Safe Tips for Driving in the Snow

Driving in snowy and icy weather can be a daunting prospect. We’re midway through winter already, but there’s still plenty of snow ahead in some parts of the United States. With this in mind, let’s look at a few tips to make sure you’re prepared before you head out and you operate your vehicle safely while on the road.

Here are safe driving tips for the snowy season:

• Test the battery: Your battery power will drop when the temperature drops, so it’s important to regularly test your battery to make sure it won’t die on you at the worst possible time.
• Consider installing winter tires: Winter tires have deeper and more flexible treads, which increases friction in otherwise slippery conditions. This will help you more confidently maneuver your vehicle on snowy and icy roadways.
• Replace wiper blades: If you’re driving in a snowstorm, you’re going to need to have wiper blades that are in good condition so you can keep your windshield clear. Change your wiper blades before you absolutely need to so you don’t compromise your safety on the road.
• Fill your gas tank more often: Try to keep your gas tank at least half full at all times. This will prevent the possibility of gas line freezes. It’s an uncommon problem but one that you can eliminate by taking these steps.
• Check tire pressure: Tire pressure drops as the temperature drops. This means if you don’t pay attention to your pressure, you could be driving around with tires dangerously low on air. Keep your tire pressure at optimal levels according to the manufacturer’s
• Avoid driving if possible: When the weather gets particularly bad, do your best to stay home. Work remotely if possible, postpone errands and avoid going out for anything that’s not entirely necessary. This is the best way to stay safe in inclement weather.
• Avoid cruise control: Cruise control is useful for situations when you’re driving on a highway in good condition, but you need to be paying much more attention to your driving during inclement weather and, thus, should avoid using it.
• Increase stopping distance: When the roads are covered with snow and ice, it will take longer to bring your vehicle to a complete stop due to the loss of friction; therefore, make sure you increase your stopping distance and give yourself more room behind vehicles in front of you.
• Decrease speed: Many winter accidents occur because people fail to adjust their driving speeds to the conditions. Slow down, and be safe and attentive on the roads. At higher speeds in these conditions, you’re more likely to lose control of your vehicle and get into a significant accident as a result.
• Steer into the skid: If your vehicle starts to skid, steer in the direction of the skid so you do not have to overcorrect once your wheels regain traction.

For more information about how you can stay safe on the roads during the winter and how to prepare for when driving in snow, contact us at S & R Repairs Towing & Recovery Inc.

Categorised in: Vehicle Maintenance