When it comes to winter driving, an ounce of prevention and preparation, as they say, is truly worth a pound of cure. It’s no fun getting stranded in below-zero temps or a blizzard, and the best way to handle a fender bender is to avoid one. Use this checklist now to keep you and your family safe on the road during this frigid season.

Safer-Driving Tips for Winter

Always give yourself extra time to get where you’re going. This is not the time to rush.

Drive slowly and carefully and be extra aware of your surroundings. Safety really does come first.

DO NOT TEXT while driving in winter conditions.

If you must make a call, find a safe spot to pull over and stop driving before you pick up that phone.

Stopping distances are much, much longer on snow and ice. Give yourself extra room and time to be able to stop safely. Allow ample room between you and the vehicle in front of you.

It might seem counterintuitive, but steer into a skid. Once you regain control of the vehicle, redirect it in the right direction.

Stomp hard and fast on non-antilock brakes.

Get studded snow tires if you’ll be driving on ice.

To keep fuel lines from freezing, always keep your gas tank more than half full.

Preparing Your Vehicle

They don’t call ‘em “snow tires” for nothing, and you might consider investing in a pair. Snow tires are specifically engineered for better snow traction and work better than all-season tires.

Again, you’ll need studs for improved traction on ice. We all love our Subarus, but keep in mind that four-wheel drive will not help you drive on ice, as it’s not involved in the steering part of driving.

Consider replacing standard windshield wipers with wipers specifically designed for snowy conditions.

Get a professional opinion on your battery level, tire tread wear and windshield wipers. You don’t want to get stuck somewhere and you need to see through the windshield no matter the weather.

Over-inflation will reduce tire traction so check regularly and before big trips. This will keep you safer and extend the life of your tires.

Maintain proper antifreeze levels. This is essential! Antifreeze helps prevent the engine from freezing in the winter and is key to providing heat inside the car’s cabin.

Replace summer windshield washer fluid with winter windshield washer fluid, which won’t freeze in the cold. Another way to prevent freezing is to add 16 oz. of 99% isopropyl alcohol to 1-gallon windshield wiper fluid.

Keep these items with you in the car: flashlight with fresh batteries, jumper cables, abrasive material for traction (e.g. sand, kitty litter, floor mats), shovel, brush or broom, ice scraper, deicer spray, ice melt pellets, warm gloves, flares, blankets, food and water. A change of warm, dry clothes can also come in handy.