If you live in a snowy area, like Silver Spring, MD, you need to adjust your approach to driving when the cold weather comes along. Frost, ice, and snow on the roads can make it much more dangerous to get from point A to point B, with many accidents occurring due to slides, skidding, and low visibility. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple things you can do to help keep yourself and your passengers safe, and here are some of our top tips for driving in snow and ice.
Prepare Your Car Before Setting Off
Before even starting the engine of your car, there are a couple of things you need to do on an icy or snowy day. First, make sure that the windshield is completely cleared of any snow, and ensure that you clear snow from the roof of your vehicle, as it could fall down and impair your visibility when you drive. You should also use your car’s heaters to thaw any ice on the windshield, and you should clear the windows and mirrors so you can see clearly.
Keep Your Distance
It’s always important to keep your distance from the car in front of you, but this rule is even more crucial to keep in mind on icy or snowy roads. In frosty winter conditions, brake times and distances are much longer, which means you need to give yourself more space and time to slow down and stop your car. The more distance you leave between your car and the car in front, the safer you should be.
Reduce Your Speed
It’s also a good idea to lower your speed when you drive in snowy conditions. Because of the ice and snow, your car’s tires will have less traction on the road. If you drive too quickly, it will be much harder for you to slow down and stop to avoid hazards ahead, and you’ll be more likely to enter a skid or slide, as well. Keep your speed low to stay in control of your car.
Avoid Distractions
This is another good rule to follow at all times, but it becomes even more important in the winter. Distractions cause a lot of accidents and injuries every year, and when you’re driving on icy or snowy roads, you simply can’t afford to lose focus. You need to remain attentive and concentrated on the road ahead of you and the cars around you, ready to react if any dangerous situations appear.
Handle Skids with Care
If you do a lot of driving on icy roads, it’s possible that your car may start to skid at some point, and you need to know how to react. The first step is to try and stay calm. Avoid slamming down on the brakes or gas, as this will only make the situation worse. Instead, ease off the gas and turn the wheel gently. If it’s a front-wheel skid, turn in the direction you want to go. For rear-wheel skids, you need to turn into the skid to regain control.
These tips and tricks should help you stay safe when driving on the icy and snowy roads of Maryland in winter. If you need any help getting your car prepared for the cold and frosty months, such as fitting winter tires or getting an oil change, the friendly technicians at your trusted local dealer are ready to help. Visit DARCARS Lexus of Silver Spring for all your auto needs this winter.
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