Cold Weather Preparation: Dressing Warm, Preparing Your Car

January 2025 has been unusually cold with many days falling below normal temperatures. Whether you’re heading out for errands, commuting or simply spending time outdoors, proper preparation is key to staying safe and comfortable.

Dressing Warm: Layering for Comfort and Protection
Extremely cold air can be dangerous, leaving people susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia (for more cold weather tips visit Cold Weather). One of the most important aspects of staying warm is knowing how to dress properly. Layering is the key to maintaining body heat, allowing you to adjust as needed to varying temperatures throughout the day. Here are some tips on how to layer effectively:

• Base (First) Layer: Should be designed to wick away moisture from your skin. Choose materials like merino wool, polyester and nylon. Avoid cotton, as it absorbs moisture and stays wet, which can cause your body temperature to drop.
• Insulating (Middle) Layer: Meant to trap body heat. Fleece, down or synthetic insulated materials are great options. Choose a thickness that suits the outdoor conditions.
• Outer Layer: Should protect you from wind, rain and snow. A good winter coat or jacket should be both insulated and weatherproof, with adjustable cuffs, a high collar and a hood.
• Accessories: Cover extremities and protect your neck and face with a warm hat made from wool or fleece, gloves that are insulated/waterproof and a scarf.
• Footwear: Choose insulated and waterproof boots with traction on the soles to prevent slipping on icy surfaces. Wool or synthetic socks are preferable to cotton.

Preparing Your Car for Winter
As you may recall, in January 2022, motorists were stuck in freezing temperatures – some for more than 20 hours – along Interstate 95 after heavy snow fell and things iced over quickly. This nightmare should be a lesson for drivers. Follow these steps to ensure your car is ready for winter driving:

• Check Your Battery: Cold temperatures can drain a car battery quickly. Test your battery and replace it if necessary. Clean any corrosion from the battery terminals and make sure all connections are tight.
• Inspect Tires: Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Tire pressure tends to drop in colder weather.
• Check Your Fluids: Check antifreeze levels, oil and windshield wiper fluid. Use winter-specific windshield wiper fluid.
• Replace Old or Ineffective Windshield Wipers: Worn-out windshield wipers can be dangerous.
• Keep Emergency Supplies in Your Car: Winter weather can sometimes leave you stranded. Prepare an emergency kit that includes items like a blanket, extra gloves, a flashlight, non-perishable snacks, bottled water, jump pack and a first-aid kit. Include a small shovel and a bag of sand or salt to help with traction if you get stuck in snow or ice.
• Fuel Up: In colder months, keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid condensation in the tank, which can cause fuel line freeze-ups. If you’re stranded during a snowstorm, a full tank can help keep your engine running to provide heat until help arrives.
• Test Your Brakes and Lights: Ensure your brake lights, headlights and tail lights are working properly, and clean them off regularly to ensure maximum visibility. Test your brakes for responsiveness to ensure they are in top condition before heading out in slippery conditions.

The cold winter months demand extra attention to both personal and vehicle preparedness. For more winter weather preparation tips, visit Winter Weather Preparation.

Stay warm and safe!

Submitted by:
Dave Cook, Director of OEMS, DCook@nvcc.edu