Winter Driving Preparedness for Sunshine Residents

When the snow flies and the canyon roads glaze over, being ready for winter driving isn’t just about convenience — it’s about safety for you, your family, and your neighbors. Every year, Sunshine Fire Protection District responds to preventable winter driving incidents. A few hours of preparation now can make all the difference when conditions turn icy.

This guide covers four key areas:

I. Preparing Your Vehicle | II. Safe Driving Techniques | III. Emergency Preparedness | IV. Home Driveway Readiness

I. Prepare Your Vehicle

Before temperatures drop, give your vehicle a full winter checkup — either on your own or with a trusted mechanic. Here’s what to focus on:

Battery

Cold weather can cut your battery’s cranking power in half. Have it tested early and clean any corrosion from terminals. If it’s weak in November, it won’t make it through January.

Tires

Check tire pressure monthly (it drops as temps fall). Make sure tread depth is at least 3/16”, and consider switching to winter or studded tires.

If your household has a second car, make it your “winter vehicle” with the best tires you can afford. For tire recommendations, feel free to reach out to the Fire Chief — he’s happy to share what works well in Sunshine Canyon.

Fluids

Use the correct 50/50 antifreeze mix, switch to winter-grade washer fluid, and follow the “severe use” oil schedule in your manual (shorter intervals for stop-and-go or 4x4 driving).

Even in Colorado’s moderate cold, thicker summer oil can strain your engine when traveling to colder states.

Visibility

Replace worn wiper blades, check all lights, and ensure your heater and defrosters are working. Clear visibility can be the difference between a close call and a crash. This includes clearing all windows, and clearing the snow off of the roof of your vehicle. The snow on top of your car can blind drivers behind you as it blows off, and it can cover your windshield when you come to a stop. It’s proper etiquette to just clear it everywhere. 

Brakes, Belts & Fuel, and Filters

Inspect brakes, hoses, and belts for cracks or softness. Keep your gas tank at least half full — it prevents fuel line freeze-ups and reduces condensation in the tank. Keep your cabin air filter clean as that helps your defrost work properly. A clogged and dirty filter will reduce the amount of air that comes out, and can have a negative impact on your health. 

II. Safe Driving Techniques

Even a perfectly tuned car can’t overcome unsafe driving habits. Here’s how to stay in control on our winding canyon roads:

• Slow Down: Posted speed limits are for perfect conditions — not snow, slush, or black ice.

• Increase Following Distance: Leave at least 8–10 seconds between you and the vehicle ahead.

• Go Easy: Gentle steering, braking, and acceleration prevent skids (and save your tires).

• Know Your Brakes:

  • With ABS: apply firm, steady pressure.

  • Without ABS: gently pump or “stab” the brakes.

• If You Skid: Steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Don’t slam the brakes.

• Watch for Black Ice: It forms first on shaded curves, bridges, and steep driveways. If you hit it, ease off the gas and keep your steering straight.

• Hills:

  • Uphill: steady power, don’t spin tires.

  • Downhill: shift to a lower gear and use gentle braking.

• No Cruise Control: You need full control on slippery roads.

• Clear Snow: Clean your windows, roof, hood, and lights before you go — flying ice and snow are hazards for others.

Snow tires provide essential traction on icy roads, ensuring safe acceleration and stopping during winter drives.

III. Emergency Preparedness

Always assume the unexpected. A small roadside emergency kit can make being stranded survivable — even comfortable — while waiting for help.

What to Pack

• Personal Safety: Warm blankets, boots, gloves, hats, non-perishable snacks, water, phone charger, and any medications. Enough for each occupant.

• Vehicle Recovery: Shovel, traction aid (sand, kitty litter, or traction boards), jumper cables or portable lithium-ion jump starter, LED flares or reflectors, and tire chains or Autosocks (a great, easy-to-use option — the fire district uses them too).

• Tools & First Aid: Flashlight with spare batteries, basic tools, and a first aid kit.

If You Get Stranded

Stay with your car unless you can clearly see safe shelter.

Run the engine 10–15 minutes per hour, keep the exhaust pipe clear, and crack a window slightly for ventilation. Turn on your hazard lights.

Remember, even mild fall days can turn frigid quickly after sunset — don’t underestimate the canyon’s chill.

Before You Go

Check forecasts and road conditions before traveling. Let someone know your route and estimated arrival time.

If a winter storm is rolling through, wait it out — a cup of coffee can wait, but your safety can’t.

IV. Home Driveway Preparation

In Sunshine Canyon, getting home (or out again) can be its own challenge. A little fall maintenance can prevent midwinter disasters.

• Seal Cracks: Inspect and seal any driveway cracks before freezing temps hit.

• Add Traction: Install a 3-foot-wide strip of crushed gravel alongside your driveway for emergency traction. Keep the tires on one side of the vehicle on that strip.

• Manage Drainage: Make sure melting snow can drain safely — not across your drive or the road, where it’ll refreeze as black ice. Plow and remove snow in the direction that the melted water won’t return to the road.

• Mark the Edges: Use driveway markers to protect landscaping and help snowplows and emergency vehicles see boundaries.

• Smart Parking: If you must park near a main road during storms, do so safely and leave space for fire trucks or ambulances.

• Hire Responsibly: Only hire snow removal contractors who’ve inspected your driveway in daylight.

• Avoid smooth or glazed concrete: It becomes dangerously slick in winter.

• Coordinate with Plows: Ensure snow is pushed to the downhill side so runoff doesn’t keep icing your drive.

If you’d like a safety review of your driveway for emergency access, contact the Fire District — we’re happy to help ensure your home stays reachable all year long.

Final Thoughts

Winter in Sunshine is beautiful — and unforgiving. With the right prep, a little caution, and a stocked car, you’ll be ready for whatever Mother Nature sends our way. Let’s keep our roads safe and our neighbors out of the ditch this season!

Stay Safe, Stay Warm, and Drive Prepared

— Sunshine Fire Protection District, Boulder, CO