CHECK YOUR TIRES - Your tires are your main connection to the road, so be sure they are inflated properly. As temps drop, so does the pressure in your tires - typically 1 pound per square inch for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
REMAIN CALM IN A SKID - Increase following distances on ice and snow so that you have at least 8-10 seconds (if not more) between yourself and the vehicle in front of you: this will give you ample time to respond to road and weather hazards. Practice gentle acceleration and braking to maintain consistent traction in snowy and icy conditions; if your wheels begin to spin release the accelerator until traction returns. If your vehicle begins to slide or skid, DO NOT PANIC! Look down the road in the direction you want to go and gently steer in that direction. Do not slam on the brakes, as that will upset the vehicle's balance and make it harder to gain control.
STAY IN CHARGE - A strong and fully charged battery is an absolute necessity in cold weather. Be sure connections are clean, tight and corrosion-free to ensure full-strength winter starts.
STEP UP TO NEW SAFETY TECHNOLOGY - Practically every automaker offers electronic traction and stability control systems that work along with the car's anti-lock braking system to assist drivers in slippery road conditions. These safety systems all function to help the driver maintain control in curves and turns, especially in wet or slippery conditions, by detecting when the vehicle begins to slip and reducing the throttle and applying the brakes to individual wheels to help correct the vehicle's orientation. Traction systems also prevent the vehicle's drive wheels from spinning while accelerating under slippery conditions.
picture courtesy of Dan/freedigitalphotos.net
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