Auto Transport Tips on Driving in the Snow This Winter

  • Auto Transport Tips on Driving in the Snow This Winter

    Auto Transport Tips on Driving in the Snow This Winter

    Winter Driving | Pixabay

     

    As much as we want you to enjoy winter, we also want you to stay safe and warm. It is one of the main reasons why we are here to provide you with convenient ways to transport your vehicle anytime and anywhere.

    However, there are instances where you cannot pass on driving in the snow. And driving in the harsh winter roads is not the same as driving in the clear warm roads. The purpose of this post is to help you prepare in driving for the winter.

    Read on to know more about tips on safe driving during the winter:

     

    Do not hurry

     

    Drive Slowly | Pexels

     

    This one is pretty obvious. The harsh and slippery roads are very difficult. The best way to avoid accidents and keep up your grip is by taking slow paces.

    Driving slowly can help you maintain defensive driving. You might be in a hurry to your destination but the snowy roads will only allow you to drive at certain speeds. If you want to arrive on time, you must leave early. This will allow you to drive easy and arrive at your desired time.

     

    Be Ready

     

    Emergency Kit | Pexels

     

    If you are just starting to prep your car as the winter hits, you might be doing it too late. As we have said in the previous post, you must prepare your vehicle even before the cold months hit.

    The months before winter is the best time to condition your car. You should take your car to the repair shop to check for some leaks and worn out parts. You do not want getting stuck in a dead car in the middle of the freezing road.

    There are many things that you can do to prep your car for the winter. If you are planning to go on a ski vacation or you are living in a snowy area, you should consider snow chains and snow tires. Those are really helpful if you are going to drive on snowy roads.

    The most important part of being ready is having an emergency kit stashed in your car. The winter emergency kit may include the following:

    1. Shovel for snow
    2. Ice scraper
    3. Flares for getting help at night
    4. Bright cloth for getting help at daytime
    5. Sand for traction when you get stuck
    6. Cables for boosting the battery
    7. Flashlights
    8. Winter clothes and/or change of clothes
    9. Blankets
    10. Bottled water
    11. Long shelf life food or granola bars

     

    Utilize your Headlights

     

    Headlights | Pixabay

     

    Though it is daytime, snowy roads can have low visibility. Turning your headlights on is a good way to maintain visibility of the road and of your car for other drivers. Keep your headlights clean and clear to maximize its capability.

     

    Keep a Safe Distance

     

    Safe Distance | Pixabay

     

    During the winter, it is best to increase the distance between your car and the one ahead of you. The usual 4-second distance should increase up to 10 seconds. This will let you safely execute a sudden stop.

     

    Stock Up on Fuel

     

    Refuel | Pexels

     

    Keeping your fuel tank at least half full prevents your fuel line from freezing. It also helps in preventing moisture from forming inside the tank.

    If you do not mind, always keep a full tank whenever possible. Refuel regularly or as much as possible. You do not want getting left out in the snow if you run out of gas somewhere.

     

    Avoid Sudden Stops

     

    Skidding | Pixabay

     

    When you lose control of the car on a slippery road, your natural reaction is to slam on your brakes. But this is not a good thing to do because it reduces tire traction. Instead, decrease your car’s acceleration once you feel that it is skidding then gently brake.

    If you have ABS or anti-lock brakes, steadily brake. If not, you should pump the brakes fast.

     

    Car winter | Pixabay

     

    The following are simple but as helpful as the above-mentioned tips:

    1. Do not mix and match tires. Use the same type of tires for your car.
    2. Make sure that your tires are inflated according to their correct tire pressure.
    3. Do not use cruise control on snowy or slippery roads.
    4. Avoid using the parking brake.
    5. Buckle up your seat belt and drive defensively.
    6. Before leaving, make sure that all snow is removed from your car’s peripherals.

     

     

    Winter Vacation | Pexels

     

    If you are planning to go on long drives during the winter, the following steps can be really helpful:

    1. Make sure that your car is in great condition before the trip.
    2. Watch forecasts of weather on the day and succeeding days of your planned trip. This is to prepare for the possible road conditions and to postpone the trip in case of extreme weather changes.
    3. Bring an emergency kit and know the emergency numbers.
    4. Stay inside your vehicle in case of being stranded in the snow. It can be a temporary shelter while waiting for help.
    5. In case of emergency, tie a bright cloth on your car’s antenna. If it is dark, turn on your dome light (more energy efficient) or use flares so you can easily be found.
    6. To stay warm, turn on the heater just to remove the chill and then turn it off to conserve energy.
    7. Check if the exhaust pipe is clogged. Having a clogged exhaust pipe can produce toxic and deadly carbon monoxide which can enter the cabin.
    8. As much as possible, avoid long travels during the winter. The best way to be safe is to stay at home.

     

    If traveling during the winter is inevitable, you may want to consider leaving earlier and having your car shipped to your destination. Auto transport brokers, like us – Balch Logistics, offer affordable and convenient means of shipping various types of vehicles to anywhere in the U.S. and Canada.

     

    We hope that this post has been an informative one. If you like this post, feel free to share it with your friends and family. You can also leave your comments below.

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