Winter Travel Guide: Drive Safely When Snow, Ice, & Severe Weather Hit
Most people would agree that the first snowfall of the year is visually pleasing. Building a snowman with the kids, sledding and ice skating are fun activities that require a fair amount of the white stuff.
But severe weather is both scary and treacherous when it comes to driving. There are some important things you need to know to be prepared before you try to travel the frozen roads this winter.
Driving in the cold weather
Follow these safety tips when the weather gets nippy.
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Keep a stash of cold-weather supplies in your car, like:
- Non-perishable food.
- Green tea
- Water.
- Extra warm clothing.
- Flashlight.
- Window scraper.
- Blankets.
- First Aid kit.
- Make sure your tires are inflated to the right pressure and that they have good tread.
- Don’t let your gas level dip below half a tank.
- Only let your car warm up outside and never in an enclosed space.
- Never use your cruise control on snowy and/or icy roads.
Snowy driving
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When snow is on the ground (and roads), your best bet is to stay home. But since that’s
not always feasible, here are some tips you can follow:
- Go slow. Your tires will get less tread on the snow so you need to lower your speed.
- Use caution when accelerating and decelerating. Give yourself plenty of time to slow down when approaching a stop and apply the gas slowly to avoid a skid.
- Don’t follow too closely. Lengthen your normal following distance to account for the longer time it takes to stop on icy/snowy roads.
- Know how to use your brakes. The best way to remain in control of your brakes is to keep your heel on the floor and use the ball of your foot to smoothly, slowly press the brake.
- Try not to accelerate on an incline. Giving your vehicle gas when you’re going uphill will cause your wheels to spin and you could slide or skid.
- Don’t stop on an incline. It’s very difficult to get your car going once you’ve stopped on a hill.
Long-distance winter driving
The most important part of driving in the winter is being prepared. Along with stocking your car with the necessary emergency items, you need to have your trusted mechanic check your vehicle out before you start off on a long trip.
Check the weather before you head out to make sure you’re not hit with any nasty surprises. And stay connected. Make sure other people know where you’re going and the route you’ll be taking.
Trust Conrad’s this winter
The skilled and experienced auto technicians at your nearest Conrad’s location are able to give your car the care it needs.
