There are two different ways to prepare for the snowy drives ahead, one is to make sure your car is ready for the snow. The other one is making sure you are mentally ready for winter driving. When roads are dry, it’s easy to speed down the street and zig zag in and out of traffic, however when winter descends it’s time to adopt a different mindset for driving. Here are some tips to help you drive safely this winter!
The most important thing is slow down. Even in you have 4WD and antilock brakes and can plow through the snow, other can’t. Slow down and be patient.
Keep plenty of distance between you and the other cars. Three seconds is usually a fine distance when the roads are dry but in less than wonderful weather you should double that.
Never use cruise control on slippery or wet roads, you always want to be in control of your vehicle. Look and steer where you want to go.
Accelerate and decelerate slowly and give yourself plenty of time to turn. Know how your car responds on ice and snow. Go to an empty parking lot and try slamming on the brakes at a low speed to test how your brakes and car respond.
If you can stay home, hunker down and wait until a clearer day; that is always suggested. However, life does not stop when it snows, so when you do have to be out and about, be safe!
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