Prepare your car for snow and ice: essential tips for safe winter travel

 “We want people to have warm weather items, such as an extra blanket and warm clothing for everyone traveling in that vehicle,” she said. “It’s also important to keep items like drinking water and non-perishable food on hand, just in case you find yourself stranded on the side of the road.”

For nearly 60 million AAA members, the response and rescue services available will vary depending on the location and specific needs of the driver.

“It’s also going to be determined by the type of service that you need,” Cooper said. “Do you need a tow? Do you need a tire change? All of that is going to be specific to each driver’s situation.”

Here are a few steps that officials advise to help you prepare your car for potential snow or freezing temperatures. First, make sure your gas tank is full to avoid running out of fuel. Additionally, before the snow arrives, lift your windshield wipers to prevent them from freezing to the windshield. This will make defrosting and removing snow or ice much easier.

Cooper also emphasizes the importance of clearing snow from your vehicle, adding, “One of the big issues we see when it snows is that people do not fully clear the snow off their vehicle. Many only scrape off enough for the driver to see. This can be very dangerous, as snow can fall under your vehicle and obstruct your view, and it can also fly off onto other vehicles on the road.”

TDOT also issued ABC24 a statement about their preparations, saying in part, “Our HELP crews are ready to assist motorist as needed during this winter event. They are also expanding their coverage starting at 4am along I-40, running from the MS River to the TN River.”