Driving in the snow can be a daunting task as the severe snowy weather can terrify travelers. Therefore, if you have no experience driving in the snow, it is essential to make alternative travel arrangements or postpone your trip until conditions get better. However, if you must hit the road, ensure you are well prepared to face the winter storms, alongside the bad and sloppy road conditions. Below are tips for driving safely in the snow.
Decrease Driving Speed
Driving slowly while allowing for plenty of distance between you and other vehicles both in front and on the sides may go a long way in ensuring your safety when diving in the snow. Lowering your speed compensates for poorer traction, thus keeping you stable and avoiding tires sliding ice.
Use Winter Tires
Unlike regular car tires, winter tires provide more control when driving during snow and icy conditions. Though these tires may be expensive, they tend to be much cheaper than the cost of repair after an accident. Therefore, ensure you get yourself some winter tires to keep you safe while driving in the snow. Moreover, installing the winter tires in your car will give you peace of mind while driving in the snow.
Although these tire prices may seem high, it is more affordable than increased insurance costs or repair bills after an accident, not to mention the added peace of mind of having them.
Clean Headlights and Taillights
As a driver in the snow, you need to see far ahead and have other drivers notice you. Headlights and taillights can easily be covered with ice, snowflakes and slush. Therefore, before hitting the road, ensure they are wiped off because the visibility of headlights or taillights can be reduced by over 50% when covered with winter grime. In addition, keep rags for cleaning the headlights in the car with you in case you need to wipe them again.
Check the Weather on Your Driving Routes Ahead of Time
Safe driving on the snow starts before you depart to your destination. It begins with your preparation and knowledge of the weather on your driving route. When you know the weather, you can plan accordingly or even postpone the trip. Confirming the weather ahead of traveling helps save time and keep safe from accidents while driving in the snow.
To ensure that your vehicle is safe for driving in the snow this winter, we invite you to bring your vehicle into Apple Auto for an inspection at your earliest convenience!