Here are some tips for winter driving courtesy of the Iowa Department of Transportation.

Before Driving

Things to do

• Keep your gas tank near full.
• Check road conditions before heading out. Watch the local news, listen to news radio and listen to what the state police and travel experts say.
• Give yourself extra time to get to your destination.
• Don't go out unless it's absolutely necessary.
• Warm up the car before you take off.
• Make sure your battery is fully charged and the terminals and connections are clean.
• Follow your owner's manual for maintenance and service. Have a qualified mechanic check your vehicle.

While Driving

Use common sense when venturing out on wintry roads. Do not overestimate your ability or your vehicle's to overcome bad driving conditions. Traveling at high speeds on wet or slick roads can cause your vehicle to lose contact with the road.

• Slow down. Wear seat belts. Never drink and drive.
• Put extra distance between you and the car in front of you.
• Don't slam on the brakes. The wheels could lock, causing your car to slide.
• If your car starts to slide, turn your wheels in the direction it is sliding to straighten it out.
• Drive on interstates or one-way roads whenever possible. Head-on collisions are among the greatest killers on wet roads.
• Turn on your lights to see and be seen.
• Clear snow and ice off the headlights, tail lights, mirrors and license plates.
• Stop the car when necessary to keep the windows clear.
• Be aware that bridges, ramps and overpasses may freeze first.
• Check the windshield wipers to make sure they are not frozen to the windshield.
• Consider replacing your original wipers with heavy-duty ones.
• Be patient and use caution when driving near or behind working snow plows.

Know Your Brakes

• Anti-lock brakes: Do not pump anti-lock brakes. Just step on the pedal once.  Let the technology help you stop the car. But don't put too much faith in your anti-lock brakes.
• Conventional brakes: Gently pump the brake pedal, with your heel on the floorboard and your toe on the pedal.

Cars and Snow

Stuck in the snow? Don't panic! Spinning your wheels will only dig you in deeper.

Start by shoveling a path in front and behind the wheels. Straighten your wheels to minimize rolling resistance. Spreading sand or putting down strips of carpet also helps.  Be careful if pushing from behind as items will come to the rear when wheels catch.  You can also try rocking the vehicle by moving forward and backward in rapid succession, each time moving a little farther until free.

Things to keep in the car: