A Beginners Guide to Driving in the Snow

Before setting out on your winter journey, you should make sure your vehicle is ready to tackle the harsh conditions. The first thing you should check is your tires and ensure that they have at least 2/32 of an inch of tread left. If they have less, you should get them replaced, as tires with limited tread won't provide the traction needed to stay on the road while driving in snow. In areas where heavy snow is anticipated during the winter, it is advisable to invest in a set of winter tires. Winter tires have a deeper tread with a more aggressive tread pattern and are made of more flexible material. You should also check your tire pressure, as cold temperatures lower the air pressure inside your tires. Similarly, your battery power drops with the temperature, so you should have your battery tested to ensure it will crank the engine, no matter how cold it gets. You should also make sure the cooling system is in working order. If you need help with any of these things, the service center here at Reedman-Toll CDJR is here to help!

Once you make sure your vehicle is mechanically ready to take on the winter, you want to make sure a few other things are ready. First off, be sure to clean off any vehicle cameras to ensure they are clear of road salt, dirt, and other debris that could obstruct your visibility. Additionally, if your vehicle is equipped with driver aids like automatic emergency braking, make sure that the sensors these systems you rely on are free from any obstructions. When the temperatures are frigid, you may want to warm up your vehicle before driving. Not only will this keep you comfortable when you get behind the wheel, but it will also ensure that the engine oil is warm and flowing before you begin driving. It is also advised that drivers keep at least half a tank of gas in their car during the winter months to prevent gas line freezing. Lastly, if the forecast looks like it could cause some dicey conditions, try to wait out the storm. If that's not possible, be sure to tell someone your route before you leave.

While you're driving in wintry weather, you should keep a few tips in mind to prevent slippage. First and foremost, take it easy. Driving slowly is a key way to stay safe while driving on ice or snow to account for the lower traction these conditions cause. You should also accelerate and decelerate slowly, as sudden movements on the gas and brake pedals will cause the tires to slip. If you encounter a hill while driving in the snow, be sure to maintain a steady speed. If you try to power up a hill, your tires will begin to spin without traction. You should also avoid stopping on a hill in the snow, as it can be difficult to gain enough traction to continue up the hill from a stop. Another important tip is never to use cruise control while driving in the snow.

Another great way to keep you safe while driving in the winter is to keep an emergency kit. In the event that you get stuck in the snow, your emergency kit will help keep you safe and help solve the problem. A few essential items for your emergency kit include a snowbrush with an ice scraper, a folding shovel, jumper cables, a portable phone charger, a flashlight with extra batteries, blankets, hats, and gloves. It's also advisable to keep extra water and non-perishable snacks. Additionally, keeping a small bag of kitty litter in your vehicle can help you gain enough traction to get out of deep snow.

In the event that you get stuck in the winter, there are a few things to remember. The first thing you should do when your vehicle is stuck is ensuring that the tailpipe is not obstructed by snow or mud, as this can cause deadly carbon monoxide to leak into the cabin. It is also important that you stay with your vehicle, as it provides temporary shelter and allows rescuers to easily locate you. Never try to walk in a severe snowstorm, as the blowing snow can cause you to lose sight of your vehicle and get lost. You should also avoid over-exerting yourself. Listen to your body when you're trying to dig out your vehicle, and stop if you become tired. You should also keep a bright-colored cloth in your vehicle to tie to the antenna or place it at the top of a rolled-up window as a distress signal for other drivers. At night, keep the interior dome light on. This will make it easier for rescuers to find you without draining too much battery power. Lastly, it is important to conserve your fuel by only running the engine and heaters long enough to warm up the cabin.

While the winter months can be intimidating for drivers, there are ways for you to stay safe. Here at Reedman-Toll CDJR of Langhorne, our service center is here for you in whatever you need to make sure your vehicle is safe and ready to take on the harsh Pennsylvania winter. Call our service center directly if you have any questions regarding your vehicle's condition. You can also schedule a service appointment right here on our website to have it looked over by an expert technician. We look forward to serving you!