Winters are the worst when it comes to driving. The amount of snow and ice that can fall in a short amount of time, especially in the New York area, creates hazardous conditions that can easily take a driver by surprise.
In order to truly be prepared and safe, your vehicle may need some preventive maintenance to specifically handle extreme winter weather.
Winter Maintenance Tips
We have collected the most important recommendations to ensure your car can handle winter conditions. You can:
- Service your car. Have a technician do routine maintenance on things like your car’s battery, cooling system, brakes, belts and hoses, and wire cables.
- Switch from all-weather to winter tires. All-weather tires are designed to meet year-round weather challenges, while winter tires have treads specifically for winter especially for snow.
- Maintain good tire pressure. Low temperatures can cause the air pressure of your tires to decrease. Ensure the appropriate tire pressure for your car, and check regularly that it is correct.
- Install winter windshield wipers. These are made with rubber that will stop ice from collecting on your wiper blades. (Be sure you remove them when winter ends).
- Replace your wiper fluid often. If you’re unsure if your fluid is the right formula for low temperatures, add a bottle of washer fluid antifreeze to the reservoir.
- Carry a winter safety kit. Store common tools and supplies in your car, in case of an emergency during winter travel.
- Don’t let your gas tank fall below half full. You never know when you may have to pull over in unsafe conditions, or even use your car’s engine to keep you warm.
- Ensure both window defrosters are always in working order. Winter weather can cause condensation on your windows; check that you can use your defrosters before driving.
Roadside Assistance from the Independent Drivers Guild (IDG)
If you run into a flat tire while on the road and end up needing a tow or professional assistance, the IDG has your back. They offer free roadside assistance to rideshare drivers who sign up and become dues-paying members.
To enroll and activate the IDG’s Roadside Assistance program, members can visit the website here.
If you are already a dues paying member and need help from your Roadside Assistance program while on the road, simply:
- Call 1-800-559-0097.
- Tell the operator you have roadside assistance.
- Give them your Plan – Letter B, your driver ID number (the number on your TLC license), and the following 6-digit producer code – 106736.
- If they ask for the date you enrolled, it is always the 1st of the month.
