With the news about Snow in New Orleans, it reminds me that being prepared for the snow is always a good thing. Many people skip preparing to drive in snowy weather. Special tires can be expensive, for example. But inevitably, you may find yourself out in the snow somewhere and stuck. Maybe you were still at work when the snow started to fall, or you had a doctor’s appointment or you needed to run out for milk. Whatever the case, take a look at the following tips to help you drive in the snow and do so frugally.
First, it almost goes without saying that if you don’t need to drive in the snow then don’t. A missed day of work will cost less in the long run than will repairs to your car from an accident, towing fees to get it out of the snow or worse hospital bills!
Be prepared with snow tires. The easiest and most effective way to do this is to go down to the junkyard and pick up four snow tires that are already on their rims. This way, you can switch them out easily every year yourself and save money. If you want to be really frugal, opt for two snow tires for the drive wheels. All-weather tires just don’t have the same ability and handling in snow as special snow tires. One word of warning, most tires today are put on by a machine that tightens the bolts. This can make it more difficult to change tires yourself. You can ask your garage to hand tighten the tire bolts the next time it is serviced.
Carpool with someone who has four-wheel drive. Offer to kick in a few bucks for gas and tag along to work or the store with someone who has a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Add weight to the back of your car frugally. With weight over the rear wheels, you are less likely to spin out. Stock up on something that you made need anyway and place it in the trunk. Some ideas include stones for your spring landscaping, kitty litter, play sand, etc. As a bonus, some of these materials, such as the sand or the litter could be used in a pinch to provide traction to a spinning wheel.
Click here for more articles by Mary Ann Romans.
Home Heating Costs: Have You Done the Snow Test?
Frugal Fun: Make Your Own Snow Paint
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