Winters are around the corner. Warm clothes & a hot cup of coffee is all that we need in this season. Besides looking after your own well-being, you need to take steps that keep your vehicle protected during this season. Experts from ‘The Auto Parts Shop‘ have come up with the best winter driving tips that keeps you comfortable and safe on road. Before that, let’s dive deeper into some winter basics.
Winter Basics
- Those who drive in slippery conditions, including ice, water, or debris, often put their life at risk. Make sure that you’re gentle with the accelerator, brake, and steering to prevent losing control.
- The car starts skidding on a rough patch; try being calm and emphasizing where you want to go. Pave your path towards the skid; for instance, if the steering is pointing towards the right, turn right and keep it straight.
- Driving in winter leads to fog, and driving in such conditions becomes a hassle. Reduce speed and minimize the beam of your headlights; a high beam creates a lot of reflection on the fog and strains your eyes.
- If you are moving downwards on a slippery road, keep your speed slow. Instead, use engine braking to regulate your speed.
Preparation is the Key
You must be prepared no matter how severe the weather conditions get. Most of us hop inside the vehicle the moment we notice nice weather but are stuck within stormy weather. Keep a few things to stay safe in case of emergencies:
- Proper clothing
- Torch Light
- Blanket, Food, and Water
- Go for long trips keeping the weather conditions in mind
- Carry half a tank of gas
- Vehicle toolkit
Check Your Engine
Cold weather often leads to battery issues and impedes the working of your engine. Battery replacement must be carried out in case the old one has completely deteriorated. Ensure that check all the cables and leads before commencing driving. Engine oil and coolant must be checked and changed as falling temperatures could gum up the fluids.
Monitor the Tires
Ensure that your tires are in optimum condition during the winter season. They must be inflated properly as the over-inflated ones make the vehicle skid. Less inflated ones won’t provide adequate grip on your car. Pamper your vehicle by giving it a tire replacement during winters and keep a spare one in your car to use during emergencies.
Have a Look at the Electricals
The lights present inside and outside the car must work properly. The cabin control system is responsible for keeping the vehicle at optimum working temperature. Wiper blade replacement must be carried out when necessary, so that snow and debris stay abreast of the windshield. If you want your wipers to work smoothly, ensure that they are supplied with the correct mixture of water and washer fluid.
Clean it Thoroughly
Use lukewarm water and apply it on windows, wing mirrors, all light units. Avoid using hot water as mirrors crack under extreme temperatures. Snow present on the roof must be eliminated to prevent it from accumulating on the windscreen and impeding your driving.
Create Enough Space
It’s vital to maintain enough space between you & vehicles on the road. Make sure that the minimum space cushion of 2 car lengths for every ten mph of traveling speed is maintained while driving. Surge the distance in case the road conditions start getting worse.
Steering Wheel Firmly
Driving on snow present on the road would pull your vehicle away from the roadway. Sometimes sharp maneuvers, heavy wind, and ice make you lose control. Keep your car steady by maintaining a firm grip on the steering wheel.
Watch the Black Ice Cautiously
Black ice can be perilous, and extra safety measures must be adopted while driving in such conditions. The temperature is close to freezing in this condition, and the road appears to be slightly wet. Detecting black ice is quite a hassle, so check the following signs to get an idea:
- Ice formation occurs in the antennas, mirror arms, or top-corners of the windshield.
- Spray from tires to other vehicles stops after a while.
The Bottom Line
A thorough car inspection of the engine, battery, and tires is necessary and must be accompanied by cleaning. Remove the problematic part and get new car parts and accessories from a reputed store. Remember, planning and taking precautionary measures would make your winter driving safe and hassle-free.