Winter Driving Tips from Thelen Auto Group

It’s that time of year again… Time to travel to visit friends and family during this Christmas season. What does this mean? Most likely you will be traveling in some winter weather. This holiday season remember there is only one concern you need to have: safety. Don’t worry about the distance, worry about what could come between you and reaching your destination safely. Here are some tips to get ready for these driving conditions and how to handle unexpected delays and conditions once you are out there.

1. Make sure to pack some extra clothing and emergency items in your vehicle. It may not seem needed, but if you happen to get stranded somewhere, those extra items will help a lot. It doesn’t have to be much – include some gloves, weather-resistant pants and coats, boots, blanket, jumper cables, flashlight with extra batteries, and a windshield scraper. Extra food may not be a bad choice as well, something like nutrition bars will last a while and give you the boost you may need.
2. Make sure to have your car checked for winter readiness. It is important to check the tires and battery before you leave so you know you will be able to get through the storm.
3. Make sure you can be seen. Keep your headlights and taillights clean, especially in snowy weather. Keep windows clean and make sure your defrosters work. Clean your vehicle off of snow and ice before you depart so you aren’t impeded in vision, and it doesn’t blow off and obscure your, or another’s, windows.
4. Don’t go too fast! The U.S. Department of Transportation recommends slowing down by about 50% in very bad weather. It is also smart to leave extra space between you and the car in front of you. It is better to go slow and steady – you never know what you are going to encounter!
5. Remember that not all roads are equal. Look out for patches that may be more susceptible to icing over more rapidly than regular blacktop, especially recently built small bridges and overpasses. This ties in with the above point about slowing down. Be alert to black ice and blowing snow patches on the roads.
6. Some features of modern automobiles may cause issues as well. For example, in some SUVs and four-wheel-drive vehicles you may have better traction once you get going, but they won’t help you stop any faster. Cruise control can be your enemy as well – it could accelerate when you least want it to, such as when you are climbing an icy bridge.
7. It is also recommended by some to put a bag of kitty litter in the truck, both for added ballast to offer better traction, and to put under the wheels if you need to get yourself out of a slippery spot.
8. If you are stranded and have to stay in your car, running the engine for heat will work, but make sure the exhaust pipe is not obstructed by anything. If you prefer not to have the engine running the whole time, close the windows to keep the heat in and only run the car for perhaps 10 minutes an hour. When you run the engine in this way, open the front window a crack while you do so.
9. Park indoors when you can. This can help keep your car in good shape and not expose it to the elements.

So, no matter what your plans are this holiday season, follow these tips and be careful! Successful winter travel is about successfully navigating winter conditions. Have a wonderful Holiday season and be safe!

If you have any questions, or if you want to have your vehicle checked out before heading out on the road this winter, feel free to call us at 888-415-4233!

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