The winter season is not an easy season to cope with and comes with its fair share of challenges. Driving is one of the hardest tasks during winters and there are certain precautionary measures that you need to take in order to ensure safety.
Here are a few tips to make the driving experience smoother and safer:
- Double Check Brakes and Tires
It is absolutely essential to ensure the tires and brakes of your vehicle are in good condition and working fine before you decide to get behind the wheel and drive. You need to check that the tires are properly inflated and have good tread depth in order to be able to handle slippery roads.
Regular tire pressure checks are a must along with checking for any sort of repair or damage required.If you reside in an area which receives heavy snowfall, consider investing in snow tires so conditions like those can be maneuvered easily.
As important as checking tires is, brakes are equally integral to be checked before heading out. Make sure they are responsive and performing like they should. This will help you ensure maximum safety, especially when you are driving down icy roads.
Moreover, you should take extra precautionary measures like slowing down, leaving ample room between cars and avoid hard braking in case the vehicle begins skidding. These are small steps you can take that can help ensure a safe drive during the winter season and unpredictable or extreme weather conditions.
- Double Check Your Antifreeze / Coolant
For your vehicle to maintain optimal engine performance, you need to check your antifreeze / coolant. It will help prevent breakdowns during harsh weather conditions.
When you use an antifreeze coolant, it becomes safe for you to operate the vehicle at the lowest of temperatures and you can avoid the risk of damaging your engine or the cooling system.
The formula of the fluid is particularly designed to protect metal surfaces from corrosion. Due to its high boiling point, it conveniently controls the engine temperatures. Make sure you use a coolant that meets or exceeds the requirements of the vehicle’s manufacturer.
Additionally, the coolant helps maintain the lubrication of water pump seals in order to ensure apt circulation throughout the cooling system and reduces noise associated with a dry cooling system.
- Double Check your Engine Oil
We are all very well aware of how the oil in the engine helps run it smoothly even when the temperature drops. Regular oil changes are critical for maintaining your vehicle’s engine health.
During winter, it is especially important to make sure that you are using oil with the lowest viscosity, that is compatible with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.
Regular oil changes can also help prevent sludge build-up or formation of other contaminants in the engine as a result of moisture accumulation from condensation that can occur in colder temperatures.
- Check your Battery
Be sure to check your battery, especially during cold winter months. Cold weather tends to take a toll on battery health and causes it to lose power or give ignition problems.
Furthermore, the battery’s internal resistance increases during winters and it makes it more difficult for the engine to start. To avoid getting stranded during extreme fog, rain or snow, make sure you examine your car’s battery and ensure that it is functioning fine and holding a charge.
Check for any signs of corrosion around the terminals, and also look for leaks which would be an indication of replacement. Also, it is mandatory to double check your headlights, brake lights, and turn signals / hazard lights as these are all crucial during winter driving.
- Double Check your Defroster
The proper functioning of a defroster is a must especially during the winter season. Before heading out on the road, it is pertinent that you ensure the rear defroster is working properly. As it helps clear away the frost, fog and ice from the rear window.
You need to make sure of 100% visibility before you begin to drive.
Nothing is more important than ensuring your safety, and the safety of others, especially during the winter months when driving and weather conditions increase the risk. WIth these simple precautionary measures, major accidents can be avoided. Better safe than sorry.