Winter Weather Ravages East Coast
When it comes to bad weather, snow and ice can create some of the most frustrating and dangerous conditions imaginable. Roads and interstates become slippery parking lots as stranded motorists attempt to free their vehicles from Old Man Winter’s icy clutch. The best way to keep yourself and your vehicle safe is to avoid driving altogether in poor conditions. However, we understand that some people do not have the luxury of taking a snow day. If you are forced to brave these hostile weather conditions, we do have a few tips for you. As always, it is best to start with a high-quality metal carport from Elephant Structures to keep your car secure while off the road. The following are also likely to make your travels less dangerous and stressful.
- During the cold winter months, allow your car to warm up for about 10 minutes before you attempt to drive it. Your vehicle’s fluids (oil, coolant, transmission, brake, power steering) become more viscous and thick in cold weather. This causes the fluids to move less freely, like a cold bottle of maple syrup as opposed to a warm one. Fluids are not thin enough in their cold state to be forced through internal seals, which can tear the seals and cause other internal issues. Pumps, lines, and entire mechanical systems can malfunction as a result. Warming up your car before you drive every morning will heat up your vehicle’s fluids and allow them to flow more easily throughout their respective systems.
- Always make sure your tires are properly inflated. While this is important for gas mileage, properly inflated tires allow for the best contact with the road surface. This is vital when roads have little grip due to ice and snow and could mean the difference between getting home safely and winding up in a ditch.
- Always keep a winter emergency kit in your vehicle. Items like cat litter, flashlights, road flares, tire chains, ropes, hand warmers, and a cell phone can help to get you out of a sticky situation without the need for panic. Also be sure to include a first aid kit, and it is also wise to carry fresh clothes and blankets – keeping warm and dry is the key to staying safe during the winter.
- ALWAYS dress appropriately. Even if you think you will just be sitting in your warm car, you never know what could happen when winter weather has an affect on road conditions. Frostbite can occur after as little as 15 minutes of exposure to frigid temperatures and can lead to nerve and skin damage, infection, and even loss of appendages. A hat and gloves will help you retain much more body heat and will come in handy when bone-chilling winter winds pick up.
Prepare with a Metal Carport
Though you may only have to deal with winter weather for a few months out of the year, it doesn’t mean you should skimp on your preparation. The harsh and unpredictable nature of winter storms is nothing to take lightly. Preparing yourself and your car is the best way to ensure that you don’t become a victim of such dangerous road hazards. An American-made metal carport from Elephant is built to last for generations and will protect your vehicle from the worst of winter weather. We have written before about the benefits of a metal carport and how protecting your car from ice and snow can greatly increase it’s longevity and save you money down the road. Visit our website to build your own structure and find out why a metal carport or garage from Elephant Structures is the best in the industry.