Winter Driving Safety: Advance Planning Can Keep Cars Running In Inclimate Weather

In many parts of the country, where unusually warm weather has prevailed, winter may seem far away. But colder weather, snow, and ice will be coming, even if belated, and the experts at Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care, a national brand that services virtually any make and model vehicle, encourage car owners to prepare now for safe winter driving.

How To Drive In The Cold Safely

The experts at Cottman offer some simple winter driving safety tips to keep your car running smoothly and safely during the winter months and inclimate weather conditions ahead.

  1. “Don’t neglect your tires,” says Randy Wright President of Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care. “Be sure your tires are safe, with good tread, and keep them properly inflated.” As temperatures dip, and inclimate weather conditions worsen, tires lose about a pound of pressure for every ten-degree drop.  Randy also recommends using all-season tires with good tread, rather than so-called high-performance tires that don’t perform well in heavy rain and snow.
  2. It’s a good idea to keep extra salt or sand in the car since even the best tires can lose traction on an icy incline. Wright suggests keeping a piece of old carpeting in the trunk.  If you get stuck on ice, place the carpet in front of the drive wheels to give the tires something to grab onto to help get the car moving.
  3. Keep windows clear. After traction, visibility is a crucial driving issue, especially in winter weather. Replace wiper blades with winter-style blades, refill the washer fluid and keep spare fluid in the car.  Also, remember to wipe headlights and tail lights before you drive, since ice, remnants of snow and dried dirt from messy roads can substantially diminish forward visibility and make it difficult for cars behind to see you.
  4. Be mindful of weak or dead batteries. They are another major winter driving safety problem. Cottman says a simple load test can indicate whether your battery has enough power for cold-weather starts. It’s also a good idea to have the battery terminals cleaned to allow full power to flow from the battery to the starter.
  5. Be sure to have your anti-freeze checked before freezing temperatures arrive. Anti-freeze protects water in the radiator and engine block from freezing and cracking, which could lead to costly repairs.
  6. Be prepared. Drivers should take a tip from the Boy Scout motto. Small things like keeping lock de-icer in your coat or purse can help keep you from getting locked out.  Having extra sweaters and blankets in the car can keep you warm if you get stranded and have to wait in freezing cold until help arrives.  Flares can help warn other drivers if you get stuck and they can also draw the attention of the police to help you.  Be sure your cell phone is fully charged so you can call for help.
  7. Traffic safety experts say not to speed and to drive extra carefully in winter weather. Be sure to slow down on curves and watch for black ice, which can accumulate on roadways and especially on bridges.


Winter Weather Care

The Cottman experts encourage drivers to check their owner’s manual to see what specific steps are recommended for winter care and winter driving safety for their car.

“To keep your car running safely and smoothly on tough winter days, some basic advance planning and extra driving caution are easy steps to take,” Cottman’s Wright says.

  • Gail Parker
    Gail Parker
    2021-06-15
    Google

    The customer service was concerned about the parking area for my vehicle for overnight early bird service.They called me to inform me they were gonna check back with me before any services on my vehicle were done with my approval which, made me comfortable to know they showed responsibility in their work.

  • Leslie Meyers
    Leslie Meyers
    2021-04-09
    Google

    Fast, friendly, reliable and fair. I ended up having to get my town & country transmission repaired/replaced & my spark plugs replaced right before Christmas this past year & they said they could do it the next day if I could leave it that day. Well I didn't have a ride home & my other car needed a jump start since we hadn't driven it much. The owner not only offered to drive me home, but also jump start my other car so I could of get my niece from school. If that's not service, I don't know what is. They also ened up doing my 2014 escape transmission the yr b4. They were recommended by a friend & I would recommend them as well.

  • Hina K. Huynh
    Hina K. Huynh
    2021-03-18
    Google

    I purchased a "newly" used vehicle and was concerned about transmission issues and they made sure I was taken care of. The staff was extremely friendly and polite, and not only did they provide me with all the necessary services I needed, they also educated me. I would highly recommend this location.

  • Miriam Green
    Miriam Green
    2021-03-12
    Google

    The service was great. Someone recommended them to me. They took care of the issue I was having with my vehicle with no issues. I’ll be going to them from here on out! A very satisfied customer

  • Samuel Jones
    Samuel Jones
    2021-02-04
    Google

    Staff were all professional. Manager was a saint, gentleman, and scholar. Great company with excellent values. I would highly recommend them.

  • K. Raymer
    K. Raymer
    2020-11-20
    Google

    Kevin and his entire staff are the best. I had a brake caliper fail and they took care of very quickly and for a great price. Since then, I had new flare fenders with led lights installed on my Jeep Wrangler. Same great service and value.

  • Loren Vann
    Loren Vann
    2020-11-18
    Google

    I have been taking my vehicles to Cottman for the last year and I have never been disappointed. Kevin is the General Manager and I have known him personally for several years. This is an honest shop with quality work and great, trustworthy employees. Law Enforcement friendly, which is a major plus. It is hard to find a reliable place for vehicles now and days so skip the stress and take your vehicles here.

  • Stephanie Besos
    Stephanie Besos
    2020-10-28
    Google

    I love this place. came here a few years back, great work. just came in recently, wanted to wait a few days for the review.let me tell you Vicki was amazing and as helpful as can be and kevin did repair and excellent job on my transmission as well as work with me . had a world of trouble with my warranty place but they did their best to help with it all and my car is running excellent. will be back soon for oil change and any future repairs. thanks guys.

  • Stephanie Besos
    Stephanie Besos
    2020-10-21
    Google

    I love this place. came here a few years back, great work. just came in recently, wanted to wait a few days for the review.let me tell you Vicki was amazing and as helpful as can be and kevin did repair and excellent job on my transmission as well as work with me . had a world of trouble with my warranty place but they did their best to help with it all and my car is running excellent. will be back soon for oil change and any future repairs. thanks guys.

  • Conley Smith
    Conley Smith
    2020-10-20
    Google

    My experience at Cottman was awesome! The waiting lounge was very clean and looked great. The front desk staff was kind and personable. My wheels got aligned very quickly and they did a great job for an awesome price! The owner is extremely professional and quite handsome as well.

  • Randall Vann
    Randall Vann
    2020-10-18
    Google

    Best shop to have your vehicle repaired. Professional and timely. Owner gives fair prices and easy to work with. I would highly recommend to anyone.

  • Mike Villegas
    Mike Villegas
    2020-10-15
    Google

    The work was excellent and done in a timely manner. Found the best pri ce for the work needed!!!

  • Justin Davis
    Justin Davis
    2020-10-10
    Google

    Great customer service!! The staff was very attentive. A issue arose while they were working on my vehicle, and the mechanics diagnosed it and where back on track in no time. What I liked the most was that they kept me in the loop while they tried to find a resolution.

  • Steve Lilley
    Steve Lilley
    2020-09-17
    Google

    Fast and efficient service.