AAA offers advice for driving in winter weather

Sep 13, 2023

Very soon, drivers in upstate New York will once again be traveling through tricky winter conditions. Slippery roads and low visibility are common in this region.

It can be scary, but you can be prepared, even if you end up stuck.

One of the most important things to remember is to keep plenty of fuel in your tank. If you do get stranded, you never know how long you could be waiting for help in the cold.

"Gas is a limited resource in your vehicle too, so a lot of people we see don't keep enough fuel in their vehicle for their trip," said Dan Fisher, ERS dispatch manager for AAA. "You never think anything's going to go wrong, but you do have to be prepared when it does."

This AM @AAA_WCNY joins us for some winter car prep. Yes, it is time to talk about this...#1 mistake they see if people being unprepared. That goes for both car prep and having a kit together if you get stranded. pic.twitter.com/N3ZErdN6nt

Another important thing to keep in mind is something that could save your life when you're stuck. If it's safe to do so, always make sure the exhaust of your vehicle is not blocked by snow. If the exhaust is blocked while the vehicle is running, it could allow carbon monoxide to leak back into the cabin of your car.

It's important to remember that poor weather conditions can slow down emergency response vehicles considerably. That means having an emergency kit in your car can also be a lifesaver. The following items are ones you should include in your kit:

The tires on your vehicle also need special attention before the weather deteriorates. AAA says you should make sure your tires are properly inflated and have enough tread. If you've been putting off getting new tires, it's a good idea to address that before the flakes fly. It can be the difference between staying on the road or ending up in a ditch.

AAA also has the following recommendations when it comes to driving in snow: