Winter is fast approaching, and winter driving is a topic that has been brought up again. Although many find winter driving difficult, there are some tips to make it easier.
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Prepare
It’s especially important in winter to be prepared for driving. This is especially important if you plan to take a long journey.
Keep an eye on the weather reports. This will help you determine if you are going to be driving in a storm. Don’t drive if you don’t feel safe.
Always keep an emergency kit on hand. If the worst happens, a few basic items will be sufficient to get you through. These are the essential items you should have:
Fully charged cell phone with emergency contact numbers (AAA and family)
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Each passenger should have warm clothing and gloves.
- A torch.
All medications you may need.
You must ensure that your car can make the trip. Although it may sound obvious, if your alternator problem is going to cause you to be stranded in the middle of a storm, then you should not take any chances.
Make sure you inspect your car. Before you drive, make sure to do this. Make sure to do the following:
- Tire Pressures
- If the exhaust is blocked by snow
How much gas you have. Keep it at half-full to reduce the chance of your lines freezing?
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- XDriving
Here’s some advice for driving in bad weather if you believe you and your car can make it.
Slow down. You will need to slow down when braking, cornering, and accelerating. This is true even on wet roads. Allow yourself an 8-10 second space between you and your vehicle in front.
Use a lower gear if you drive stick. This will provide you with more torque and allow you to control the vehicle better on descents.
Keep your speed. Keep your speed steady when you’re climbing up a hill. It’s not a good idea to try to accelerate up an icy hill. This will only cause your wheels to spin. Most importantly, don’t stop on a hill.
Slowly accelerate and slow down. This will ensure that you have the best chance to keep traction on the roads.
Avoid using cruise control. This will allow you to take better control of your vehicle.
Rely on your parking brake. Although it may lock the wheels, it will not work if there is no grip on road. If possible, park on a flat surface.
Routes that were recently cleared should be used. This may mean you drive a bit further than normal, but it is safer. If that fails, you can still keep your car in front of other cars.
If you don’t need to, don’t drive. While you may be a skilled snow driver, there are many others who are not. These people will cause you to get stuck in traffic.
- The Worst Event
Even if all the precautions are taken, there’s still a possibility that you could be stuck in snow or even worse, get your car towed. These are the steps to take if this happens.
Keep your vehicle. You will be protected from the elements, and it will make it easier for you to find your vehicle. You can call for help using your cellphone to give precise directions.
Do not tire yourself trying to move your vehicle. It’s important that you conserve your energy if the car doesn’t move. You will also be less likely to fall and cause serious injury.
Attach a brightly colored cloth or ribbon to the antenna. This will increase the chances of rescuers finding you quickly and recognizing that you are in serious distress.
Keep warm by using all the resources available. You can use old newspapers and floor mats to keep warm.
The heater should be used as sparingly as possible. Although it may seem tempting to keep the engine running while the heaters are on, this will eat up your gas. It should be used just enough to remove the cold air from the engine.