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First comes snow, then come snow missiles: AAA reminds you to clean off your car before you drive

Posted at 11:42 AM, Mar 13, 2017
and last updated 2017-03-13 11:42:56-04

You're driving along, minding your own business, when the car in front delivers a snow missile that goes splat against your windshield.

Here's another scenario: Snow from your own roofs slips down and covers your windshield when you slow down or apply your brakes. Result: you can't see a thing. 

With several inches of snow projected to fall in NE Ohio this evening and overnight, AAA says motorists may want to give themselves time to clean snow and ice from their cars before hitting the road. 

Not only could slick roads slow down the morning commute, if snow becomes dislodged from their vehicle and strikes another vehicle or pedestrian, there is the potential for an accident. -AAA

WATCH: What it looks like when a snow missile hits

“Spending a few extra minutes cleaning the ice and snow off your car in the morning can make your commute less stressful and safer for everyone,” said Bevi Powell, Senior Vice President, AAA East Central. “Ice and snow interferes with your vision and can become dangerous projectiles that damage other vehicles and affect the visibility of drivers near your automobile.”

WATCH: This is what also could happen (driver laughs, but it can be dangerous)

More reminders from AAA:

  • Make sure the battery and charging system are in good condition. Cold weather places high demands on vehicle electrical systems.
  • Have the brakes inspected, and check that they apply smoothly and evenly to help prevent wheels from locking when the roads get slippery.
  • Ensure proper tire inflation. The air pressure in tires will drop 1-2 psi for every 10 degrees drop in outside temperature. Under-inflation can reduce traction and damage tires.
  • Choose narrow tires over wide tires for best snow traction. Wide tires “float” on top of snow, while narrow tires cut through it for better traction.
  • Make sure the engine coolant provides adequate anti-freeze protection. A 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water provides protection to -30 degrees Fahrenheit (-34 degrees Celsius).
  • Replace wipers that streak the windshield, and consider using winter wiper blades that have rubber covers to prevent snow and ice buildup from impairing effectiveness. Fill the windshield washer reservoir with an antifreeze washer solvent.
  • Keep the gas tank at least half full at all times to minimize condensation that can lead to gas line freeze-up.
  • Carry a winter driving kit for use in the event of an emergency.

Your winter driving kit:

It should include tire chains (if legal in the area driven), a small bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter), a small snow shovel, a snow brush, traction mats, a flashlight with new batteries, window washing solvent, an ice scraper, a cloth or roll of paper towels, jumper cables, a blanket, warning devices (flares or triangles), a charged cellular phone, drinking water, a pair of gloves and extra clothes.

RELATED: Unsuspecting drivers hit with wall of snow and slush during morning commute

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