Winter driving is challenging for most drivers. Whether you’ve driven on snow or ice previously, this doesn’t make it easy either. What can you do to prevent a catastrophe while driving? What defensive driving techniques can you use throughout the season to ensure that you and your family arrive at your final destinations? Here are a few pointers for navigating in the winter.
Table of Contents
1. Know when to accelerate and navigate slowly
Even though it looks like there isn’t much snow or ice available, you should always modify your speed when driving on snow or ice to account for diminished traction. The idea here is to stay safe on the roads.
Give yourself enough time to slow down for stoplights and avoid attempting to take off quickly. Besides, the amount of inertia needed to begin moving your car from a complete stop and the amount required to get going when the car is more different.
2. Prepare your vehicle for winter driving
Preparation is the most crucial aspect of driving in the cold. Ensure that the tread and air pressure in your D Wells Auto tires are both acceptable. Bald tires are dangerous on icy, snowy roadways, so never warm up your automobile in an enclosed location. Always have more than half a tank of gas in it. When you do warm up your car, be sure to use the defrost features to defrost the windows correctly.
3. Give yourself some extra space
Are you aware that the stopping distance on a wet road is double what it is on a dry one? And it almost doubles on snowy roads! Therefore, allow enough space between your vehicle and the car in front of you so that you have room to escape danger in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
4. Don’t use cruise control
While handy, cruise control shouldn’t get used on slick surfaces. Keep an eye out and be prepared to brake. Driving at speeds that are safe for the weather and road conditions is the most excellent method to prevent a skid. Keep in mind that speed restrictions are set for optimal conditions; therefore, you should never exceed them in the winter.
5. Change your driving habits
Drive more cautiously when it is raining or icy out. Begin to slow down, besides on the slick pavement, your automobile won’t stop as quickly. Keep an eye out for roads covered in snow. Even if all you are about to ride over can be snow, there may occasionally be ice beneath the snow.
Sudden running into a patch of ice can result in a crash. Make sure to move slowly, both forward and backward. You risk losing traction when accelerating swiftly or braking sharply, sending your automobile out of balance.
Winding up
Always practice safe driving when driving on snowy roads. Check the area and route forecasts before venturing into any winter weather. This way, you will prepare adequately and know what to expect before hitting the road. The tips mentioned above will also assist you in securely navigating the snow and ice to get to your destination.
