Preparing Your Vehicle
Preparing your vehicle for the winter season in Rexburg is essential for safe travel. Rexburg winters are brutal, but can be prepared for by understanding what your vehicle needs in order to drive its best. The first thing that should be considered is the condition of your tires. Most accidents occur in snow and ice because of loss of traction between the tire and the road. Bald tires increase this loss of traction, which increases your risk of getting in an accident. An easy way to check your tires tread is to hold a penny upside-down in several grooves across your tire. If Abraham Lincoln’s head is not covered, then your tire has less than 1/16 of an inch of tread left, and you are ready for new tires.
Another important factor to consider with your tires is the air pressure. As the temperature decreases with Rexburg’s colder months, the pressure in your tires also decreases approximately 1psi (pound per square inch) for every 10°F. This may not seem very significant, but when the temperature changes from 80°F to 20°F, that is a decrease of 6psi,which is very significant. A pressure of 6psi represents approximately 20% of what a normal tire should have. This could lead to loss of steering performance as well as tire failure. Over-inflation is equally dangerous when driving in snow and ice. Check your owner’s manual to find out the correct tire pressure for your car. The Chevron station on 944 University Boulevard (next to the south freeway onramp) has a free air pump, but no tire gauge. Other gas stations have tire gauges built into the air pump, but cost a few quarters, and have a time limit.
Another important consideration for winter driving is to check your cars fluid levels, particularly the antifreeze in your radiator. This is not a real concern in the summer months, and many people simply use water in their radiators to keep their vehicles from overheating. However, in winter months, it is important to have antifreeze combined with water, rather than just plain water which can easily freeze while your vehicle is parked. A good mixture of antifreeze and water should be about 50/50. Keeping your gas tank at least half full will alsomake it easier to start your car in the cold mornings.
Your visibility as a driver is another critical factor for safe travel. Keeping your windshield and windows clear from snow and ice is crucial. Plan enough time in the morning to clear the snow and frost from your windows before you begin driving. An ice scraper is essential for everyone in Rexburg, whether you normally park in a garage or not. You can also find some that include a broom for snow removal at any of the local grocery or auto parts stores in town.
Checking your windshield wipers is also important for keeping your visibility clear. One way to avoid having your wipers freeze to your windshield is by lifting them up whenever you park before a snowstorm or below freezing temperatures. It is also important to keep your windshield washer fluid levels full. You should consider purchasing fluid that does not freeze. If you have ever passed alongside a semi-truck, then you understand why it is important to have windshield washing fluid available.
When clearing off your car in preparation to drive, be sure to clear: all of the windows, the windshield washer sprayers, the headlights, and the taillights. For optimal performance, allow your car enough time to warm up before you begin driving.
It is also a good idea to be prepared in case of an accident. You should keep a cell phone charger in the car always, as well as a blanket and a first-aid kit. You should also have a spare tire with the tools necessary to put it on if you get a flat tire. Another handy thing to have is a bag of kitty litter, or a couple strips of old carpet in your trunk. After getting stuck, either of these can be used to help your tires gain traction. This is explained further in “Accidents and Getting Stuck”.
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