Winter Driving Tips
Winter is coming…
The weather is starting to slowly transition from the warm Summer months into the colder Fall and Winter seasons. This will bring wet and icy driving conditions in many states. So here are our top Winter driving tips to help you avoid any unwanted accidents.
TIP ONE - Slow Down
Reducing your speed is the easiest and most effective method to avoid accidents, particularly if the roads are slippery from snow, ice, or rainfall. Driving slower gives you more time to react to a dangerous situation in front of you. Be sure to allow extra time for your journey because if you are rushing to get somewhere you are more likely to speed and increase your chance of getting into an accident. If the driving conditions are really bad consider canceling your trip to avoid the worst of the conditions.
TIP TWO - Winter Tires
If you live in an area where Fall and Winter temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit you should consider changing your Summer or all-season tires for a set of Winter ones. These tires work better at a lower temperature providing you with more grip in snow, ice, and cold wet conditions.
TIP THREE - Keep Your Distance
Avoid driving too close to the car in front of you as this reduces the time you have to react to a situation unfolding. If the roads are slippery you should leave as much distance as possible to the car ahead, allow 3 to 4 car lengths at slow speeds, and increase the distance as the speed increase. The more distance you leave, the more time you have to react.
TIP FOUR - Easy Does It
Another method to improve traction in snow and ice is to apply the accelerator and brake as gently as possible. This will eliminate wheelspin and locked brakes which increase traction and ultimately car control. If you find yourself in a slide you can try and reduce your reliance on the brake pedal by gradually changing to a lower gear. This will help to keep the wheels rotating providing more grip.
TIP FIVE - Light It Up
Visibility is reduced during heavy rain or snow showers so make sure that you are visible to other drivers by turning your lights on. It may not increase what you can see but your taillights and headlights will be seen by others. Most modern cars have ‘daytime running lights,’ which automatically come on when you start the car. However, they don’t usually turn on the taillights so you should turn on your lights as an extra precaution.
TIP SIX - Anti-Freeze
For the Winter months, we recommend keeping your windshield washer topped up with an anti-freeze solution that can help clear snow and ice before and during your journey. Purchase a good quality cleaner with anti-freeze included so that every time you clean your windshield the ice is removed.