While it would be great if no one had to drive in extreme weather, in Minnesota, that would mean nothing ever gets done. The car repair specialists at Stillwater Auto Clinic know you have things to do and places to be, so instead of telling you to stay home when the weather sours, they offer these safe driving tips.

Here’s how the car repair specialists recommend staying safe in wind, rain, ice, or snow:

• Rain: Heavy rain reduces your visibility, lengthens your stopping times, and puts you at risk of losing control. To compensate, slow down, turn your headlights on, and increase your following distance. Brake earlier than usual at stop lights and stop signs and keep an eye out for deep water. If you start to hydroplane, gently steer your car in the direction you want to travel — don’t swerve or hit the brakes.
• Wind: Keeping on a straight path in high winds can be surprisingly difficult, especially if you drive a small, lightweight car. Keep a strong grip on your steering wheel and be prepared to gently adjust the direction of your vehicle if side winds start to blow you off course. Most importantly, stay aware of tractor-trailers, RVs, and trucks driving near you because they could get blown into your lane with a strong gust.
• Snow: No matter how much experience you have driving in snow, you should always take care to slow down, increase your following distance, and give yourself more time to stop. Take it easy when accelerating and braking, and avoid coming to a complete stop when you can — it takes a lot more power to start from a full stop, and you’re more likely to get stuck.
• Ice: You should stay off icy roads whenever possible, but when you have no choice, shift into a lower gear and drive slowly. If you skid, let off the gas and gently steer in the same direction that the rear of your car is sliding. But be careful not to jerk the steering wheel because overcorrecting can make your problem worse.

No matter what kind of weather you’re driving in, it’s important to make sure your car is equipped to handle the demands of the road. Keep up with all your car repair and maintenance needs by visiting your local auto shop, Stillwater Auto Clinic. Before you head out into the Minnesota weather, give them a call at (651) 351-7188.