Tips for Safe Driving in Alaska

Alaska is truly unique, with towering mountains, breathtaking wilderness and an environment unlike any other U.S. state.

Alaska also has one of the most extreme climates, where the harsh cold can significantly impact your vehicle and create potentially serious driving hazards.

For this reason, it is important to know how to properly maintain your vehicle for driving in Alaska's severe cold weather.

Maintaining Your Car or Truck in the Cold

Most drivers know that routine vehicle maintenance is important. However, there are several maintenance steps that drivers should take if they anticipate driving in a cold environment.

Check the Antifreeze

An essential part of protecting your vehicle in the cold is the antifreeze. All vehicles contain a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze. You want to make sure the level of antifreeze in your radiator is close to this 50/50 mixture.

Inspect the Tires

Those driving in cold conditions with frequent snowfall should not let their tires go unattended. You should take the time to check the tread depth of your tires. Experts recommend that when driving in winter-like conditions, you should not let the tread depth of your tires fall below one-eighth of an inch. Additionally, many veterans of driving in the snow recommend purchasing snow tires, which offer added groove capacity and increased traction.

Replace the Windshield Wipers

To ensure that your view remains clear while driving, it is best to check your windshield wipers often and replace them when necessary. Many drivers living in areas with frequent snowfall find rubber-coated wipers help fight ice build-up, and you can even purchase heated windshield wipers to provide additional protection against the cold.

Check the Windshield Washer Fluid

When checking the various fluids in your vehicle, make sure you do not skip the windshield washer fluid, which will help your wipers work better in harsh conditions. Quality windshield washer fluid should never freeze, but if you want to be on the safe side, you can purchase fluid that is made especially for winter conditions to help cut through snow and ice.

De-Ice the Fuel Tank

Adding a bottle of de-icer to your fuel tank at least once a month will help prevent moisture from freezing in the fuel line. Additionally, keeping your gas tank filled also will help prevent this moisture from forming in the first place.

Check the Oil

Oil that is dirty or contaminated can become sludgy, which in turn makes the engine harder to turn over and start when temperatures become cold. For this reason, it is even more important to check your vehicle's oil routinely.

Consider Purchasing an Engine Block Heater

An engine block heater is an electrical device that warms your vehicle's engine when it is not running. Having an engine block heater will help your car to start more easily, reducing the wear and tear on your engine. Additionally, a block heater helps oil to flow better, allowing the engine to receive better lubrication during start-up.

Keep a Cold-Weather Emergency Kit in the Vehicle

It is important that you keep an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times and that the items in the kit are appropriate for the cold weather. Items that should be kept in a cold-weather emergency kit include:

• An ice scraper and de-icer fluid
• A road flare
• Additional warm clothing and a blanket
• A pair of warm hiking boots
• A shovel
• A first-aid kit
• Battery jump leads