How to Keep Your Vehicle Safe During Denver’s Harsh Winters
The winter conditions in Denver are at times very intense on vehicle owners. It ranges from heavy snowfall to icy roads and freezing temperatures in the Mile High City. Winter conditions can be very tough on your car, truck, or SUV.
Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter time
It is important to guard your automobile against the surprises of the ensuing snow. Check the battery: the cold weather decreases battery performance. Be sure that you are in possession of a proper, fully charged battery. Test a working battery with a professional if it is over 3 years old.
Next, take a look at your tires. The appropriate amount of tread and inflation is going to lead to good traction while driving in the winter. Monitor tire pressure regularly since it’s subject to change when the temperature does. You might even want to invest in some winter tires with specially engineered treads that can gain even more traction on snow and ice. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers tire-safety information.
Don’t forget to check on your windshield wipers and washer fluid. Remove the ones made of old rubber and ensure that the washer fluid is a winter-grade one that does not freeze when it is at a lower temperature. A clear perspective is mandatory for visibility to attain safe driving in winter.
Keep Your Vehicle’s Exterior in Good Condition
Salt and other deicing chemicals that are applied in Denver have the tendency for small havoc on the bodywork of your vehicle. To help keep rust and corrosion at bay, wash your car often during the winter, paying special attention to the areas of your vehicle where rock salt and grime may build up under the hood.
Apply a high-quality wax over your vehicle’s paint before winter. This extra coat may protect you from abrasive damage due to salt and road debris. Think of unpacking spray-on wax just for fast touches between washes.
Keep Your Engine Running Smoothly
Colder temperatures start to stress your engine. Ensure all fluids are at the recommended level, including oil, antifreeze, and power-steering fluid. You might want to consider changing to a winter-grade oil, which is slicker at lower temperatures.
Examine the engine belts and hoses for fraying or cracking: in cold weather, belts, and hoses can get weak, so consider replacing them at the first sight of degradation.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
During winter months, always include an emergency kit in your vehicle. The Colorado Department of Transportation recommends including:
- Shovel / ice scraper
- Jumper cables
- Flashlight with additional batteries
- Blankets
- Snacks and water
- First aid kit
- Flares or reflective triangles
Protect Your Vehicle When Parked
If you can, park in the garage, or if you don’t have one, under-covered parking to protect your vehicle from the elements. You may also consider using a car cover to protect your vehicle from snow and ice.
Do not use your parking brake when it is very cold outside; the brake can freeze and stick. Use blocks under the wheels if your vehicle is parked on an incline.
Drive Safely and Defensively
Even with a properly maintained vehicle, driving in winter can be dangerous. Always drive at a speed relative to the situation and well back from any traffic in front of you. Accelerate and decelerate slowly to keep traction; be very careful when driving on bridges and overpasses, as these freeze before other road surfaces.
Legal Considerations and Accident Prevention
Proper care and attention may be exercised over your vehicle, and safe driving can be done in winter—it is no less cruel a season concerning vehicle accidents. If you find yourself the unfortunate victim or culprit in a vehicle accident caused by winter, it is very important to understand your rights and know your options at this point. Through their wide knowledge in the field, a Boulder car accident litigator will help one go through several insurance claims and ensure one gets back compensation for the damages or even injuries that occurred at that point.
They can explain to you the complicated issues involved with winter-related accidents, and they could walk you through the legal process, especially where road conditions or another driver’s negligence might have played a role in what happened.
Follow these tips and remain conscious of the security of your vehicle during Denver’s harsh winter. Remember: good maintenance, cautious driving, and preparedness are the most important key ingredients in driving winter weather. Stay safe on the roads so you can enjoy all that Denver has to offer.
