PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-723
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 723
FEBRUARY 2013
14
PS 723
FEB 13
On the Road
•
When starting out, accelerate slowly with the front wheels pointed straight ahead. If
road conditions deteriorate, don’t overreact with quick starts, turns or stops.
•
Keep your speed down and increase following distance behind other vehicles. A four-
second gap is the minimal interval on slippery roads.
•
Don’t be overconfident. Even four-
wheel drive vehicles slide on ice.
•
Apply brakes with steady pressure to
help prevent locked wheels and skids. If
your vehicle starts skidding, lightly turn
into the skid and ease your foot off the
gas pedal until you regain control.
•
Check and understand road conditions.
Know
the
differences.
Vehicle
operations may start out as GREEN or
AMBER, but could change to RED or
BLACK during your mission.
- Lights, defroster and heater.
Make
sure all components are working.
- Tire pressure.
Inflate tires to your
vehicle’s recommended psi. Properly
inflated tires can help you gain better
traction in wet or snowy conditions.
- Brakes.
Ensure the brake lines and
hoses are serviceable and brake fluid
is at the proper level.
- Windshield wiper blades and fluid.
Replace worn blades and fill the wiper
fluid reservoir. Take time to clean the
windshields, too. Precipitation and salt
buildup on glass reduces visibility.
- Basic issue items (B
II
).
Ensure B
II
inventory is complete and all items are in
your vehicle.
- Tire chains.
Verify they are the right
size and in good condition. When you
use chains, make sure they are properly
installed. Remove slack. Loose chains can
damage tires and axle components.
- Emergency kit.
Road Conditions Refresher
GREEN: Road conditions normal.
AMBER: Military vehicles will not be driven on roads except for essential official
business. Commander may be directing authority.
RED: Same as amber, except directing authority is officer with 0-5 rank or above.
Government vehicles required to travel will use tire chains or other similar devices
designed for heavy snow conditions.
BLACK: Roads generally impassible due to landslides, washouts, ice, etc. All government
owned/leased/operated vehicles prohibited from movement. Commanders 0-6 or above
may authorize emergency vehicles to operate after risk assessment. If snow or ice caused
the road conditions, tire chains or similar are required.
Note: Check with your garrison or installation safety office for current road conditions.
For more information on PMCS and other vehicle-related topics, check out the USACRC
Driver’s Training Toolbox at:
Install chains in ice and snow
- Tire-tread depth.
Check that it’s
within measurements.
Along
with these
tips, heed
any special
WARNiNG
or
CAUTiON
statements
in your
vehicle’s TM.
Gloves, an ice
scraper, extra
windshield
washer fluid,
jumper cables,
a first-aid kit,
snow shovel
and flashlight
are all helpful
in emergency
situations.
Prior planning, winterizing
vehicles and practicing good
road habits are
keys
to a
safe driving experience.
Check wiper
blade for
damage…
…and make
sure screw
is tight
Never slam on the brakes! Front wheels lock
with heavy braking and you lose steering.
723 14-15.indd
1-2
12/31/12
2:18 PM
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