Is Your Vehicle Ready for East Tennessee Winter Driving?

Winter in Knoxville doesn’t bring snow every week, but East Tennessee winters bring their own hazards: ice storms that coat roads and trees, snow and closures in the Smokies, dense fog in river valleys, and black ice on bridges and overpasses. Now is the time to get your vehicle ready.

Try these 6 tips:

1. Be ready for ice and black ice

Bridges and overpasses freeze first, and hilly roads around Knoxville can turn slick fast. Slow down, leave extra room, and avoid sudden braking. If ice is in the forecast, the safest choice is often to stay home until roads are treated.

2. Check wipers, fluids, and tires

Replace worn wiper blades, top off washer fluid with a winter blend, and check your antifreeze. Tire tread and pressure matter more in cold weather, since tire pressure drops as temperatures fall.

3. Watch for fog

Fog settles in the valleys along the Tennessee River and its lakes. Use your low beams, not high beams, and slow down. In December 1990, dense fog on I-75 near Calhoun caused one of the worst chain-reaction crashes in state history.

4. Have brakes and steering inspected

Wet and icy roads put your brakes to the test. A mechanic should inspect your brake pads, brake fluid, and steering system before winter.

5. Heading to the mountains? Plan ahead

Newfound Gap Road (US-441) through the Great Smoky Mountains often closes for snow and ice, and roads up to cabins can be steep and unpaved. Check road conditions before you go, and don’t rely on GPS shortcuts on mountain roads.

6. Keep an emergency kit in the car

Along with a first-aid kit, flashlight, and road flares, keep these in your car this winter:

• Drinking water and snacks
• Phone charger and charging cables
• Jumper cables
• Blankets and warm clothing
• Ice scraper and a small shovel
• Bag of sand or cat litter for traction

If you’re traveling with children, bringing along books, cards, or games to keep them entertained is a clever idea.

Be ready for emergencies

Slow down and keep a safe stopping distance in ice, fog, and rain. It’s better to take your time than to rush and cause an accident. And make sure your auto policy includes roadside assistance and the coverage you’d want after a crash. Drive safe out there!