Winter Driving: Are You Ready for Colorado's Snowy Roads?

Colorado's snow season is here, and it's time to check if your car is ready for the cold weather. Even though we're not expecting a blizzard, it's smart to get prepared. Driving in bad weather can be risky, so let's talk about what you need to stay safe.

Car Preparation Checklist

• Essential Checks:
• Windshield wiper fluid
• Heater
• Wiper blades
• Antifreeze
• Tires (at least 3/16-inch tread depth)
• Lights
• Fuel system
• Battery
• Brakes
• Full tank of gas

Colorado's Winter Tire Laws

Colorado has special tire laws for winter. If the weather gets bad, you might need tires with a mud and snow (M+S) symbol or winter tires with a mountain-snowflake icon. All-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles have some flexibility, but chains or other traction devices might be required.

Choosing the Right Tires

• Summer Tires: Not suitable for winter.
• All-Season Tires: Okay for mild weather but not for heavy snow.
• All-Weather Tires: Can handle most winter conditions.
• Snow Tires: Safest choice for Colorado's winters. Look for the mountain-snowflake icon.

Emergency Kit Essentials

The National Weather Service suggests keeping the following in your car:

• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Snow shovel
• Ice scraper
• Blankets
• Non-perishable food
• Bottled water
• Booster cables
• Extra clothing
• Sand or kitty litter for traction
• Cell phone charger
• Flares or bright objects to signal for help.