Ready for winter driving? Gear up for safer roads together with these cool winter driving tips! First off, it’s smart to give your car a winter tune-up. Set up an appointment with us to have a supercharged auto makeover. Getting tires, batteries, belts, blades, and fluids checked or replaced can really help to maintain your car’s performance and keep you safe during those tricky winter months on the road.
Now, the golden rule: if you absolutely must hit the road during a storm, slow down. Stay within the speed limit, especially in snow or freezing conditions. Deceleration gives you extra reaction time. If you find your vehicle slipping on snow or ice, gently tap the brakes and downshift to regain control. Here are some additional tips:
Give yourself extra time to reach your destination. Keep a safe distance—three car lengths—between you and the car ahead of you. This way, you’ll have enough space to react if needed.
If your vehicle drifts off-road and can’t make your way back to the road because of icy conditions, hunker down inside your car and call 911 for roadside assistance.
Use your lights, high beams, or flashers to catch the attention of other drivers.
Do not keep the engine running non-stop. If you’re stuck, turn the vehicle on every 30-60 minutes to help maintain your warmth. Alternate the engine in this manner to also save needed gasoline.
Do not drink alcohol – it will lower the temperature of your body and increasingly make you drowsy.
Now, for your car’s survival kit! Pack your trunk with these essentials:
- First aid kit
- Jumper cable – a lifeline for your car
- Ice scraper with a brush
- Tire chains – think of these as snow boots for your vehicle
- Blankets
- Salt, sand, even kitty litter – for slippery situations
- Flashlight and batteries
- Emergency flares to draw attention
- Snow shovel or a collapsible one
- Water to stay hydrated
- Cell phone charger
- A big jar candle and matches
- Quart of oil
- Bright-colored fabric strip to help draw attention to your vehicle
With these in tow, you’ll better equipped to conquer all winter driving conditions.
