As the temperature drops in the autumn, you must prepare for safer winter driving habits to avoid any problems. Here are several recommendations from experts who understand how to avoid a vehicular accident during the winter.
Winter Driving Tip 1: Plan in Advance for Bad Weather
Make sure to listen to the weather report each night so that you are prepared to take the time to warm up your vehicle to melt the ice on the windows. It can take a long time to remove snow from your automobile, but it is essential so that you can see while driving. You may also need to shovel the snow around your vehicle before you leave home. In addition, you should have a full tank of gasoline so that you can warm up your vehicle for several minutes.
Winter Driving Tip 2: Have Emergency Supplies in Your Vehicle
You should have emergency supplies in your vehicle so that you are ready for any bad weather that occurs in the winter. Here are some of the things that you should have in your automobile:
- Ice scraper
- Snow shovel
- Deicer sprays
- Blanket to prevent hypothermia
- Flashlight
- Emergency assistance banner
- Battery jumper cables
- Flares
- Road salt
- Extra windshield wiper blades
- Nonperishable food
- Bottled drinking water
- Broom for removing snow from the roof of the vehicle
- Telephone directory
- Triangle reflectors
- First-aid kit
- Engine coolant
- Tools for changing a tire
- Extra gloves
- Smartphone
Having these things in your automobile will give you peace of mind while traveling in a vehicle throughout the winter.
Winter Driving Tip 3: Have Your Vehicle Serviced Before Winter
Take your vehicle to a mechanic for a diagnostic test and a tune-up to fix problems or to prepare you vehicle for winter driving. If the mechanic warns you that a part in your vehicle is old or failing, then it is better to replace it before a blizzard occurs. A tune-up will include replacing the vehicle’s oil, changing the coolant and adding air to the tires. You should also check your vehicle’s interior heating system, fuses and lights to make driving safer in the winter. A well-maintained vehicle also increases the value in a cash for car title type transaction as well as keeps your car safe for the winter.
Winter Driving Tip 4: Reduce Your Driving Speed
You should reduce your driving speed while it is snowing or icy, and you should use additional precaution when it is dark or difficult to see. While other drivers may honk their vehicles’ horns or follow you too closely, you should maintain a slower driving speed that feels comfortable for you.
Winter Driving Tip 5: Remain Alert While Driving during the Winter
Make sure to remain alert while driving during the winter by getting enough sleep along with avoiding drinking alcoholic beverages or taking medications that affect your body’s motor skills. While driving, make sure to scan the road visually for problems such as icy patches or vehicles that are stalled along the street. Remember that other drivers may not prepare for winter driving, and they may make poor decisions while they are traveling.
Winter Driving Tip 6: Understand How to Cope with Sliding on Ice
If your vehicle begins to slide while you are driving, then you shouldn’t panic, but you should think quickly. Apply slow pressure on the brakes while holding the steering wheel in a straight position to keep the vehicle in the correct lane.