The following guide answers the popular question – What do I need for safe winter driving?
Winter Driving Safety: Be prepared with these 5 things
In the Midwest, winter is officially upon us and winter driving can be dangerous! When you’re out on the road, it’s important to be prepared in case of an emergency. When roads are icy, your trailer may start to sway, causing you to lose control of your vehicle out on the road. If you find yourself stuck on the road in unsafe winter conditions, these items will keep you prepared.
1. Tow Rope
A tow rope is a long, heavy-duty rope used for towing and pulling stuck vehicles out of a tight situation. A tow rope is especially helpful when vehicles are in the ditch and can’t get enough traction to get out. Tow ropes are to be used in emergencies only, not for long-term towing. They’re handy to have with you during the winter if your vehicle and trailer end up in the ditch, or slide off the roadway.
2. Battery Booster Cables
The cold weather often drains your car battery, because most batteries work through an electrochemical reaction. This reaction slows down in colder weather, weakening your battery’s power.
Having jumper cables in your car is essential for every car owner because they will save you time if you ever find yourself with a dead car battery. Normal jumper cables require a second vehicle to give the dead battery a “jump.” Without another vehicle to use to jump the dead battery, battery booster cables provide just enough power to give your car and battery a boost to get your vehicle started. This is essential if you are ever stranded during a winter storm!
3. Warm Clothing
If you find yourself in cold winter weather conditions with a dead battery, warm clothing will save your life (literally!). During bad Winter storms, keep an extra coat, gloves, hat, and even boots. If your truck and trailer get stuck in a snow drift, the appropriate clothing will keep you warm and dry when you are shoveling yourself out. If your battery dies and you are without power or heat, extra clothing will keep you warm until help can arrive.
4. Shovel
If you slide off the road and into a snowbank, drift, or ditch, a shovel will come in handy. Many retailers carry car shovels that have extendable or foldable handles that don’t take up as much cargo space in your vehicle or trailer. A car shovel is a must-have in your vehicle during a bad Winter storm!
5. Flashlight
If you are towing at night, a flashlight in your car is a must year-round. If you are towing after dark, a flashlight can help you find and detect any issue with your trailer or truck. Buy a flashlight that is small enough to fit in your glove compartment so you have access to it at all times. With the flashlight, store a few extra batteries. As mentioned above, batteries lose efficiency and capacity in cold weather, and this applies to lithium batteries as well.
Bent or damaged trailer axle? You know who to call.
To avoid a winter driving accident in Iowa, the 2 best things to remember are to maintain a safe driving distance and slow down. Whiteout, snowy conditions cause limited visibility, often causing you to slam on the brakes at the last minute. ALWAYS maintain a safe driving distance from the vehicle so you have plenty of time to stop without losing control of your truck and trailer.
If you find yourself in an accident with your trailer and start noticing these 3 signs, it means it’s time to get your trailer into a repair shop. If you find that your trailer axles are worn or damaged and need to be replaced, contact BlueSwift Axles to help. Driving a trailer with damaged axles can put added stress on your tires. This can cause tire damage and unsafe driving conditions for everyone on the road.
See our video below for more information on BlueSwift Axles and the solutions we can provide for you.