Tips for Driving in Winter Weather

It’s December, which means snow, sleet, and ice in our area can arrive at any time. We thought it might be useful to share some tips for driving in winter weather, especially if you’re traveling out of town for the Holidays!

• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Be sure that you gradually ease into the gas or break when the roads are slick, to avoid spinouts.
• Drive slowly. Even if the roads aren’t terrible, black ice paired with speed can be a recipe for disaster. Be sure to slow down and take your time when the temperature is below freezing.
• Increase your spacing between yourself and the vehicle in front of you. Allow for plenty of stopping room, in the event that your car begins to slide.
• Test your brakes before you get out on the roadway. Come to a few harsh stops in your driveway, before you venture out, to test the road conditions and your brakes with the slippery roads.
• If you can avoid it, don’t come to a complete stop. If you can safely coast through an intersection without having to come to a stop, or to make a turn, you’re likely to keep traction longer than if you stop completely.
• Slow and steady wins the race. When faced with a hill, don’t hit the gas too fast and try to gain too much speed. Take your time, drive slowly and steadily until you reach the top of the hill.
• If you can avoid it, stay inside. Allow road crews to treat the roadways before you get behind the wheel.

Driving in winter weather can be frightening, especially if you don’t do it very often. Take these tips along for the ride, and stay safe, if you can’t stay off the roads.

Contact us today to set up an appointment with our Service Department, to ensure your car is ready for the quickly approaching winter weather!

Tags: Dangerous Conditions, Driving in Winter, Ice, Service Department, Sleet, Snow, Winter Driving
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