10 Winter Driving Tips: How to Stay Safe on the Road This Season
As winter approaches and temperatures drop, winter driving can become a hazardous proposition. To stay safe on the road this season, it is essential to be aware of the best winter driving tips. Even experienced drivers can find winter weather conditions difficult and dangerous to navigate, so following these winter driving tips will help ensure you arrive safely at your destination.
Winter Driving Tips
Check Tires
When winter hits, it’s important to check that your tires have enough tread and pressure to help maximize traction. Make sure all four tires are properly inflated and replace any worn-out ones before hitting the road.
Bring an Emergency Kit
A winter emergency kit should include items such as tire chains, jumper cables, a flashlight, extra warm clothes, a blanket, a shovel, snacks, and water. Having this kit on hand can help you stay prepared if winter weather conditions leave you stranded.
Slow Down
Snow and ice can make roads slippery and difficult to navigate; winter driving requires more time and distance for braking, accelerating, and turning than usual. Be sure to keep your speed down as much as possible in winter conditions, so that you have plenty of time to react when necessary.
Stay Visible
Make sure all of your lights are working properly; this includes headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. Also, be sure to clear off any snow or ice from the car windows before starting out — visibility is key to winter driving safety.
Avoid Cruise Control
Many vehicles come equipped with cruise control, but winter conditions are no time to activate it. Cruise control can take away the extra responsiveness you need when winter weather requires extra caution and alertness on the road.
Don’t Pass Snow Plows
It may be tempting to pass a snow plow on the highway or interstate, but this is not advised — snow plows travel at slow speeds and have large blind spots on either side of them. Give them plenty of room so they can safely do their jobs.
Use Caution in Intersections
When approaching an intersection, slow down and don’t assume that other drivers will stop or that you have the right of way. Take extra care to make sure each vehicle has stopped before proceeding.
Don’t Stop on a Hill If You Can Avoid It
Stopping on a hill can be especially tricky in winter conditions — if you can avoid it, do so. If you must stop, try to stay as far right as possible and slowly release the brakes until you start to move again.
Stay Alert
Winter driving requires your full attention; don’t let yourself get distracted by the radio, cell phones, passengers, or other activities while driving in winter weather conditions.
Monitor Weather Conditions
Before hitting the road, check the local weather forecasts for winter storm warnings and advisories. If winter weather is predicted, adjust your plans accordingly and avoid driving until conditions improve.
What should you carry in your car during winter driving?
When winter driving, it is important to make sure you have the right supplies with you in your car. It’s best to be prepared for any winter weather conditions that may arise while on the road. Make sure you carry a winter driving kit with items such as an ice scraper, de-icer, winter boots and gloves, extra blankets, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Also, consider carrying a bag of sand or kitty litter which can provide needed traction if your vehicle gets stuck in snow or mud. Additionally, having a mobile phone charger and jumper cables can come in handy if your car battery dies during cold spells. Lastly, it’s always good to have some snacks and water available in case of an emergency.
By following these winter driving tips and taking the necessary precautions, you’ll be well on your way to a safe winter journey. If the unexpected happens and you need auto body repair for winter weather-related damage, La Auto Craft is here to help. Contact us today for quality craftsmanship and reliable service.