Winter Driving Tips

As the holidays start to pass, the cold weather starts to set in. This means that soon, the snow will start to fall, if it already hasn’t, and cover the roads that you drive on. Severe weather, winter storms, and icy roads can all be scary and, if not careful, can lead to accidents.

Before you get behind the wheel this winter season, prepare yourself for the conditions you may face and take a look at these helpful winter driving tips provided by Tachoir Collision Center.

Get Your Vehicle in Check

You sit behind the wheel of your vehicle and expect it to keep you safe as you drive on the road but there is a little prep work for you to do to ensure that your vehicle can perform both optimally and safely.

Make sure your vehicle is up to date and has been serviced. Driving a vehicle in need of service may mean that you breakdown on the side of the road. To prevent this, take your vehicle to a local shop to have the brakes, fluids, and oil checked.
Make sure your tires are properly inflated. A flat tire or blown out tire is no help to you and can be extremely dangerous on a snowy or icy road. Take some time to read your vehicle’s owner manual and inflate your tires according to the recommended psi.

Driving on the Road

Once you have inspected your vehicle and it is road ready, there are some things you need to know before you put the pedal to the metal – okay, don’t do that in the snow, but in all seriousness, check out these tips to help keep you safe.

Plan out your route before you go. Knowing where you need to go and what route you will take can help you drive safer in the winter weather. Confusion, turning around, and the uncertainty of road conditions can be dangerous, so take time to plan your route and an alternate route just in case a main road is closed.
Take everything slowly. When it comes time for you to accelerate or decelerate your vehicle, you should do so as slowly as possible to avoid spinning the wheels or sliding. When the roads are snowy or icy, your tires can lose traction quickly, which can be dangerous. As you drive down the road, adhere to the speed limit and do not drive faster than you need to. Remember, the speed limit is a LIMIT and not a requirement. Drive at a speed you feel comfortable with.
Leave about five to eight seconds of room. It takes longer to stop your vehicle when the conditions outside are not clear. You should keep roughly five to eight seconds of time between you and the person in front of you to provide yourself with enough time to stop safely.
Brake consistently and with an even amount of pressure. As you do approach a light or stop sign, make sure to apply the brakes evenly and avoid slamming on them as your vehicle may slide on the road. When letting off the brake, do so in an even manner as well.

Prepare for an Emergency Situation

You cannot always avoid emergency situations and you never know when one will occur. While this may seem scary, it is best to be prepared just in case.

To prepare yourself for an emergency situation, pack yourself an emergency winter kit and keep it in your vehicle with you. Unfortunately, if the weather is severe, you do not know when help may arrive, and you may be stranded on your own for a few hours.

Some of the items you should put in your emergency winter kit include:

Abrasive material such as cat litter to help gain traction if your vehicle is stuck
Winter clothes, blankets, gloves, and other warm clothing items
A cell phone charger
Water and snacks
Any medication that is required to be taken daily
Flashlight
Jumper cables
Emergency markers or flares
Ice scraper or shovel
First aid kit
Tire chains

Tachoir Collision Center is Here to Help

Driving in wintery conditions can be nerve racking but with some preparation, you can help ensure your safety as you drive.

Along with the winter weather comes heavy snow, hail, and other conditions that may cause body damage to your vehicle. Tachoir Collision Center is here to help you with any body damage your vehicle may incur throughout the winter season. We also specialize in collision repair should you experience an accident during your travels.

If you are in need of collision repair, an autobody shop, or accident towing, call us today!

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