Extreme weather conditions like winter significantly impact driving, requiring major adjustments. While most fatal car crashes occur during winter, your safety depends on your performance and how well you prepare for winter driving.
Preparing Your Car for Winter Driving
Sleet, ice, snow, and freezing temperatures affect your driving in winter. Make sure your car is well-adjusted for such extreme conditions by considering these maintenance suggestions before winter.
Test Your Car Battery before Winter
In cold conditions, the battery performance drops. Ensure it's charged and working optimally because cold weather significantly affects battery cells lowering their performance.
Keep your Gas Tank Full
A snowstorm may cause you to change routes due to traffic delays or diversion to safer roads. These may be longer, requiring more fuel. Also, a full tank prevents your vehicle's gas line from freezing.
Check the Anti-freeze before Winter
Ensuring your anti-freezing is working before winter is vital. Flush your coolant system and check for leaks before topping off.
Switch to Snow Tires
These tires help you drive safely on slippery or snowy roads. But if you cannot switch, check the tread on your current tires to see how much traction is left.
Check your Windshield Wipers
Your windshield wipers should be in excellent condition, especially in areas with rough winters. If you notice cracks on the wipers, replace them immediately.
Assess your Brake and Headlights
These usually remain on during winter to prevent accidents and enhance visibility.
Safety Tips to Consider in Winter
You may adjust your car for optimal performance in winter, but here are more safety tips to consider.
Drive Slowly
While your vehicle is all set for winter, always drive slowly to account for the low traction on ice or snow.
Stay at Home
Unless it's an emergency, going to work, or other unavoidable circumstances, minimize driving in winter by staying home where possible.
Accelerate and Decelerate Slowly
Due to low traction, apply the gas slowly to avoid skids. It takes longer to slow down on snowy roads. Other vital tips include increasing your following distance, not stopping when moving uphill, avoiding using cruise control in winter conditions, and regularly inspecting your car. But if you need assistance getting your vehicle ready for winter, bring it Auto Pro today.