If you have to head
out in the snowstorm and ice, make sure you’ve prepared for rough driving!!-
Brought to you by PartsAvatar
Auto Body Parts.
Now that winter is
upon us, driving in snowy and icy weather is inevitable. It isn’t suggested to
roam in blizzards because it can be life threatening. But if you have got some
urgent business then consider some tips that will help you to drive safely in
such a harsh weather!!
The Checklist
Check the car oil filter,
automotive
air filter, car fuel filter,
PCV and auto
transmission components before heading
out. Poorly running engine will use more gas so make sure to inspect. Check the
coolant level and belts, hoses should be checked for tightness and wear and
tear. Car battery is very important to work in winter weather.
Make sure car’
heater and defroster are in good condition. Have your car brakes
checked for wear and check your car tires for remaining tread life.
Make sure your
car’s windshield washer is topped up. Have enough petrol in your car before
setting on off any journey.
Have an emergency
kit, flashlight, shovel, extra batteries, boots and mittens, extra windshield
washer fluid and antifreeze with you.
Make sure Tires are not
Refer to the
manufacturer’s recommendations for proper inflation. As a rule, 10 degree drop
in outside air temperature equals a 1Lb loss of pressure at each wheel. So make
sure your tires are properly inflated especially in such a harsh weather.
Buy Winter Tires
Winter tires
leverage a different rubber compound that stays softer and gripper in colder
weather and its tread design cuts into the ice for better traction. All season
tires are made to cover broad middle ground of driving conditions.
Switch to winter
tires when you drive in snowy weather. All season
tires are not effective in harsh winter so better stick with winter tires. If
you live in a region where snowstorms and blizzards are a common occurrence
then it’s time to invest in set of winter tires.
Trust 4WD or AWD
Driving in snow is
not fun. In extra slippery conditions, having a vehicle with all wheel drive or
four wheel drive can give you some traction. But don’t think they will be
always effective and will prevent every accident on snowy roads. They will help
you to detect wheel slippage during snowy condition and then redirecting the
engine torque to the wheels with the best grip.
But all wheel drive
adds extra weight to the vehicle which can be disadvantage if you slam on car
brakes at an icy intersection. Braking is the great equalizer in the snow, so
take it easy!
Stay Calm and don’t slam on brakes
Take it easy! Don’t
slam on brakes as a sudden tug of the wheel or jab at the car brakes will
result in a dangerous life threatening slide. Crucial part is how to stop.
If your car
experience a spin, try to catch the spin by taking your foot off the gas – but
not stomping the brakes- let the vehicle slow down itself. Do not make sudden
steering movements as this could worsen the condition.
So, keep your mind
cool, stay level headed! As the saying goes- slow and steady wins the race!!
Don’t rely on technologies
With the advanced
safety technologies and snow modes introduced in cars, many folks believe that
they don’t need to learn how to drive in snow because their car is going to
take care of the situation.
Don’t use cruise
control because even roads that appear clear can have slippery spots. Slightest
tap to deactivate it, could cause loss of control.
Better learn winter
driving just don’t solely rely on technologies. GM’s On Star and Toyota’s
Safety Connect are good technologies to consider. Owners can count on emergency
services with these techs like automatic crash notification and one touch
connection with human advisors.
Check the lights
You can take guarantee
for your driving skills but what about the other on the road? Check your car’s
headlights, taillights, turn signals and fog lights so that others can see you
on the road!
If the snow starts
falling quite thickly, put your fog lights on. This will help you to see and to
be seen by other car drivers.
Maintain a reasonable speed
The faster it is
snowing, the slower you should drive. Whether you are trying to come up to a
stop or trying to reach your destination first, poor traction and road
condition is definitely going to hinder your pace.
Allow more space
between your vehicle and the one ahead of you to avoid any hazard. It’s best to
accelerate slowly and keep your car in control.
Taking Hills
Hills can be
challenging even if you are an expert in blizzard driving. Faced with the
challenges in elevation, get momentum before you reach the hill and slow down
when you reach the top.
Waiting until you
are partway up to press on the gas is likely to spin your wheels. Pulling off a
perfect winter hill climb lets you crest the hill with most of that extra
momentum behind you allowing you to descend slowly and safely.
When you get Stuck
Stay in the
vehicle, avoid over exertion, let the fresh air in and run the engine every 10
minutes but make sure that the exhaust pipe is free of snow.
If you get stuck,
turn your steering wheel completely to one side as it may move your front
wheels just enough to reach a less slippery patch and then gain enough traction
to pull you out.
Another method is
to rock your wheel back and forth from reverse to drive back thus building the
momentum that you need to get going on the road.
If you can’t do
anything to get out of the situation then don’t worry. Just turn on the dome
lights at night. Don’t forget to move your hands and legs often and rub your
feet and palms to keep you warm.
Extras to pack
You should know
what to bring along in case you get stuck. Make sure you have blankets, hats, prepare
first aid kits, jump cables, gloves,
food and water for emergency.
Winter weather can
wreck havoc on carpets and floor mats. But rubber mats if you are driving in
such harsh condition.
Keep your phone
charged for 24/7 communication.
So, stay calm and
be smart in case you are stuck in Blizzard!!
If you require any
help choosing the right car parts for your vehicle then visit partsavatar.ca
and our experts will be happy to help you!
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