Driving in snow can make you feel like you’re traversing a winter wonderland, but it’s not without its perils.
The soft, white terrain may look picturesque, but driving in snow can quickly turn into a slippery menace for unprepared drivers. With winter showing no mercy, you must ensure your driving skills are as ready as a well-tuned snowmobile for whatever Jack Frost throws down.
The winter road demands respect, attention, and preparation. While the snowflakes are unique, the rules of safe winter driving are universal. So buckle up and let’s deep dive into some safety tips for driving on snowy roads that could potentially save your life.
Here are some things to keep in mind before you embark on your snowy route:
- Install winter tires: They provide better traction when driving on snow and ice.
- Ensure your car is in good condition: Check the battery, lights, cooling system, and brakes.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
Check out: Five Signs You Need to Check Your Luxury Car Brakes
Winter Tires: Your First Line of Defense
Swap out those all-season tires for some sturdy winter warriors. Winter tires are designed to provide better traction, handling, and braking capability on snow and ice.
The tread patterns on winter tires are specifically designed to dig into snow and ice. The deeper tread depths and unique tread patterns create more biting edges, which significantly improve traction. This helps to reduce the risk of slipping and sliding while accelerating, turning, and braking.
Additionally, winter tires can improve the handling of your vehicle while driving in snow. They help provide better cornering and maneuverability through snow, slush, and ice, contributing to a safer and more predictable driving experience.
You may also like: Make It a Priority – BMW Tires
Check Your Battery
Cold temperatures can greatly affect battery performance. Chemical reactions required to generate power in a car battery slow down in colder weather. At 0°F, a battery might only produce about half of its rated cranking amps. This means that even a fully charged battery might not provide enough power to start the engine if it’s particularly cold.
Additionally, engines require more power to start in the cold because the motor oil thickens at lower temperatures, which means the engine has to work harder to turn over. A strong, fully charged battery is critical to provide enough power to start the engine. Thus, winterizing your car should include a battery check to make sure the terminals are clean and free from corrosion, and that the battery is properly secured in its mounting. This ensures maximum efficiency and reliability.
Above all, ensuring your battery is in good condition means you can avoid the stress and danger of being stranded on the road in inclement weather.
Find an indiGO Auto Group dealer near your and schedule your luxury car service appointment today.
Informative read: Why You Should Choose an OEM Battery
Keep Your Gas Tank Full
Winter weather is unpredictable and can lead to unexpected traffic delays. A full gas tank ensures you have enough fuel to reach your destination or find a safe place to stop if conditions worsen.
Additionally, keeping the tank full reduces the air space above the fuel and limits the condensation on the tank walls. This is important because water in the fuel can be a significant problem in winter, as it can freeze in the fuel lines.
Stay Home
The safest strategy for dealing with snowy roads is simply to avoid them by staying home. Staying home eliminates the risk of being involved in an accident on slippery, snow-covered roads.
Under the snow, the road surface can be unpredictable. Hidden ice patches known as “black ice” can cause drivers to lose control without warning. Snow can also hide potholes and other road damage that can be dangerous to drive over.
In short, driving in snowy conditions can be life-threatening. So, avoid the stress of dangerous road conditions by staying home.
Your choice: Private Mechanic or Luxury Car Dealership
Additional safety tips for driving in snow
- Handling Skids. If you start to skid, stay calm, and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Avoid slamming on the brakes as it will further upset the vehicle’s balance and make it harder to control.
- Plan Your Maneuvers. Anticipate turns, stops, and lane changes well in advance to avoid abrupt steering movements.
- Understand Your Vehicle’s Features. Know if you have anti-lock brakes or an all-wheel-drive system and how they assist in snowy conditions.
- Cruise Control. Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).
- Be Prepared. Have a winter emergency kit in your car that includes items like blankets, a flashlight, a shovel, snacks, water, and a first-aid kit.
This holiday season your only worry should be what to get your loved ones for Christmas. Perilous weather conditions should be the last of your worries during such a warm, cozy season. Stay safe when driving in snow this winter season by shopping OEM parts at indiGO Auto Group to ensure your vehicle is up for any challenge on the road. Find a dealer near you below.
