Warm clothing, drinking hot chocolate, spending some time with your loved ones around a fire (be sure to have enough heating oil, such as from companies like romeosfuel.com) and of course, enjoying the season of festivities is what the holidays are all about. Of course, the only problem is driving through the harsh winter conditions – like snow!
There are plenty of reasons to consider not driving in the winter. However, if you live in a part of the country that is cold enough to experience cold weather driving, there are also some things you should know, specifically the basics of driving in the winter.
Keep Calm and Drive Safe: Important Winter Driving Tips
Winter driving can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be dangerous or expensive. True, it takes a bit more planning to get through the winter months, but you can keep yourself safe and money in your pocket with preventive measures. Driving in the winter can be a challenge, but the following tips can ensure you stay safe and avoid becoming a statistic:
- Keep your car tuned up this summer. Keep an eye out for signs that something needs to be done. If your car isn’t running as smoothly as it should, don’t wait to get it checked out. It’s a good idea to have the vehicle’s maintenance done before the fall arrives.
- You should have a winter driving prep plan in place. Driving in the winter is no picnic, but as long as you’re prepared with the right gear and know what to expect, you’ll be just fine. Ensure your car is thoroughly winterised before hitting the road and pare down your winter driving preparations to just essential items.
- Think about the fuel in your tank. If you’re planning to keep your car in the garage for the winter, there are several things you’ll need to know before you hit the road. First, make sure you have enough fuel in the tank. Second, make sure you have enough antifreeze or engine coolant in the reservoir. Third, make sure your tires are in good condition and don’t forget the windshield washer fluid. If you’re still in doubt, do yourself a favour and check the owner’s manual.
- Prepare a winter road kit. If you live in a snow-covered area and drive a car year-round, you know how important it is to have a winter road kit. These kits come in various sizes and styles, and while they look a little funny at first, they pay off in no time. Insulated jackets, hats, gloves, mittens, socks, ear muffs, neck warmers, and other winter accessories are crucial for winter driving. Each season has its unique challenges. The coldest months of the year are December through to February when cold winds can make it hard for drivers to see clearly because of frosted windshields. Driving conditions are also reduced during this time of year, making winter driving even more treacherous.
- Cruise control is not recommended when driving in winter. Winter weather can be dangerous for drivers, but whether you’re driving on ice, snow, or rain, the best thing you can do is to slow down. Cruise control is not recommended when driving on any slippery surface, such as on ice and snow, as one thing you should know when driving in the winter. Cruise control can make you think you’re more skilled than you are and can lead to dangerous situations. When you’re driving on snow or ice, you’re not only at risk of losing control of the vehicle, but you also risk sliding off the road. Don’t be fooled into thinking you’re not at risk.
- Make sure your tires are properly inflated as well as have plenty of treads. This will make sure your tires are strong and will not bust in a sudden stop, help with gripping in wet and icy road conditions, and, in a general way, will make a safer trip for you and your family in the winter.
- Never warm up a vehicle inside your garage or other enclosed areas. It’s one of those things that you might not think about, but you should. In the winter, you should never warm up a vehicle, so they cool down as fast as possible as they will overheat due to not being as cold as the outside air, which could lead to a fire or worse.
Driving in the winter can be a very dangerous activity. The best way to stay safe the whole time you are on the road is to get your car tuned up. Winter weather can cause the vehicle to fail to respond to the steering wheel when you are driving. When this happens, it is really important to be able to handle the car safely.
