By Kyle Arjoonsingh
Last winter, 23-year-old Yulvin Rodriguez from Jamaica, New York, found herself stranded on the Grand Central Parkway after her car spun out of control and collided with a guardrail.
“I didn’t think it was that big of a deal driving during the winter,” she said. “I’m a safe driver and had never been in an accident before… but that really did not matter.”
While Rodriguez walked away with only minor injuries, her story is a cautionary tale. Preparing your car for the winter season isn’t just about avoiding inconvenient breakdowns – it could save your life.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, icy and snowy roads cause nearly a quarter of all weather-related crashes each year, resulting in over 1,300 deaths and 116,000 injuries annually. Main issues contributing to these accidents include reduced visibility, slippery surfaces and drivers' failure to adjust their driving habits for winter conditions — such as speeding or not allowing enough braking distance.
“Road safety in winter is often overlooked by many drivers,” said José Majuliaben, a 69-year-old retired mechanic from Bellerose, New York, through a Spanish interpreter. “Winter conditions are no joke; they need extra caution.”
Take Care of Your Tires
Winter weather often arrives with little warning, and many drivers often wait until the last minute to prepare their vehicles. However, experts suggest taking a proactive approach.
“Winterizing your car should be part of your regular maintenance routine, ideally before the season begins,” said Deopersaud Singh, a 37-year-old car collector from Jamaica, New York. “When temperatures dip, certain components of your car like tires become more vulnerable.”
Tires are the first line of defense against winter’s icy grip. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, properly inflated tires with adequate tread depth provide better traction on wet, snowy or icy roads. To ensure optimal performance, tires should be inflated to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, which can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door frame or in the owner’s manual. Tread depth, which refers to the amount of groove remaining on the tire, is equally important. According to Singh, adequate tread depth is generally considered to be at least 2/32 of an inch. Tires with deeper treads are more effective at channeling water, snow and slush away from the tire’s surface, helping to maintain better grip and stability.
“If you live in an area where temperatures regularly drop below freezing…it’s a good

idea to switch to winter tires,” said Singh. “They’re made of a softer rubber and have deeper treads to grip snow and ice better.”
According to Kelley Blue Book the average cost for new tires is $150 to $300 per tire. Majuliaben suggested regularly checking tire pressure and replacing tires when the tread wears down to an eighth of an inch or less. A quick way to check the tread depth is by inserting a penny into the grooves. If you can see the top of Abraham Lincoln's head, it's time to replace your tires.
Keep Up with the Battery
Cold temperatures can take a toll on your car’s battery. “When it gets cold, the battery’s chemical reactions slow down so it is hard for it to deliver power to your car,” said Ernest Avellana-Thomas, a 28-year-old independent mechanic based in Queens Village, New York. “If you have an older battery, you're better off forgetting about it.”
To avoid being stranded with a dead battery, Avellana-Thomas recommended having your battery tested before the winter season begins. Most auto parts stores do this for free and if your battery is more than three years old, consider replacing it to avoid trouble down the road.
Monitor Brakes and Fluids
In snowy or icy conditions, having effective brakes is essential for maintaining control of your car.
“The last thing you want is for your car to slide when you need to stop,” said Singh. “Make sure your pads aren’t too worn down, and don’t forget about brake fluid… it should be at the right level.”
According to Majuliaben, it’s also important to check other vital fluids, such as antifreeze, windshield washer fluid and engine oil. Make sure to top off fluids regularly and use winter-specific fluids when necessary, such as low-temperature windshield washer fluid, which helps prevent moisture from freezing in colder climates.
Visibility: See and Be Seen
Visibility is crucial for winter driving, especially when snow, sleet or fog obstructs the view. Majuliaben said, “Make sure your headlights, taillights and brake lights are working properly. Get rid of burned-out lights and clean your headlights often.”
Additionally, ensure that your windshield wipers are in good condition and that you’re using winter-grade wiper fluid. “Wiper blades become bad and less effective in the cold, so if they’re more than six months old, replace them,” said Singh.
Be Prepared for the Unexpected
Even with all the proper precautions, accidents and breakdowns can still happen. Keeping an emergency kit in your car can be a lifesaver in the event of an unexpected situation. According to Avellana-Thomas and Singh, an emergency kit should include:
A flashlight with extra batteries
Non-perishable snacks and water
Jumper cables
A blanket and extra clothing for warmth
A small shovel and sand or cat litter to help with traction
A first-aid kit including bandages and rubbing alcohol.
Make the Investment
While winterizing your car may require an upfront investment, it’s a small price to pay for safety.
“Money comes and goes, a little bit of time and money spent on maintenance can make a big difference when it comes to keeping you safe,” said Majuliaben. “When you prepare your car, you’re preparing yourself for whatever winter may throw your way.”
For Rodriguez, the experience of her accident was a wake-up call. “I never thought something like that would happen to me; it was traumatizing” she said. “[Now] I make sure my car is ready for winter. I don’t take any chances.”
By taking the time to properly maintain your vehicle, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re ready for the road ahead. After all, a little preparation can go a long way when it comes to protecting yourself and others this winter.
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