Important Tips for Safe Winter Driving
Driving in the winter months and in wintery like conditions can be challenging, tricky and even tragic. Roads in the winter months can quickly change from simply wet to extremely icy and present with driving hazards. The obvious safety measure is simply to avoid driving when conditions are near to treacherous. However, if it is absolutely necessary to travel with these winter conditions, then the team here at Auto Clinic of Franklin wants to share some important tips for safe winter driving.
IMPORTANT STEPS TO TAKE TO ENSURE SAFE WINTER DRIVING
First and foremost, we highly recommend you carefully plan your trip if you must travel in dangerous winter conditions. Make certain you stay atop of the weather and make every effort to plan your driving when precipitation will be at the lowest level and the roads have been properly treated. Always check traffic reports and any delays that may occur along your travel route. When planning your travels try to travel along highways and main roads since they are always treated, plowed and sanded well before any side roads.
It is important that you allow yourself extra time to get to your final destination and not have to rush. If roads become worsened as you travel you will want to have that extra time to reach your destination safely and on time. The team here at Auto Clinic of Franklin wants to remind our clients that though you hope to travel without any issues, you want to ensure you are prepared just in case. Be sure to stock your vehicle with a variety of emergency supplies as well as a snow scraper and brush. You may want to consider putting some cat litter or salt in your trunk in case your vehicle gets stuck during your travels. Further, you should stock a few blankets, some water, a flashlight and some flares in the vehicle as well.
It is critical that you prepare your passengers and vehicle for the winter weather you will be travelling in. Be sure that you check your oil level, hoses and belts before you begin the trip and make certain your antifreeze is at an acceptable level. You also want to check your tire treads and ensure that your windshield wipers are in idea working order. It also goes without saying, that before you start your travels, make certain to clear away any snow or ice that is accumulated on your vehicle. It is important that your vision is not obstructed in any way when setting out to drive in challenging winter weather.
OTHER BASIC SAFETY PROTOCOLS
One of the most important and yet obvious safety components of any trip is to ensure that you stay alert and follow all safety measures to keep you and your family and other passengers safe. Be sure that everyone in the vehicle has their seat belt on and that all young children are belted in the back seat. Put your headlights on when you begin your travels to ensure your visibility to other drivers and keep them on throughout the journey.
Be sure to reduce your travel speed in your efforts to prevent any skidding or possible accidents. We strongly recommend that you accelerate and brake carefully and cautiously and always allow plenty of space between your vehicle and the one in front of you when winter driving. Driving
conditions can be challenging when attempting to change lanes because snow and slush tends to build up between lanes and can easily cause your vehicle to slip and slide when crossing over.
Finally, when driving on potentially slippery roads we highly recommend you do not use your cruise control or even your overdrive. Make it a point to use low gears so as to maintain ideal traction and a much-needed grip on the road surface. This is absolutely a must do when driving on any roads with a steep incline.
YOUR TRUSTED TEAM
Here at Auto Clinic of Franklin, our team of automotive specialists is steadfast in their commitment to provide all our valued clients with the best all round automotive parts and services this side of Tennessee. Our team takes a great deal of pride in providing our clients with insight and data needed for safe winter driving in our efforts to keep you, your family and your vehicle safe from any harm. Winter is right around the corner, so be sure to bring your vehicle to our trusted facility and ensure it is prepped and ready for the challenging winter driving ahead. We look forward to serving you and want to remind you all to be sure to drive smart and safe this winter!
