Practice Safe Driving During Snowy Winter Months

The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it.

Don't go out until the snow plows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work, and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination. But we know that is not always possible, nor is it convenient. If you must drive in snowing conditions, make sure your car is prepared, and that you know how to handle the current road conditions. It is helpful to practice winter driving techniques in a snowy, open parking lot, so you are familiar with how your car handles. Consult your owner's manual for tips specific to your vehicle. Driving your car while the roads are snowy and icy can be a stressful ordeal. While some vehicles are well-suited for the snow, some are not and require preparation and know-how to keep the car under control. Take into consideration some of these tips to ensure a safe winter.

Get Your Car Serviced Regularly

Preventive maintenance is key to protecting your car this winter. Make sure your battery, cooling system, and windshield wipers are in tip top shape. You will spend less money servicing your car than you will spend on towing and fixing it if your car gives out while you are on a dark, snowy road. In addition, you may want to buy snow tires or add chains to your existing tires if you live in a very snowy climate. Snow tires have special treads that dig through the snow and allow the vehicle to maintain better traction. They are also made of a more tender type of rubber, to prevent freezing in cold temperatures.

Prepare your vehicle before the winter season begins by following these simple steps to help ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive during winter weather:

* Check your brakes and tires

* Check that your battery and ignition system is in top condition

* Check radiator coolant and sturdiness of hoses and belts

* Check your anti-freeze and thermostat

* Check your windshield wipers and de-icing waster fluid

* Check your headlights, tail and brake lights, blinkers and emergency flashers

* Check fuel and air filters, as well as your oil

* Properly lubricate door locks that may be prone to freezing

As You Drive

While driving, be sure to look ahead and keep a safe distance from the vehicles in front of you. As you drive scan the vehicles in front of you and look out for brake lights. If you have properly kept your distance, you should be able to bring your vehicle to a stop with distance to spare rather than having to slam on your brakes and sliding into the vehicles in front of you.

If your car starts to slip in place while you are trying to accelerate from a standstill, ease up on your gas. It is important to remember that wheels have better traction when they are not slipping. Many cars lock the transmission in second gear to facilitate easier starting from a slippery surface.

No matter how much preparation and experience you may have, the way your car will move on snow or ice is always an element of unpredictability. Anticipate turns and stops so you can approach them gently. Practice caution and care when it comes to driving your car this snowy, winter season. For help removing snow or salting your driveway or business contact your Chicago snow removal company.

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