As snow and ice become more common on the roadways, you’ll need to change your driving habits to stay safe as you travel. If you’re not aware of safe winter driving practices, it’s easy to overlook some easy steps that can prevent disasters. To help you keep control of your car and avoid the need for emergency towing, here are four tips for safe winter driving.

4 Ways to Stay Safe on Winter Roads

1. Check Your Tire Tread

Heading into winter with bald tires is asking for disaster. Perform the coin test on your tires; put a penny upside down in the tread. If the top of Lincoln’s head is showing, it’s time to replace your tires. Ask your mechanic or tire shop which models will give you the best stopping distance for winter conditions.

2. Leave More Stopping Distance

Stepping hard on the brakes while you’re driving on ice or snow is a sure way to start skidding. When conditions are slick, leave more stopping distance between your car and drivers in front of you. You’ll need this extra time to react and safely slow your car.

3. Don’t Panic if You Skid

It’s easy to freak out if you lose control of your car, but overcorrecting a skid will only make the problem worse. If you start to slide, you’ll probably be inclined to slam on the brakes and turn against the skid. Instead, you should keep your foot off the brake and steer with the direction you’re sliding, bringing the front wheels in line with the rear wheels, and letting the car slow on its own. This will reduce the likelihood that you end up in a ditch calling your towing company.

4. Pack an Emergency Kit

No matter how carefully you drive, you may end up stranded roadside this winter. If that happens, you’ll need to stay warm and safe until a towing technician arrives. Keep an emergency kit in your car, with blankets, nonperishable food, water, and road flares. This way, you’ll be able to wait out any heavy weather that could keep a tow truck from reaching you.

Even with excellent preparation, you could get stranded this winter. If that happens, you’ll need a trustworthy emergency towing company on call. Keep (513) 867-8889 in your phone to reach Marcell’s Inc 24/7. For more than 60 years, they’ve provided emergency roadside assistance, auto salvage, and quality used auto parts throughout Hamilton, OH. To learn more about their services, visit their website.