Is Your Vehicle Ready for Southern California Winter Driving?

Winter in Mission Viejo doesn’t mean snow on your street, but it brings its own driving hazards: slick roads after the first rain, heavy downpours from atmospheric river storms, coastal fog, gusty Santa Ana winds, early sunsets, and snow and ice on the roads up to Big Bear and the mountains. Now is the time to get your vehicle ready.

Try these 6 tips:

1. Be ready for fog and low visibility

Marine layer fog can roll in fast along the 73, the I-5 through San Juan Capistrano, and the coastal canyons, and heavy rain can cut visibility just as much. 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 Big Bear or Lake Arrowhead, up US-395 to Mammoth, or over the Grapevine on the I-5, check Caltrans QuickMap before you leave. Snow can close the Grapevine with little warning. 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 mountain trips)
• 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!