Slippery roads make winter driving a bit more intense than most driving of the mid-summer variety. Around these parts, in the Midwest, we’ve all seen cars in the ditch testifying to the reality that cars do slide on ice. But, slippery conditions are not the only cause. In fact, some of those cars in the ditch got there as much because of impaired vision as from the level of traction on the highway.
Keeping your windshield clear is vital in the winter. It’s bad enough that your tires may lose a firm grip on the road; your ability to anticipate such occasions, and react appropriately, is largely dependent on your ability to see what is going on around you. However, it takes a team effort to keep that windshield clear.
In this case, the team players are your windshield wipers, your defrosters, windshield solvent, a brush and a scrapper. The brush and the scrapper are often the first into the action. You come out of the house and find the car covered in snow and/or the windshield coated with frost or ice. Maybe you’re in a hurry. Don’t let your schedule dictate the level of safety you apply to your driving experience. Clean off the snow and scrape the window.
It’s a very good idea to clear loose snow off the hood, as well, since, once you start driving, the snow on the hood will blow up into the windshield.
Good wipers are essential. Are yours in good repair? Do they leave streaks as they wipe the windshield? If the answer to these questions is no, it’s time for a replacement. Skimping on wiper blades is not the best idea considering the difference in cost and the potential difference in safety offered by different models. Some wiper blades even come with a covering to keep the snow from binding up between the blades and their holders.
In any case, remember to gently knock the ice off your wiper blades when your brushing or scraping your windows before driving.
Washer solvent is also essential. Maybe you can get by putting water in the reservoir in the summer but that will turn to a block of ice in the winter. A good dose of windshield washer solvent works wonders when salty road spray begins to accumulate on the windshield.
And what about the defrosters? If you can’t blow heat up into the windshield there’s no way to melt the ice that builds up as you drive on certain days. Warming up the car a little before you go will help generate the heat necessary to help clear ice that builds on the windshield as you drive. If your defrosters don’t work, get into your trusted auto repair shop and have them do something about it.
Don’t forget the other windows, either. Safe driving requires the ability to see in all directions. Plus, you can even receive a ticket for failing to adequately clear your windows before driving.
Oh, and there is one more member of the team – you. You’re the one with the wisdom to use all the tools at your disposal to stay safe on the highways.
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