In Colorado, winter always means colder weather. It’s a simple fact that you just can’t ignore: the temperatures are going to drop, so you’d better be prepared. If you already started getting chilly last month, we don’t have great news. The first cold weather of 2017 is expected to arrive early in January. So you may want to bundle up and hunker down for the next few weeks.
But if hibernation isn’t an option, then you’ll probably want to use your car. And if you do, you’ll need to ensure that it is prepared to handle the frigid temperatures as well. That’s why we’ve put together a few helpful reminders to keep your life hassle-free while using your vehicle this winter.
Close Everything
This may sound obvious, but it’s worth saying: make sure your windows and doors are tightly closed when you leave your car. Cracks and openings are an easy way for snow, ice, and every other form of winter precipitation to get inside your vehicle, which means you’ll have a mess on your hands the next day. So double-check before you head inside.
Give Yourself More Time
It’s easy to forget to add in de-icing and shoveling time to your daily commute. But, this is an important step that cannot be avoided, especially if it’s just snowed. When you’ve got somewhere to be, make sure to give yourself at least an extra 5 minutes so that you can clear away any obstacles to your vision and safety, without being in a rush. Be sure to scrape the front, back, and side windows, too, so you have a clear view all the way around.
Have Roadside Assistance on Stand-by
Colder weather means there’s a likely chance of bad road conditions. Despite your best efforts to drive safely, you may wind up in a situation where you need some roadside assistance. Make sure to have their number and all of your information ready to go. This way, if the time comes, you can get help sent to you as soon as possible.
Have The Proper Tools
While it may be tempting to throw hot water on those frozen door locks, that is not going to help you in the long run, since the water will simply re-freeze in a few minutes. Have a can of lock de-icer in you trunk, so nothing will be in the way of you getting into your car. It may also be helpful to have jumper cables and an emergency safety kit on hand, to help you navigate whatever life throws your way.
And, if you do happen to get into an accident, rest assured that we are here to help. As a Denver accident law firm, we have years of experience helping drivers get back behind the wheel. So do not hesitate to contact us.
