In much of the United States, winter weather conditions can have an impact on your car’s performance, and on the way it should be driven. If you live in a part of the country that’s impacted by winter weather, or if you plan to travel there, start with preparing your vehicle properly.
Make sure your heating and cooling system is working properly. Have your radiator drained, flushed and topped off with fresh coolant/antifreeze. Have your oil and oil filter changed. Have your air filter changed. Have your battery tested and replace it if necessary. Have your alternator and all belts checked.
Make sure your tires have plenty of tread and are properly inflated. Also, check to make sure your wheels are properly balanced and aligned. While you’re checking your tires, locate your spare, as well as your jack. You should also make sure you have roadside emergency kit.
It’s always a good idea to carry a special winter travel safety kit that includes a cell phone, an ice scraper and brush, cat litter (for use as a traction aid), blankets, a good flashlight, a candle, matches, a good book, a portable weather radio and a can of lock de-icer – don’t use hot water on glass or locks as it can refreeze and create a bigger problem.
When driving in snowy conditions, slow down. A good rule of thumb is to reduce speed by 50 percent. But, don’t slow down too much – your vehicle needs momentum to carry it through snow on grades. Keep a light touch on the controls. Smooth operation is the key to keeping control in slippery situations. Nervousness can lead to a hard clench of the steering wheel, which can result in loss of control. Consciously loosen your grasp or stretch out your fingers from time to time to help prevent that white-knuckled grip.
Know how to recover from skids. When braking on a slippery road, it’s all too easy to “lock up” your wheels by stepping on the brakes a little too hard. If you start to skid, steer the vehicle gently in the direction you want the front of your vehicle to go and don’t touch your brakes. This used to be called “turning into the skid,” but tests have shown that drivers often misinterpret these words in real-life situations.
If you get stuck, stay in your vehicle. Stay warm and wait for assistance. Make sure that your exhaust pipe is clear of any obstructions, including snow and ice; if you don’t, carbon monoxide gas can build up inside the vehicle.
If you’re planning a longer trip, make sure you know your route and keep abreast of the weather conditions. Also, eat enough food and drink plenty of water. Take extra food and water along.
J.D. Byrider is the nation’s largest used car franchise company, with dealerships across the country. The company is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and attributes much of its success to focusing on customer satisfaction. In fact, according to JDBFacts, Byrider’s Sales Satisfaction Rating is 96%, and its Service Satisfaction Rating is 90%.
J.D. Byrider provides quality service, performed by skilled technicians, to its customers only. J.D. Byrider recommends that all of its customers take care of their vehicles by having them serviced regularly, and encourages them to prepare their cars for the upcoming winter.
