How To Drive in Winter Weather

Every year, nearly a quarter of weather-related accidents are due to snowy, icy, or slushy pavement.

When the weather gets frosty outside, it is more important than ever to drive with caution and to know how to handle your vehicle in the best way possible. This means learning how to drive in winter weather.

Allow For Extra Time

The best thing you can do to protect your new Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Chrysler for sale is to keep it off the roads altogether when the weather is bad. However, that’s not always feasible.

If you absolutely must drive on snowy or icy roads, leave much earlier than you usually do to ensure that you have extra time to go slowly and keep a safe distance from the cars around you. Rushing into work at the last minute when the weather is a wintry mix could spell disaster.

Pay Attention to Your Tires

Balding and underinflated tires are one of the biggest reasons that accidents happen in winter weather. Before you head out on the snowy roads, ensure that your tires are safe for driving in that type of weather.

Keep in mind that inflation pressure drops in tires when the weather gets colder, so it’s important to make sure that yours are filled to your manufacturer’s recommendations. When it’s cold, inspect your tires at least once a month to ensure they are inflated properly and still have enough tread to be safe on the roads.

If you can, consider switching to tires specifically made for snow, especially if you live in an area that gets a lot of it. 

Make Sure Your Car is Ready to Be on the Roads

It’s not just your tires that you need to watch out for. It’s also important to test your battery regularly since its charge drops more quickly when the weather is cold. Check and replace your wiper blades if needed and add wiper fluid that is rated for use at -30 degrees.

Make sure your windshield, the top of your car, the side view mirrors, and the back windows are all free of snow and ice before you start to drive. Finally, make sure that you always keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent the line from freezing. 

Understand How to Drive in Wintry Weather

While much of being on the road in the winter is preparing your car and yourself beforehand, you need to know how to drive in snow and ice as well. The biggest thing to remember is not to use cruise control, as you never know when you’ll need to decelerate unexpectedly to avoid someone who is fishtailing or otherwise having a hard time in the conditions.

Always accelerate and decelerate slowly and increase your following distance by about 10 seconds. Try not to stop when going uphill and if you do find yourself skidding on the road, steer in the direction of it to avoid overcorrecting when your wheels regain traction. 

Stay Safe on the Winter Roads With These Tips

Driving in winter weather often can’t be avoided. By understanding how to take care of your car, how to prepare yourself, and how to drive on ice and snow, you are more likely to keep yourself and everyone around you safe this winter.