8 Winter Driving Tips To Consider This Season

We give you eight winter driving tips to consider when driving this season. If you find yourself stranded on the side of the road and need assistance, be sure to call and we will have a trained tow driver out to you in no time. In the meantime, read more helpful driving tips and be sure to share this blog with other friends and family.

Winterize Your Car

Make sure your car is up to date with fluids, brakes and fuel. It’s best to keep your fuel tank half full during the winter in case you get stuck on the highway. Be sure that you’ve recently had your oil changed and that all the other fluids in your car have been topped off before heading out on a long road trip.

INflate Your Tires

Flat tires happen. The last thing you want is to change a tire in the snow or ice. Be sure that your tires are properly inflated, as tire pressure fluctuates with the temperature. Check your owners manual to make sure that each tire is properly inflated to its appropriate levels.

Safety First

This goes without saying but always wear your seatbelt. In the case of an accident, your seatbelt could be the thing that saves your life. It’s a good rule of thumb to just immediately put your seat belt on once you get into the car. Be careful and drive safe during wintery conditions.

Slow down

Reduce your speed to correspond with winter conditions. When it comes to driving on snow or ice, there is no safe distance. You must be extremely cautious until you are able to determine how much traction you can expect from your tires. When snow really starts to accumulate, it’s in everyone’s best interest to slow down. Being able to stop in an unexpected icy patch can help you avoid sliding into a ditch.

Accelerate & Decelerate Slowly

Accelerating or decelerating while driving in snow or ice can cause your car to lose traction and potentially skid off the road. Slowly accelerate and avoid slamming on the brakes to prevent an accident while on the road. It’s best to slow down in most instances if you come into contact with wintery conditions.

Don’t Follow To Closely

A general driving tip to follow is the 3-4 second rule: stay at least 3-4 seconds behind the person in front of you. When driving in snow or on ice, this should be doubled. The last thing you want to happen is you slide into the car in front of you. Slowing down can help keep you and your vehicle safe while driving during the winter season.

Stay Alert

Do not drive distracted. Put down your cellphone and don’t mess with the radio when driving in uncertain conditions. Safe driving in snow means paying attention to all of your surroundings. It’s also recommended to avoid the use of cruise control. This goes along with staying alert. Using cruise control while driving in snow or on ice could lead to an accident, quickly. Keep the cruise control off while driving in winter conditions.

Plan Ahead

Check the weather before your trip. This could save you a lot of time and trouble while you’re driving on the icy roads during the winter. If accessible, check traffic routes and make sure there are no mater accidents. If you get on the road and stuck in a major accident you could be waiting for hours. Make sure you’re prepared with snacks and an emergency kit. Having a winter emergency kit in your car will help you be prepared while traveling.