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Living in Northern Michigan there are certain things you learn to deal with. The humid summers, the cold winters, and the variable weather in general can take it's toll. Coming into the winter months, with hilly areas such as Petoskey, there are certain things you can do keep yourself safe when traveling by automobile. Some recommendations include having proper windshield washing fluid that is meant to work at low temperatures. A scraper and brush for snow and ice is a must. Having some blankets and a flashlight in the car may also help if you find yourself in a ditch. Always make sure you have a cell phone charger if you need to call for help. One of the most overlooked safety precautions you can take is having a set of winter tires. Winter tires have rubber compounds that are meant to stay soft at lower temperatures. The reason all-season or summer tires don't work as effectively in cold temperatures is because the rubber compounds get stiffer in the cold and essentially become like rotating hockey pucks. Winter tires help improve your grip on snow and ice to help you get moving and more importantly to stop in a shorter distance. At the same time, you want to remove winter tires when the temperatures exceed 45 degrees regularly. That is because the compounds in winter tires are softer and will wear quicker in warmer temperatures. A final note, I was a nonbeliever when it comes to winter tires, however, after having a set, I won't ever go back to all seasons during the winter time. The protection and safety of my family is my utmost concern, and though not infallible, winter tires provide an additional safety barrier to protect myself and my family. Remember that if you don't think it's safe to drive - wait until it is. These tips above are not all-inclusive, but some of the steps you can take to keep yourself safe in the winter. Drive safe!