5 Winter Car Tips Every Driver Needs to Know

Winter Car Tips

Are you looking to keep yourself and your family safe this year? Are you planning a road trip to chillier climates? Are you worried about getting stranded? If you are traveling across New Mexico, weather conditions can change suddenly as elevation and weather patterns change.

We’ve got these top winter car tips to help you stay safe and up-to-date on travel provisions.

1. Drive Safe

First, you’ll need to make sure you’re following the right safe driving rules. You should always leave plenty of room between you and the car in front of you when driving. If the road is wet and icy, turn off the cruise control setting on your car.

It’s really important not to spin your wheels when the roads are wet, since that can make the road more slippery. And, you should be driving much slower than you would be during the spring, summer and fall, because the conditions can be much more dangerous.

This should go without saying, but you and any passengers need to be wearing your seatbelts at all times. Studies estimate that seatbelts saved 14,955 lives in 2017 alone.

2. Be Prepared

It’s important to be prepared for the winter months when it comes to driving safely. Make sure you have your car stocked for winter weather.

Stock your car with

• blankets
• flashlights
• emergency supplies

You should also make sure you have plenty of water, in case you were to get stuck overnight.

And, make sure you double check your insurance situation and subscribe to an emergency roadside assistance program if available before winter hits. You don’t want to be struggling if you do end up in an emergency situation.

3. Avoid Hazards

Black ice is one of the biggest hazards when it comes to winter driving. It’s important to know the signs of black ice so you can avoid it.

Black ice can pop up after snow has melted or after its rained, particularly in situations where the temperature has suddenly dropped.

4. Maintenance First

Make sure that your vehicle is properly maintained for the winter months. Switch to winter tires or chains if you need to. Check all of the lights on your car and have them replaced if there are any issues with any of them.

Check your windshield wipers and make sure you have enough wiper fluid. You can check out the specials on things like wiper fluid to make sure your car is ready for the winter without breaking the bank.

5. Make a Plan

It’s really important to plan ahead when you’re driving during the winter months. Make sure you know alternate routes, in case hazardous conditions prevent you from taking your usual paths to your destination.

Check the weather conditions before you hit the road so that you don’t get stuck in any storms or other weather events that may strand you in an uncomfortable situation.

These Winter Car Tips Are Just the Beginning

These winter car tips are just the beginning of the things you can do to help protect yourself during the long winter months. Do your research and find out what’s right for you.

Are you looking for collision repair shops in the Albuquerque, New Mexico area? Contact us today!

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