GREENSBORO, N.C. — Here's what you should and shouldn't do when it comes to driving in winter weather.
HAZARD LIGHTS
Simply put, don’t drive with your hazard lights on. I know you think it helps other drivers see you but here's the problem, when you drive with your hazards on your turn signals don't work. Other drivers won’t know if you need to switch lanes. And when it’s raining and your hazards are on, the lights reflect into the eyes of other drivers.
WIPERS & HEADLIGHTS
When your wipers are on, your headlights need to be too.
The state law reveals lighting is required when windshield wipers are in use as a result of smoke, fog, rain, sleet, snow, or inclement weather. The only time you don't need your lights on is when the windshield wipers are used intermittently.
STOP THE SCRAPING
One of my favorite winter hacks takes place before the snowfalls. Cut a garbage bag and spread it over your windshield. The wipers anchor it at the bottom, rocks are at the top to hold it in place or close it in the door if you can. The snow falls on the bag. When you’re ready to go, take the bag off, the snow comes with it, you don’t have to scrape your windshield. This is a time saver.
DON’T GET STUCK IN THE SNOW
Remember the word CATS!
C -- Clear out the snow from around the tires and the direction you're going.
A -- Add traction underneath the front and back of the tires.
T -- Tire deflation. Not a lot! Just a little to give you better traction.
S -- Straighten your wheels! It's easier for the car to get a good grip that way.