8 Tips to Excel at Winter Driving

February 6, 2019February 6, 2019

Winter hits and so do a plethora of challenges from snowstorms, icy roads to fog. Worry not, because to help you brush your winter driving skills, Auto Surefit has got 8 tips which can potentially transform your winter drives.

1. Engine oil tends to thicken up at low temperatures. Thicker oil takes up more power from your car battery. So consider changing your car battery if it’s older than 3 years.

2. Be patient with the accelerator because winters are not the ideal time to unleash that hidden racer in you. Accelerate and decelerate slowly. This helps the car tyres to regain traction and also avoids skidding. Do not make sudden stops because they can cause fatal accidents on icy roads. Remember that it takes longer to slow down on snow-covered roads; so maintain a sufficient stopping distance.

3. Avoid taking any abrupt turns or stops when driving in winters because doing so may cause your vehicle to lose control and result in a skid. Slowly apply the brake before entering turns and accelerate only after you have rounded the corner.

4. Skidding during winters is more common than you think, which is why you should always be prepared for this worst-case scenario. You can avert danger by decreasing vehicle speed but do not slam your car brake. This helps in transferring your vehicle’s weight from the front to the rear end and can actually help your vehicle regain control.

5. While your instincts may ask you to use cruise control during winters, it is actually a strict no-no on the snowy, icy, and wet surfaces. This is because if the car hydroplanes, then the vehicle will try to accelerate and you may end up losing control over the vehicle.

6. Moving around on snow is more difficult than you think, so anticipate the road conditions. This will give you enough time to manoeuvre through the turns. Bear in mind that the normal following distance during winters ranges from eight to ten seconds which implies that your vehicle will take longer to stop.

7. Tailgating is an art, best left for experts. Consider a case of driving towards another car’s bumper which makes an abrupt stoppage. However hard you hit the brake, chances are, that you will end up touching the rear bumper of that car. This is because of reduced traction on wet and snowy roads, due to which your vehicle takes longer to stop. So, it’s better to maintain a safe distance until you feel it is safe to pass because otherwise, even the chances of vehicles hitting you from behind are also higher.

8. Fill up your gas tank before going on long drives during the winter season. Low oil levels are susceptible to condensation inside the tank. It may even re-freeze in your fuel lines, which prevents your car from starting.

There’s nothing that is more tragic than getting stuck in a snow-bank, especially when you are running out for essential supplies. So, avoid a breakdown this winter by following these tips. However, if you still have any troubles, want MOT, or any Car Service Wolverhampton, visit our garage or browse our products online.