By now you’ve probably read about or heard about, the Virginia snowstorm that trapped hundreds of
people for hours, some as many as 48 hours.
While most native Chicagoans will tell you with pride that they can drive during the absolute worst snow
conditions ever created, it’s good to note that it wasn’t really the driving part that was the issue in
Virginia, it was the being stuck part.
Some people were stuck because of the traffic in front of them. Others became involved in accidents.
However, there were more than a few who got stuck at first by the accidents, but then had car trouble
or ran out of gas. Those folks were in some serious trouble.
Are you and your car prepared in case you encountered a similar situation, such as what happened in
Virginia?
Best Tips to Avoid Trouble on the Road
Of course, the best way to survive this type of situation is to not leave home at all, but sometimes, we
understand that this simply isn’t possible.
When this happens, the following tips can help you avoid trouble.
1. Use All Available Resources to Check Road and Weather ConditionsWhether you chose to listen to the radio, watch a local TV channel, or use an online source, such as this one, it pays to know what might be headed your way. Many of the people in Virginia stated that they didn’t bother to check the road conditions or weather before leaving home.
2. Prepare Your Car Ahead of Time
Don’t wait until the morning you need to leave to think about what your car might need for the road.
Take your vehicle at least a week before your trip or anytime now that winter has started to My
Mechanic professionals. Our highly qualified technicians know what cars in Chicago need to get through a long, tough
winter.
We will ensure that your tires are properly inflated and in good condition. We will inspect all the fluids
and change any that are necessary, such as the windshield washer fluid, as well as check the wiper
blades and all the light bulbs.
If you’ve been putting off that regularly scheduled maintenance, we are constantly offering specials to help get
your car road-ready again. Check out these specials available on our website.
3. Check Your Emergency Bag
Many of the people who were stranded in Virginia had little or no emergency supplies. Even Senator
Tom Kaine was stranded for 27 hours with nothing to eat but an orange that someone gave him.
Be sure that you have non-perishable food stored for everyone in your vehicle. Favorite foods include
cereal, granola bars, beef jerky, and dried fruit or nuts. Have a blanket, hat, gloves, scarves, and perhaps
even an extra coat for warmth. Bring a few bottles of water and one cup so that you can melt snow for
drinking if necessary.
You should also have some emergency tools, kitty litter, a crank flashlight or a regular flashlight, and
batteries, as well as jumper cables or one of those portable car jumpers.
If you have small children, bring extra formula and diapers.
These might seem like small details, but they can make the difference between life and death
sometimes.
4. Clear the Snow and Slow Down
Take the time required to clear the snow and ice off your vehicle before you leave. Check that the
headlights also are clear from snow. You should limit distractions and drive with the utmost caution.
Remember that no matter how good a driver you are or how safe you think your vehicle is, the “other
guy” may not have either option.
5. Never let the gas tank go below half. Keeping the tank filled between ¾ and full is the safest measurement.
If You Should Get Stuck
Despite our best intentions, we can get stuck due to icy roads or accidents at almost any time during the
winter months. If you should find yourself stuck:
- Don’t waste your battery using your emergency blinkers if you are stuck along with hundreds or even dozens of others.
- You can turn on your dome light at night to help others locate your vehicle.
- Be sure to clear snow from around the tailpipe.
- Run the car for only 10 or 15 minutes every hour.
- Don’t leave the car to “walk it out”. Many people get disoriented in snowstorms and end up lost.
- Don’t leave your vehicle unless it’s a matter of life or death.
- Be patient. Keep your phone charged as you run the engine. Help will get to you in turn.
No one is born knowing how to drive in a blizzard. The best advice is to not leave home unless absolutely
necessary.
At the End of the Day
Winter will end eventually and if you should become stuck on the road, help will arrive, and hopefully,
your adventure will be nothing more than an interesting story to tell.
Keeping your car well packed for an emergency is one of the smartest and safest things you can do if you
must drive during a storm.
Keeping your car well maintained and in good running condition is perhaps the cheapest insurance you
can buy to ensure that you won’t get stranded by something as simple as a broken belt.
If you haven’t had your car inspected lately why not book an appointment with My Mechanic today? We
have locations in both Clarendon Hills and Elmhurst to serve you.
We are having a limited-time special on routine maintenance service, so why not call for an appointment today while
you are thinking about it? Saving a little cash and giving yourself peace of mind knowing your car is well taken care of is the best
present you can give yourself and your family.
