Winter is here, and with the frigid temperatures comes a new host of unique driving challenges. Winter road conditions can prove treacherous, but with these tips you’ll be able to better your chances of staying safe on snowy streets.
Plan Ahead
It’s important to plan ahead before you head out into wintry conditions. Always allow yourself extra time to drive to your destination and check local weather warnings before leaving so you have an idea of what your trek may look like. Visibility is also vital so make sure you completely clear off any snow or ice on your car before hitting the road.
Check Your Tires
All tires are not made equal, and a good set of tires can mean the difference between getting home safely and skidding into a ditch. As you might expect, tires equipped with chains and winter tires do better in colder temperatures as they have deep, open tread patterns to give your car additional traction in snow and slush. All-weather tires tends to suffer from low pressure and lack of grip in frigid weather, and may even be worn down from daily driving around New Jersey so it’s important to check for bald tires before heading out as well.
Stay Charged
Among affecting tires, cold weather can also decrease battery power while increasing the amount of effort needed to start your engine. A dead battery could spell disaster and leave you stranded for hours, which is why it’s so important to ensure your battery is in good condition. Stop in to our New Jersey service center for a new battery today your if vehicle is hard to start or is showing signs of wear.
Take It Slow In New Jersey
Even the most prepared driver can find themselves in a precarious situation if they hit a patch of ice too fast or while changing lanes. Give yourself plenty of time to brake and react when the road is slippery by keeping plenty of space between your car and the one in front of you. Experts recommend allowing at least three car-lengths of space between vehicles.
Perhaps the best tip for driving on slippery roads is to avoid it if at all possible, but if you do have to travel, plan ahead and check your ride before leaving. Contact us at Toyota of Morristown for more tips for driving on slippery, winter roads, or give us a call at (973) 540-1111.