Winter Driving Safety Tips: Your Guide to Safe Driving

Winter weather can make driving particularly challenging and dangerous. If you live in an area of the country that experiences snow, ice, and freezing temperatures during the winter months, it’s important to take steps to prepare your vehicle and yourself for safe driving. Here are some winter road safety tips to help get you through the season:

Prepare Your Vehicle
Before winter comes, check your battery, brakes, tires, and windshield wipers. It’s also a good idea to have your oil changed and your radiator flushed before winter sets in.

Keep Your Gas Tank Full
It’s important to keep your gas tank at least half full during the winter months. This will help prevent your gas lines from freezing up in cold weather.

Slow Down
Snow, ice and sleet can make roads slick and slippery. It’s important to reduce your speed and drive slower than you normally would. Brake gently and avoid sudden movements that could cause you to skid.

Give Yourself Extra Room
It takes longer to stop on snowy or icy roads, so be sure to leave extra distance between you and the car in front of you.

Use Your Headlights
Make sure your headlights are on whenever you’re driving during the day. Doing this will also make your vehicle more visible to other drivers on the road.

Don’t Use Cruise Control
If you’re driving on slippery roads, it’s important to have as much control over your vehicle as possible. Cruise control can make it more difficult to react quickly in case of an emergency.

Check Weather and Traffic Conditions
Before you head out on the road, check the weather and traffic conditions along your route. If conditions are too dangerous, consider delaying your trip until conditions improve.

Prepare an Emergency Kit
Even the best-laid plans can go awry on winter roads. It’s a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your car that includes a flashlight, blankets, water, non-perishable snacks, a first-aid kit and a shovel.

By taking these winter driving safety tips into consideration, you’ll be better prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way this winter. Remember to be cautious and when driving and stay on top of winter car care.

For more information on auto care and repair, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.