Winter weather can change in a heartbeat. Drivers are often faced with challenges that the have never had to face before when they have been behind the wheel. Snow, slush and ice on the roads are involved in one in four weather related incidents. East Hills Chevrolet of Roslyn wants to help with that statistic and give you some winter weather driving tips to help you. These conditions on the road can make it so hard from drivers to go about business as normal. Slowing and stopping are affected and this is what can lead to those accidents.
Like I have always said, if you MUST travel during the winter weather, you need to be prepared in advance. You must also know what the forecast states and make a decision to drive based on that information. Preparing your car in advance for the winter elements will also help you travel safely. These three things are what can make the difference in prepping for winter weather driving. Doing these things will help you know what is to come and be ready for when they do.
Preparing your vehicle is something so many people don’t stop to do. When those temperatures drop, you need to make sure that you have your winter kit in the car with you. This includes an ice scraper, snow shovel and sand/salt. You will be very prepared in case you run into something when you are not at home. Even though we expect the roads to be cleared, side roads and parking lots may not be. You may get stuck in a jam and having these items will definitely help.
Making sure those tires are ready for travel on these conditions is also very important. The tread on your tires will make it so that the slowing and stopping and then starting up again won’t be such a hazard. So many times people travel with bald tires and they are more likely to slip and slide all over the road.
You will also need to make it a habit to keep that gas tank half full. I know that it can be hard to always do that. Once you start though, in your mind that will be your new “empty”. Took me a little bit, but it became normal after a while. This is so that in case you become stranded you will have a good amount of time to run that engine to keep you warm.
Those windshield wipers and fluids are also important to help keep your view clear. Make sure that both of these are in good condition and full so that you can ward off that snow and ice.
Make a habit out of watching the weather and deciding on that whether to travel. When in doubt, the best bet is just not to travel at all. If you do plan to travel, keep all distractions to a minimum and focus on that road in front of you.
Before you leave your home, make sure to clear any snow and ice from your car. Not only does it help you see but also makes sure it doesn’t fly off of your vehicle hindering other drivers. Also this may not be common for everyone but drive with those headlights on!
Once you get out on the road, remember that the speed limits are set for great conditions. This means dry roads. You will want to reduce your speed and increase your following distance when travelling in the snow. Do not use your cruise control because you will want to keep control of your car as much as you can.
If you live in an area that has bridges and overpasses, be cautious. These are the first areas to become icy before anywhere else. Also, even though it should be common sense, do not try and pass the snow plows and trucks out there. They are there to help clear the way and the conditions in front of them could be way worse then just staying behind them.
Following these simple tips in getting your car ready and watching the conditions and the road should get you to your destination safely. Make sure you and your vehicle are ready for travel before making the attempt in winter weather. When in doubt, just stay at home and enjoy that hot cocoa.
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