Extreme Weather Driving Tips
In Philadelphia, it is mandatory by law that all motorists use their headlights on dark days, in heavy traffic, and in such weather conditions as rain, snow, sleet, hail, fog, smoke, or smog. This also includes all Philadelphia rent a car. In addition there are other things you can do to ensure your safety on the road. Snow, ice, and extreme cold can make driving treacherous; here are a few tips on safe driving in such conditions.

Before winter arrives, have your car tuned up, check the level of antifreeze, make sure the battery is good, and check your tire tread or put on snow tires.

Keep an emergency pack in your car for everyday trips, such a pack should include:

• cell phone
• flashlight
• jumper cables
• sand or kitty litter (for traction)
• ice scraper, snow brush, and small shovel
• blankets
• warning devices (e.g., flares, reflectors)

For long car trips, keep food, water, extra blankets, and required medication on hand. If your car is parked outside, make sure the exhaust pipe and the area around it are free of snow before you start the car. Snow packed in or around the exhaust pipe can cause high levels of carbon monoxide in the car. If your car stalls or gets stuck in snow, light two flares and place one at each end of the car, a safe distance away. Make sure snow has not blocked the exhaust pipe. Then stay in your vehicle and open a window slightly to let in fresh air. Wrap yourself in blankets and run your vehicle's heater for a few minutes every hour to keep warm.

Slick Roads
On wet days roads can get very click, and in spots where trees or buildings shield the road there can be spots of ice, as it is the area that freezes firsts and dries last. As a rule bridges also tend to freeze before the roads do. The most slippery time of a rain storm is the first few minutes of rain, as all of the oil on the road is lifted, and is not washed away right away. It is important to remember to be aware of these trouble situations, and never brake suddenly on slippery road, which will result in the locking of your wheels, and loss of control.

Your tires do acts as windshield wipers for the ground, wiping away most of the water as you drive over it, however at speeds over 35 miles per hour, the tires cannot get rid of all the water and you will be driving over a thin plane of water. This is called "hydroplaning" which can be very dangerous but avoided but reducing you driving speed. Finally, never attempt to drive across a flooded road, as six inched is enough to float some small cars.

Winter Roads
All cars should be equipped with winter tires for the winter season. When driving on snow or ice, always accelerate slowly and try not to spin the wheels. Adjust your speed to compensate for lost traction and reduce braking ability. Always reduce speed and increase distance from other cars on the road, avoid making sudden moves (no fast turns, quick accelerations, or hard braking), and watch for ice patches, wet leaves and bridges, that tend to freeze before the road.