Driving in the winter months may prove to be quite challenging because of the reduced road visibility. Apart from this, the road is oftentimes more slippery as well. However, there are instances wherein even winter cannot stop you from driving your vehicle. In this case, the safe driving tips during the winter months listed below may prove to be beneficial.
Prepare your Vehicle for Winter
One of the primary things that you need to do when it comes to driving during the winter is to prepare your vehicle for it. This means that you need to get the right winter tires suitable for snowy and slippery roads. When you explore online sources in the search for the best winter tires, you may come across the blog of My Choice. It is in this blog where you will have a good idea of which type of winter tire is right for you. While going for a popular winter tire option seems to be the easiest way to go, it is better if you consider other factors such as your ride quality and whether you should go for studded tires or snow winter tires.
You should also check your car’s electrical system, recharging or replacing your battery if it is already weak. Additionally, make sure to check your ignition system, as well as the lights of your vehicle. Apart from this, it is also vital to ensure that your brakes are working and that your exhaust, as well as your heating and cooling system, are free from leaks. Your windshield wipers should also function properly and your fuel tank should be filled before you leave for a trip.
Include a Winter Driving Kit in Your Trunk
In addition to preparing your vehicle for winter driving, you also need to include a winter driving kit in your trunk. At the very least, this should include properly fitting tire chains and a bag of sand, as well as a tow rope and traction mats. As much as possible, also include a snow shovel and brush, an ice scraper and booster cables, as well as warning devices and fuel lines. It will also help if you have an extra windshield wiper fluid appropriate for sub-freezing temperatures in your kit.
Gear Yourself Up for Winter Driving
Aside from preparing your vehicle, you should also be well-prepared for winter driving. This means that you need to plan your driving and make sure to get updates regarding the road conditions of the routes that you are going to take. You also need to plan your arrival time at your destination and inform someone of your planned route and arrival time. As much as possible, wear warm and comfortable clothing and likewise, warm up your vehicle before driving off.
Familiarize Yourself with How you Should Drive
Driving during the winter months may prove to be more challenging and how you drive may be slightly different and more stringent than driving under normal road conditions. This means that you need to slow down or drive at reduced speeds because the speed limits posted only fits for ideal travel conditions. You should also be alert for black ice and avoid using cruise control because winter driving entails the need for you to be in full control at all times.
You should also drive with low-beam headlights on to make your vehicle more visible and lengthen your following distance behind the car that is in front of you. As much as possible, avoid changing lanes too quickly and slow down whenever you are approaching a bridge. Only pass other cars when it is already safe for you to do so.
In case you start to skid, keep calm, and don’t panic. Steer your vehicle in the direction where you want it to go and do not brake or accelerate. Rather, put your car into neutral if you are driving a vehicle with automatic transmission, or declutch in case you are behind the wheel of a car with a manual transmission.
When you need to drive your vehicle during the winter months, make sure that you adhere to the safe driving tips listed above. Apart from preparing your vehicle and making sure that you have a winter driving kit in it, make sure that you are prepared to drive in one of the worst road conditions. This entails the need for you to familiarize yourself with how you should drive because when you do, there is a great chance for you to handle winter driving seamlessly.