Winter Car Preps to Stay Safe

Whether you’re traveling for the holidays or staying close to home, emergency crews urge drivers to get vehicles ready.The first and easiest thing people can do is check their tires for safety. Using the penny trick people can see if their tread is worn out by how much of the penny is visible. “You always want to be prepared before the weather happens, if it’s rain, snow, ice, it’s better to be prepared than to be involved in an accident,” said Latisha Stroer with the Columbia Police Department.Recently mechanics have been busy getting cars winterized getting cars ready for the weather.”Checking all their fluids, checking their tire pressure, doing an under car check under the hood, check belts hoses, just the general condition,” said Joe Benton with Custom Complete Automotive in Columbia.It is important to have professionals check car owner’s antifreeze. It should have a freeze point protection of negative 30 degrees. Professionals should also check tires for tread plus the car’s battery. Once the vehicle is safe, people need safety essentials inside.”The shovel in case you get stuck in the snow you can shovel around the tires and under the car,” said Stroer. Police urge drivers to keep dry food and soup in the car for emergencies.”Water in case you were to get stuck for an extended period of time. Water is very important,” said Chief Brad Fraizer with the Columbia Fire Department.Also adding a first aid kit, a flash light and kitty litter to help with traction are key. However, the most important step is staying warm.”Emergency blankets along with additional clothing gloves scarves hats that kind of thing,” said Fraizer.