8 tips for safe winter driving

Snow has arrived for many parts of the country, and that means it's time to brush up on tips for safe winter driving, especially in snow.

The roads can get slick and visibility can dwindle, so always take it easy, drive calmly and stay safe. Whether you've driven in snow often, a short while, or never, it's always a good idea to brush up on the basics to help you stay safe during this time of year.

1. Check that your car is winter-ready

Make sure you have enough antifreeze. Check your defoggers, defroster and windshield wipers to make sure they're all ready to roll.

Also, check the tread on your tires and make sure that they'll have enough traction to handle the new weather conditions. It's really important to maintain the tires on your car.

2. Increase your following distance

Roads covered with snowed are slick, so it takes more time to come to a safe and complete stop without sliding into the vehicle in front of you. Give yourself more time to stop by doubling your following distance.

3. Don't stop and go too fast

Bring the car up to speed slowly. Your tires need time to gain traction on wet, snowy, or icy roads, so don't accelerate too quickly.

The same goes for stopping: Give yourself lots of time to stop and apply the brakes slowly, especially when you come to a stop sign or traffic light. Know how your car brakes and handles - and be extra careful if you are driving a rented a vehicle and are unfamiliar with it.

4. Drive slowly

Winter is not the time to speed. Take it easy and remember that everything - slowing down, stopping, turning, accelerating - takes longer when the roads are slippery. Slow it down.

5. Keep rolling

Don't stop on ice or snow if you can avoid it. Winter driving experts suggest that you try to keep a steady pace when rolling into turns, as you approach stop lights, and as you go up and down hills, so that you can maintain enough inertia to keep moving.

AAA recommends slowing down well before a traffic signal so that you can keep rolling until the light changes. It also warns not to power up hills because it can make your tires spin. 

6. Consider snow tires

If you're frequently driving in an area with a long winter or weeks of predictable snowfall, you might want to swap your set of all-season tires for winter tires. These work better even when the weather is dry and cold, due to their more flexible rubber compounds.

7. Be prepared

If you must drive in hazardous weather conditions, be prepared. Make sure your gas tank is at least half full in case you are stranded far from a gas station or need the extra fuel to keep your car heated.

Also, consider keeping a supply kit with non-perishable food, water, blankets, gloves, reflective tape, and an extra cell phone charger. If you're heading into more severe conditions, having a shovel is also a good idea.

8. Don't warm up the car in an enclosed space

If you want to warm up your car before hitting the road, don't do it in a garage or other enclosed space. The fumes and carbon monoxide are dangerous.

Also, in snowy and icy conditions, occasionally check your exhaust pipe to make sure it's not frozen over with ice, which can lead to carbon monoxide getting trapped in the cabin of your vehicle, putting your life at risk.