We’re all too familiar with how daunting driving in the winter can be. When the ice and snow start showing up, the road can be downright dangerous, and year after year we see a trend of accidents after the first snowfall. There are many ways that you can decrease your chances of getting into an accident, just by altering the way you drive. Keep reading for our tips to driving safely in the winter.
If you have a crack or chip in your windshield, the chances of it getting worse increase during the winter, due to the competing extreme temperatures inside and outside your vehicle putting pressure on your glass. If you have damage to your windshield, don’t wait for it to get worse – do it now!
Our technicians here at Wizard Auto Glass offer Mobile Auto Glass Repair services in the Brampton area. If you can’t safely drive your vehicle to our shop, we’ll come to you and fix your windshield. You’ll receive the exact same quality of work you would get in our shop. Best part? There’s no extra charge for using our mobile services.
Follow these tips to keep yourself safe and collision-free during the winter months.
Pay extra attention to the road
Driving is much more difficult to do in the snow. Make sure that you are paying extra attention to your surroundings; this way you can spot potential problems ahead of time and anticipate what your next move should be.
Drive slowly
When you’re driving in the winter, especially during blizzards, don’t make any sudden turns or stops. This can result in your vehicle losing control and skidding. Instead, drive slowly and be extra aware of your surroundings. Also, speeding on icy roads is the main cause of winter collisions. Again, don’t rush, drive slowly and carefully on ice and snow covered roads.
Ensure that your vehicle is ready for winter driving
Before you start driving, wait until all of the windows, mirrors, and the roof of your car, are free of frost, ice, and any snow before getting onto the road.
Make sure that you have a snow brush/ice scraper available in your car, in case a storm hits while you’re out and about.
Winter tires are a smart option, especially if you live in an area that gets a lot of ice and snow. Snow tires provide greater traction than all-season tires under snowy or icy conditions and will prevent your vehicle from sliding right into an accident.
Along with a snow brush, you should make sure that you have an emergency kit stocked and in your car with items like a flashlight, extra blankets, water bottles, snacks, a cell phone charger, lightweight shovel, and battery jumper cables.
Brake before making turns
Start to brake well before your turn, and brake slowly to reduce your speed. Trying to turn too quickly on wet roads can cause you to skid. Once you have safely rounded the corner you can speed up again.
Learn how to control skids
If you do happen to skid, there is a way that you can regain control of your vehicle. When skidding, don’t hit the brakes but instead stay calm, turn into the skid and accelerate. This transfers your vehicle’s weight from the front to the rear and often helps vehicles to regain control.
Don’t tailgate
Tailgating, or driving too close to the car in front of you, is dangerous even in summer weather, but in the winter it is especially dangerous. It takes longer to stop due to the ice and snow, so make sure to give yourself extra space between your car and the one in front of you.
Don’t use Cruise Control
Never use cruise control if conditions are snowy, icy, or wet. If your car hydroplanes sliding uncontrollably over a wet road, your car will try to speed up and you can potentially lose control of the vehicle, resulting in a crash.
Get your car fixed before the snow starts
If your car is in tip-top condition, it will be much easier and safer to drive during the winter. Get any damage to your windshield fixed, your brakes looked at, your oil changed, and whatever else you need done before the snow starts. This way you’ll be ready for whatever the winter throws at you.