Winter Driving Tips to Keep You Safe and on the Road

Severe winter weather in Utah can hit just about any time after Halloween.

And if you’re not ready for snow and ice when it hits, driving can be difficult, dangerous and scary. But with the right precautions and a good understanding of how your vehicle works when the road is wet and icy, you can get through the winter safely.

Keep the following tips in mind when the winter weather hits us this year and you’ll be better prepared to drive safely and help keep your vehicle running even when the weather is severe:

• Avoid driving while you’re feeling tired. Staying alert and attentive is important anytime you’re driving especially during the winter when there are more obstacles to be aware of.
• Be sure your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid your gas line from freezing up.
• Avoid using your cruise control when driving in slippery conditions.
• If you do begin to slide, look and steer where you want to go.
• Be careful to accelerate and decelerate slowly. It will take longer to slow down on slippery roads and slowly accelerating will help you regain traction and avoid skidding.
• Drive slower because everything takes longer to do on snow-covered roads.
• Increase your following distance to eight to ten seconds to give yourself more time to stop if necessary.

At times, the safest thing you can do is to pull over. In that case, it’s important your vehicle is properly equipped. Here are a number of items to keep in your vehicle during the winter:

• Be sure your car has enough antifreeze to help make sure your vehicle runs properly.
• Be sure your car has enough windshield wiper fluid so you can see clearly on the road.
• Keep a flashlight, extra batteries, a first aid kit, additional warm clothing and a blanket in your vehicle.
• Be sure your cell phone is charge sufficiently for your drive in case you need to make a call in an emergency.

Staying home during bad weather may be your best option. Sometimes staying off the road is the best option to avoid driving in harsh conditions if you don’t feel comfortable.

Our final tip is to have your vehicle inspected to ensure it’s ready for winter driving. World Class Auto can help make sure your vehicle is prepared for Utah’s difficult winter driving conditions so you stay safe on the road and your vehicle doesn’t break down.