Driving in the snow can be challenging for many reasons, and staying safe is essential. That’s why Synthetic Oil Outlet in Staten Island, NY put together these tips for you to be safe while driving this winter season.
Assess Weather Conditions
Driving in the snow is a reality for many people as work and school don’t close because of a bit of snow on the ground. That being said, it’s essential to avoid extreme weather conditions as much as possible. It’s often best to wait out a storm in a safe place than to put yourself through the risk of driving in unsafe conditions. Always check the weather forecast before leaving for your destination and plan in case of bad weather.
Give Your Vehicle Some Maintenance
Year-round maintenance is essential to ensure that your vehicle is always in the best condition possible. For winter, you should take four crucial steps to make sure your car is safe to take on the road.
Check your engine’s fluids. Your engine oil, coolant, hydraulic fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid should all be clean and to the indicated fill line.
Having your brakes in good condition is vital to keep you safe while driving in the snow. Ensure that your brake pads aren’t worn and that your vehicle has enough brake fluid.
Your battery should hold enough charge, the terminals should be clean, and they shouldn’t have corrosion on them.
Driving in the snow is much safer when you keep up with your vehicle’s maintenance. For advice on what products to use, call the oil experts at Synthetic Oil Outlet at (718) 354-0548. for information about the best products for your engine, or visit their online store anytime!
Switch to Winter Tires
Another important way to stay safe while driving in the snow is to use the right tires. Winter tires are designed with deeper treads to keep you safe on snowy and icy roads. These treads grip the ground better and prevent aquaplaning while driving. Also, winter tires are made out of natural rubber that doesn’t harden when they reach freezing temperatures, which makes them perfect for snow, slush, and icy roads.
As always, you must keep an eye on your tires and inspect them regularly for foreign objects, cracks, or bulges that could cause a flat tire. Also, always keep them filled to the correct air pressure for better performance. Lastly, for longer-lasting tires, make sure you’re rotating, balancing, and aligning them every six months.
Drive Smoothly
One way to keep yourself safe when driving through snowy conditions is to drive as smoothly as possible. This means accelerating, steering, and braking smoothly. Why? Well, snowy conditions can easily cause your tires to lose their grip on the ground, so any sudden movements can cause your wheels to lose traction, which can be dangerous. Going slow is key to getting to your destination safely.
Be safe on the road this winter with a reliable vehicle. Call Synthetic Oil Outlet at (718) 354-0548 today for information on what products are best for your car, and visit their online store once you’re ready to place an order.
Concentrate on the Road
Concentration is essential when driving, but with an added challenge like snow, it’s even more important to keep your eyes and attention on the road. Make sure to pay close attention to road conditions and signals from other vehicles. Keep an eye out for ice and slush on the road that could make you lose traction. You can never be too careful when driving through snow, so keep your eyes open and alert at all times.
Have a Winter Emergency Kit
Lastly, it’s a good idea to pack a winter emergency kit when heading out in the snow. This kit should have everything you need in case of an emergency like:
First-aid supplies
A set of waterproof clothes
Blankets to keep you warm
An LED flashlight with extra batteries
Basic snow equipment like a shovel and salt
A whistle, warning lights, and flares
It might seem like a lot of supplies, but it’s better to have them and not need them than need them and not have them. Have your emergency stored somewhere reachable inside your car as road conditions can change suddenly.