- Tire Pressure
Check your tire pressure weekly. As the temperature outside drops, the air inside a tire contracts, dropping the tire's air pressure. A tire's PSI (pound per square inch) can drop one pound for every 10-degree drop in temperature.
- Fill Up
In cold weather, it is helpful to keep the gas tank at least half full at all times. The additional gasoline will prevent moisture from freezing your fuel line and will add more weight to the vehicle, which will help increase traction on the road.
- Slow Down
Be prepared - stopping on wet roads can take up to four times the normal braking distance. Slow down in wet weather to improve traction.
- Buckle up
The seatbelt is the only thing that is holding you back in the event of an accident. Make sure your loved ones are protected by reminding them to fasten their safety belts.
Nothing says "true love" like ensuring your loved ones' safety behind the wheel.
Trisha Hessinger is a former racecar driver and nationally recognized automotive-education specialist for Firestone Complete Auto Care.
