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It is the time of year that brings joy to the kids, with Christmas right around the corner. This time of year also brings some snow and icy roads, making dangerous driving conditions.
Today, we are going to provide you with the winter driving tips to help keep you safe on the icy roads.
How Do You Prepare For Winter Driving?
Before taking off on the road in dangerous weather conditions, here are few things you can do to prepare your car. Ideally these things would have been done in the fall, but if you are like me; you tend to wait until the last minute (don’t do this anymore).
Have The Proper Snow Tires
Make sure they have enough tread, if not find a local tire shop to get new tires. This will help you maneuver through the snow and ice easier. Also check your tire pressure, the cold causes the tires to lose air.
Test Your Battery Before Leaving
Make sure your battery is holding a charge well. When the temperature drops, it makes batteries harder to crank. If your battery is a few years old, it might be time for a new one. The last thing you want is to be out and get stranded with a dead battery.
Top Off With Antifreeze Wiper Fluid
Fill your wiper fluid reservoir with -30 degree fluid to prevent it from freezing on you. A frozen reservoir won’t be much help when you need to clean the windshield.
Have A Solid Pair Of Windshield Wipers
Since you are making sure your windshield wiper fluid doesn’t freeze, you should also make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition.
The summer heat and rain can wear the wipers out, so having a new pair of wipers to help move the ice and snow off can be a great help for visibility.
Keep Your Gas Tank Full
Almost impossible as your drive, right? But, aim to keep at least half a tank of gas in your car to prevent the lines from freezing.
What Are The Three Key Elements To Safe Winter Driving
Now you are ready to get out and drive in the winter weather, we are going to share 3 key elements to help keep you safe on the road.
- Drive slow. Allow yourself 8 – 10 seconds behind the car in front of you or more. If they hit a patch of ice, you want to be sure you have time to stop before hitting hit and running it at them as well.
- Watch vehicles around you. While you are prepared to be cautious, not everyone else will be. Keep an eye on what is going around you so you try and avoid any accidents. But it can happen, I have an Aunt that was injured when she was struck by a driver who lost control on the ice and she had to hire a car accident attorney in Minneapolis.
- Turn into the spin. Hopefully you don’t lose control on a patch of ice, but if you do; turn in the spin. For example, if your car is spinning to the right, turn your steering wheel to the right. If the car spins left, turn the steering wheel left.
Is Driving In Snow Hard?
Of course if you can avoid driving on the winter roads, that will always be the safest option. Because it is snowing outside, doesn’t mean your job closes, school shuts down, and groceries still run out.
If you must drive in the snow, know it is going to be harder than a spring day. But if you are going to drive in the snow, follow the winter driving tips laid for you here.
Make sure you have the proper snow tires, your fluids are full and freeze proof. Most of all, make sure you take your time and pay attention to what is going on around you.
Being cautious and prepared can help make your drive a little bit safer.
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