Winter Driving Preparation Checklist

Chain up when chain controls are posted or when road conditions require it. Park and wait when visibility drops below 200 feet, when roads are closing, when wind gusts exceed 45 mph, or when you feel unsafe. No load is worth your life. Your ELD can log adverse driving conditions for up to 2 extra hours if needed.

Use winter-blend diesel (available at most fuel stops in cold climates from October through March). Add anti-gel additive before temperatures drop below 20°F. Keep your fuel tank at least half full to reduce condensation. If fuel does gel, use an emergency additive like Power Service 911 and allow time for it to work before attempting to start.

Black ice (invisible ice on wet-looking pavement), bridge deck icing (bridges freeze before road surfaces), whiteout conditions from ground blizzards, and freezing rain are the most dangerous. Reduce speed to 50% or more in these conditions, increase following distance to 8-10 seconds, and avoid sudden braking or steering inputs.