Winter driving can be hard on your car and on your nerves. If you have to drive in snow, sleet or freezing rain, it’s good to be prepared for the roads by educating yourself about how to stay safe. Some situations can’t be avoided but you can also make sure that you’re prepared to handle the roads when conditions aren’t optimal!
Get your car checked out
The best way to prepare for winter driving is to get your car checked out to make sure that it’s in good shape for winter. A snowy day isn’t the time to find out that your car needs a new battery or that the tires are bald. Tow trucks stay pretty busy in the winter so you might end up having to wait on the side of the road for a few hours until help can reach you if you don’t take the necessary precautions.
Keep basic supplies in the car
If you’re heading out on a snowy day, make sure your car is stocked with the necessary supplies to help you out in case you skid into a snow drift or end up in an accident. Bring along a wool blanket, a few non-perishable snacks, a few water bottles, a flashlight and your cell phone. It’s also good to have a car charger for your phone in case the battery dies.
Stay filled up
If you end up in trouble out on the road, your car’s engine may be the only thing that will keep you warm until help can reach you. Make sure you keep your gas tank near full so that you can keep your engine on and the heat blowing while you are waiting for help. Otherwise your car could run out of gas and you will be stuck waiting in the cold.
Drive slowly
Leave extra time to get to your destinations when it’s snowing or the roads are icy. That way you can take it slow and decrease the chances of getting into an accident. Nobody should be speeding when the roads are icy – sometimes you can’t tell when a section of road is covered in ice so it’s always safest to drive at reduced speeds.
Visit our blog for more tips on driving safely! And be sure to check out our great rates the next time you need a rental car. We have deals going all over the world, and we promise you will not be disappointed! Check out All Star Travel today!