The Viva Dodge Dealership near El Paso, TX will Help you Winterize Your Ride

 

Recently, car crashes, pileups, and motorists stranded for hours on interstate highways have been in the news, which led us to think about being prepared for an emergency when driving. While we can't always prevent crises from happening, we can prepare ourselves for the 

 possibility of something going wrong. Winter driving can always add some extra danger to already unpredictable conditions. Sliding off the blacktop and getting stuck is a common fear among drivers during cold weather months, and legitimately so. If this were to happen to any of us, we'd hope and pray that help arrives quickly. In the event of having to wait for some time before a tow truck or other assistance gets to you, keeping a winter emergency kit in your vehicle is the way to go! Check out some of the suggestions from Viva CJDRF, your friendly Dodge dealership near El Paso, TX.

 

What Should I Do If My Car Slides Off the Road?

 

Ice-covered or snow-covered roads always make travel more difficult, but they're something we must deal with if we plan on doing anything during the winter months. If your crossover does slide off the highway, here's what to do:

• Check on each passenger: Make sure no one has injuries or is bleeding. Check on the driver and passengers of any other cars involved.
• Call for help: If someone needs medical assistance, call 9-1-1 and give as much information about your locale and damages as you can. Even if there are no injuries, it may be required to call emergency services. Just the presence of a police car can help make the scene safer until a wrecker can pull the vehicle(s) out. 
• Stay calm: Losing control of your car is a terrifying ordeal! Take a few deep breaths and do your best to remain as steady as you can. Stay with your vehicle and away from the roadway to keep yourself and your passengers as safe as possible.

 

How do I Create a Vehicle Emergency Kit?

 

Being ready for a catastrophe will go a long way toward helping keep everyone as safe as possible. Our team members suggest always having these essential items in your automobile:

• Blankets, hats, socks, gloves/mittens
• Bottled water and non-perishable food
• Extra cell phone/device chargers
• First-aid kit
• Hand-warmers
• Ice-scraper/snow brush
• Jumper cables
• Road flares or reflective triangle hazard signs
• Tools or a multi-tool
• Working flashlight with extra batteries

If you own a larger sized vehicle, like a pickup truck or SUV, you may have enough cargo space to carry along some extra items, as well. You never know when you or someone else may need your quick thinking. Your friends at Viva Dodge dealership near El Paso, TX recommend packing some of the following items if possible: 

• Winter boots
• Warm sleeping bag
• Tire chains
• Tow straps
• Folding snow shovel
• Bag of sand or regular cat litter

 

Will my Dodge dealership near El Paso, TX help me?

 

By sticking to your vehicle's regular maintenance schedule, you can ensure that it will be in good shape to endure the situation while keeping you and your passengers safe if an emergency should arise. A good set of winter tires makes winter driving safer, and a vehicle with four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive gives you even more confidence for tackling winter drives. If your car isn't winter-ready, or you don't think it'll make it through the season, visit Viva CJDRF at 860 N. Telshor Blvd in Las Cruces, NM, and we'll get it ready or get you into something better!