Cold weather is hard on cars and drivers. Here are winter tips to stay safe in Northern Virginia, and what to do if you end up in a ditch.
Why Winter Is Hard on Cars
Northern Virginia winters bring cold snaps, ice, and the occasional heavy snow, and each one stresses your vehicle differently. Cold drains weak batteries, ice causes slide-offs, and salt and slush hide slick spots. A little prep keeps you off the shoulder.
Before the Cold Hits
- Test your battery, cold weather kills marginal ones fast
- Check tire tread and pressure (pressure drops as temperatures fall)
- Keep your tank above half full to avoid fuel-line freeze and to stay warm if stranded
- Top off antifreeze and winter washer fluid
- Pack a cold-weather kit: blanket, flashlight, phone charger, gloves, and a scraper
If You Slide Off the Road
Every winter we pull vehicles out of ditches along Route 28, Linton Hall Road, and the rural roads toward Nokesville. If you slide off, stay in the vehicle if it's safe, keep your hazards on, and call for a winch-out recovery. Don't try to muscle it out or spin the tires, you can dig in deeper or damage the car. Call 571-520-0898.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you pull my car out of a ditch in the snow?
Yes. Winch-out recovery is one of our most common winter calls. Stay in the vehicle with hazards on and call 571-520-0898, we'll get you out safely.
Do you operate during snow storms?
Yes, we run 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including through winter weather. Response times may be a bit longer when roads are bad, but we answer.