As winter quickly approaches, it may be a good idea to start thinking about what kinds of conditions you may face when traveling. Below are some general winter driving tips that will be useful in helping you to avoid hazardous conditions or emergency situations.
- Prepare Your Vehicle
Although you should keep your vehicle in top-operating condition throughout the entire year, it is especially important during the winter months in order to avoid potential dangerous situations. Make sure that the following are checked and operating properly:
- tire pressure/tread
- antifreeze
- wiper blades/windshield washer fluid
- defroster/heater
- battery
- lights
- brakes/brake fluid
- motor oil
- belts, hoses, filters
- Slow Down & Leave Plenty of Stopping Room
When driving in snow or ice, you should do everything slowly and gently. This includes accelerating, turning, and braking. Driving too fast is the number one winter driving error and can easily be avoided. Remember that posted speed limits identify the maximum speed for dry roads and ideal conditions, so you will have to adjust your speed according to the current conditions.
Also, snow and ice makes stopping distances much longer because your tires are just barely gripping the road. It’s important to be able to anticipate stops and leave plenty of distance between you and other cars in order to avoid mishaps.
- Remove Snow & Ice from Vehicle
Be sure to clear all snow and ice from your vehicle before driving. This includes the windows, headlights, brake lights – even the hood and roof. You don’t want any snow slipping down on your windshield or windows while you are driving.
- Know Your Surroundings
If possible, call your local number for traveler information, check the internet, or watch the local news before heading out to see what the current conditions are like. This can help you to know what to expect once you are out on the roads. By knowing your area, you may also choose to avoid hills, high congestion areas, and bridges, since they are all risky areas when combined with snow or ice.
- Be Alert
Even if you are being cautious and maintaining control of your own vehicle while on the road, remember that not everyone else is doing the same. It is important to be aware of other drivers and try to anticipate their next move. Doing this may alert you to potential problems and give you extra time to react.
- Know Your Tire & Chain Options
It’s a good idea to fit your chains on your tires before you actually have to use them. This way you will be prepared when you do need them and you’ll be sure that they fit and work properly. You can also opt to use traction tires. Just be sure to select the best winter tire for the specific conditions that you will be driving in – your local tire dealer can help you choose the best option.
- Gas
It is important to always have a full tank or at least slightly more than half of a tank of gas when traveling in winter conditions. You never know what can happen - you may get caught in a traffic jam or have to change routes and the extra gas will be a necessity.
- Cell Phones
Although it is recommended to never use your cell phone while driving, it is especially important to stay off of it when driving in winter weather. You need to be alert and know what is happening on the roads around you and a phone conversation is a major distraction. On the other hand, it’s important to always have your cell phone with you in case of an emergency situation.
- Cruise Control/Four-Wheel Drive
It’s best to not use your cruise control in snow, ice or freezing weather. Even though roads can appear clear or dry, there may be slippery spots where you need to brake to deactivate your cruise control. This quick touch of the brake can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
Also remember that with four-wheel drive, it only helps you get going quicker, but it doesn’t help you stop any faster.
- Be Prepared
It’s always best to be prepared for the unexpected. You’ll be glad you are if you ever run into an emergency. Consider keeping these items in your vehicle during the winter driving months:
- ice-scraper/snowbrush
- flashlight
- long jumper cables
- small shovel
- water/snacks
- extra clothes or a blanket
- bag of sand for traction
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