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. First, make sure your car is in good shape. Check things like windshield wiper fluid, heater, wiper blades, and antifreeze. Don't forget about your tires! They should have at least 3/16-inch tread depth. Also, ensure your lights, fuel system, battery, and brakes are working properly. A full tank of gas is a good idea too. 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. Not all tires are the same. Summer tires are no good in winter. All-season tires are okay for mild weather but not for heavy snow. All-weather tires can handle most winter conditions, but snow tires are the safest choice for Colorado's winters. Look for the mountain-snowflake icon on snow tires. Even with the best tires and a well-maintained car, emergencies can happen. The National Weather Service suggests keeping a few things in your car. Pack a flashlight, first aid kit, snow shovel, ice scraper, blankets, non-perishable food, bottled water, booster cables, extra clothing, sand or kitty litter for traction, a cell phone charger, and flares or bright objects to signal for help.