First, making sure you completely clear your car of all snow and ice, especially on your front windshield, back windshield, windows, and headlights is the most important thing you can do. This helps to provide you a clear view of the road around you and allows others to see your lights clearly when it matters most! Invest in a good ice scraper/snow brush or even a windshield blanket to make it easier on you.
Second, most drivers who park outside in Michigan believe they need to warm their cars up for an extended period of time (on average 5 minutes). Did you know it only takes about 30 seconds of warm-up for your engine to be ready to go? Your car will actually warm up better by being driven. By idling past 30 seconds your car might be warm on the inside, but you'll be wasting more gas than necessary. Just bundle up and get going!
Third, don't assume anything. If you feel more confident in the snow just because you have 4x4 or AWD, think again! Even vehicles that are built to get more traction can slip and slide in the right conditions. Always look twice for ice patches and take every precaution you would without the 4WD. In fact, winter tires or snow tires will help you car perform better than an AWD with all-season tires.
Next, let's get to the driving tips!
1. Accelerate and decelerate with about twice the distance you normally would. You want to give your tires enough time to gain the traction it needs to get moving or to slow down. Just remember, everything is slower in the snow.
2. Avoid braking hard or fast. Again, everything takes longer in the snow and quick actions can cause your car to react by slipping and sliding.
3. Increase your following distance. Because everything takes longer, you'll need more distance in between you and the car in front of you in case you need to brake, switch lanes, etc.
4. Continue through a yellow light that's turning red if you need to. If you don't have enough distance to safely stop, it's better to run a turning light than to risk dangerously sliding through the intersection.
5. If your car slides or skids, keep your hands on the wheel and take your foot off the pedal. Unless you're a driving expert, it's hard to properly handle your car in a skid and you could risk involving yourself and others in an accident.
6. Don't use cruise control. When the roads are slippery, you'll want full control of your car's actions. Cruise control won't be able to detect a patch of ice or snow and adjust properly!
7. Slow down! The posted speed limits are only valid for dry pavement. When it comes to your safety on the road, slowing down is imperative. It's better to arrive safe than to risk your life so you can arrive at your destination a few minutes early.
Another thing to consider is routine maintenance! Your vehicle is the most safe when all of its parts are working properly. Check out our winter car care tips online and schedule a service appointment on our website to make things convenient. When you come in for your next oil change, our professional technicians will inspect your vehicle's critical components and bring anything of concern to your attention.
North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 855-739-2023, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!
Visit our website: www.northbrothersford.net
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