Pat Sandy, the store manager at Quick Lane Tire and Auto Center in Kent, provided some tips for driving in the winter. Sandy said that in the winter to always know “who am I going to call in case something happens.” In addition, he provided some tips for driving in the winter. 

• Check your tires. Sandy said this is the most important part of driving in the winter. Make sure to get new tires if needed.“Maintenance and paying attention to precautions are the most important,” Sandy said. 

• Always have an ice scraper in the car and make sure to clean the snow and ice off the car before driving. 

• Make sure you are aware of the ice you are driving on and stop in an appropriate time. “Avoid sudden accelerations and sudden stops,” Sandy said. “You need to give your car an opportunity to grab the ground.” 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also provides tips for driving in winter weather. 

• Stock the car with jumper cables, a flashlight, flares, emergency markers and blankets. 

• Check the headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers and interior lights. 

• Make sure the windshield wipers work and replace the worn blades. 

• Check the weather, road conditions and traffic before hitting the road. In addition, plan to leave early if necessary. 

• With hybrid-electric vehicles make sure to keep gasoline in the car to support the gasoline engine.