Is Your Vehicle Ready for Central Valley Winter Driving?

Winter in Mission Viejo and the Central Valley doesn’t usually mean snow on your street, but it brings its own driving hazards: dense tule fog, heavy rain from atmospheric river storms, early sunsets, and snow and ice on the roads up to the Sierra. Now is the time to get your vehicle ready.

Try these 6 tips:

1. Be ready for tule fog

Tule fog can drop visibility to almost nothing on Highway 99, Highway 132, and rural roads across Stanislaus County, and it has caused major chain-reaction crashes in the valley. Make sure your headlights and fog lights work, and use your low beams (high beams reflect off fog and make it worse). Slow down, leave extra room, and never stop in a traffic lane. If visibility gets too low, pull completely off the road and turn off your lights so others don’t follow you. California law also requires headlights whenever your wipers are on continuously.

2. Check wipers, fluids, and tires for rain

The first rains of the season lift oil off the road and make it slick. Replace worn wiper blades, top off your washer fluid, and check your tire tread. Worn tires make hydroplaning much more likely. Check your coolant and other fluids too, especially if your vehicle is due for service.

3. Clean and inspect your lights

The sun sets early in winter, and fog and rain cut visibility further. Test all your lights and replace burned-out bulbs. Clean or restore foggy headlight lenses so they put out as much light as possible.

4. Have brakes and steering inspected

Wet roads and sudden stops in fog put your brakes to the test. A mechanic should inspect your brake pads, brake fluid, and steering system.

5. Heading to the mountains? Carry chains

If you’re driving to Yosemite on Highway 120, up Highway 108 toward Pinecrest and Dodge Ridge, or to Tahoe, check Caltrans road conditions before you leave. When chain controls are in effect, you can be required to carry and install chains, even with a four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle at the highest control levels. Practice putting them on at home before you need them.

6. Keep an emergency kit in the car

Along with a first-aid kit, flashlight, and road flares, consider keeping these in your car this winter, especially for mountain trips or long drives:

• Drinking water and high-energy snacks
• Phone charger and charging cables
• Jumper cables
• Blankets and warm clothing
• Tire chains, gloves, and an ice scraper (for trips to the Sierra)
• Tire puncture repair kit
• Reflective triangles or a safety vest

If you’re traveling with children, bringing along books, cards, or games to keep them entertained is a clever idea.

Be ready for emergencies

Slow down and keep a safe stopping distance in fog and rain. It’s better to take your time than to rush and cause an accident. And make sure your auto policy includes roadside assistance and the coverage you’d want if you’re in a crash. Drive safe out there!