What looks like a lovely winter wonderland from your living room window can make for a sloppy commute on the roads. When snow storms hit, but work can't wait, there are a number of things that you can do to make your travel safer. Connecticut-based Middlesex Mutual Assurance Co. offers the following tips:

Check your vehicle each time you drive

• Clean your vehicle of ice and snow before you drive. This includes front, rear and side windows, roof, hood and trunk. Debris left on a vehicle can become a missile when the vehicle is put into operation
• Let your windows fully defrost before you drive. If you warm up your car before you drive, make sure it is in a well-ventilated area to avoid carbon monoxide build-up
• Keep towels in the car to wipe off headlights or light covers when they become dirty and covered in snow

Maintenance checks

• Coolant — make sure it is properly mixed according to the manufacturer's specifications
• Engine oil — use lighter weight oil such as 10W40 to ensure easier starts
• Washer fluid — make sure it has an antifreeze agent in it, and keep extra fluid stored in your trunk
• Battery — have it tested and replace it if it is not at peak performance — cold weather wreaks havoc on batteries.

Driving tips

• Remain vigilant even though your car has ABS brakes and traction control: This does not change the fact that it takes a much longer distance to stop on snow or ice
• Pumping the brakes on vehicles equipped with ABS will reduce the effectiveness of the brakes. Refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions on your vehicle's braking system
• Steering into the direction of a skid while modulating the brake pressure can help you recover more quickly
• Leaving a greater following distance allows you to anticipate stops better. Be aware of your surroundings, children love to play in snow, anywhere. They, too, require a greater stopping distance with sleds and winter toys. Keep your eyes open!
• Remove snow and ice that become packed in the wheels, this can cause the wheels to become out of balance and make the steering wheel shake
• Wear safety belts at all times. The proper use of safety restraints may reduce injury should an accident occur
• Don't drive in inclement weather unless necessary. Don't place yourself at risk when it is readily avoidable.

Last updated September 20, 2000

Source: Insurance News Network