Driving Tip: Check Your Blades, Tires In Winter

JIM LUFF DRIVING GEM: As winter approaches and the weather can get snowy and nasty, make sure that you are prepared for the elements. When inspecting any vehicle that you are about to drive, check that you have good windshield wiper blades before heading out. While it might be a nice day in your home town, a mere 100 miles away could be dismal weather. The same goes for inspecting your tires. Bald tires or tires without sufficient tread depth can be deadly in the rain. Speaking of rain, when it has not rained for a while and a downpour begins, streets can be extra slick as the rain starts and road oil is brought to the surface of the street in an initial downpour. Take your time. Allow plenty of distance between the car in front of you and in back of you. Let someone pass you if they seem to be too aggressive for the weather. — Jim Luff, LCT contributing editor