isn’t a major snow storm event, road salt is still used to prevent ice buildup on roads and in parking lots. Try to wash your car every 2 weeks, at the least—and take advantage of days when the temperature is above 40 degrees as prime opportunities for a wash.

• Try not to follow the plow.
That moment when you find yourself driving directly behind a plow is the worst. You’re probably cringing as you hear the salt pinging against your car. If you have the option, change course to avoid being directly behind the plow.

• On that note, steer clear of puddles.
Salt tends to collect in pools of standing water, so when you can, avoid giving your car a “salt bath” by driving through a puddle.

• Wax your car before winter.
Wax is a great way to give your car a strong protective coating against road salt.

• Get a seasonal car inspection.
A certified auto technician can identify areas of wear and tear before the winter season, helping you take steps to prevent further rust buildup and corrosion once the snow and ice arrive.

TIPS

How to Prevent Car Rust

As you can see, rust on a car can be a very serious issue. This is why it’s so important to learn how to prevent car rust. Luckily, keeping your vehicle rust-free is pretty easy. Start with these five tips.

1. Wash Your Car Frequently

One of the easiest ways to prevent rust on a car is to wash it often. Not only will it keep your car looking shiny and new, but it will also remove corrosive debris, salt, and grime.

It’s important not to wait for your car to look dirty before washing it. The elements that attack your car’s paint aren’t visible to the naked eye, so by the time you can see that you’re due for a wash, some damage has already occurred.

While any type of car wash is better than not washing your car at all, a high-pressure cleaner is the most effective. This will allow you to easily clean tricky areas – like your undercarriage and the inside of your wheel arches. For the best protection, plan to wash your vehicle once a week and have it professionally cleaned every few months.

2. Don’t Forget the Wax

To keep your car in the best possible condition and prevent rust from forming, you’ll want to wax it at least twice a year. This adds another layer of protection between your car’s paint and rust-causing moisture. If you’re not storing your car in a garage, you’ll need to wax it even more often to make up for the extra exposure to the elements.

It’s easy to wax your car on your own, but if you don’t have the time, consider adding a hand wax when you take it for professional cleaning.

3. Apply a Rust Coating

If you’re already having problems with rust or you live in a harsh environment, it’s a good idea to have a protective rust-proof coating applied by a professional. Since exposure to salt is one of the primary causes of rust, this is even more important if you live by the ocean or the gulf. In areas where salt is frequently applied to icy roads, rustproofing can also make a major difference.

If you have a short-term lease or don’t plan to keep your car for long, then you can probably skip the rustproofing. However, if you plan to hold onto your vehicle for the long haul, this is definitely worth considering.

4. Protect Your Car from the Elements

Constant exposure to sun, rain, and snow can do a number on your car. If you want to avoid rust, you really should park it under cover. If your home doesn’t already have a garage, consider adding one. A portable garage is an affordable option that’s ideal for those who rent their homes, on a tight budget, or don’t have a lot of space. A steel garage is an excellent option for a homeowner who has room to spare, is looking for a permanent option, and wants to save money on a new structure.

5. Repair Rust Before It Spreads

It’s a good idea to give your car a once-over each time you wash it. Keep an eye out for any paint damage or small spots of rust. When checking your car, also pay close attention to the condition of drain holes, water channels, and seals. If moisture collects here, rust can start to form unseen.

Any time you notice a possible sign of rust, it’s important not to let it go. Taking care of it before it spreads can save you a lot of time and thousands of dollars in future repairs.

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