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Winter is by far the most difficult season for driving, meaning it’s important to take extra care to stay safe on the road. Because of the slick roads, coming to a stop is much trickier than usual. Follow these safe braking tips to avoid having to head to the auto repair shop. 

Winter Brake Safety Tips

1. Slow Down

Driving on wet roads with low visibility means there are variables that are out of your control. One way to minimize the risk is to drive slower than usual. That not only means always obeying the speed limits but also going a few miles per hour under them. That slower pace will give you more time to react and brake. The faster you drive, the more likely it is that your car will spin. 

2. Avoid Tailgating

auto repairAnother way you can lower your chance of needing winter auto repairs is by keeping a safe distance behind the car in front of you. If you closely follow the car, or “tailgate” as the practice is known, it leaves you almost completely at the mercy of the other driver. If they have to stop short for any reason — and winter makes drivers less predictable — you’ll have much less time to react and could easily crash into them or skid dangerously to the side of the road. For the safest results, try to stay at least three seconds behind the nearest driver. 

3. Rely Less on Your Brake

While it may be tempting to be more forceful with your brake in the difficult winter conditions, it’s actually better if you use your brake less. Slamming down hard on the pedal can cause your vehicle to skid since it’s much harder to gain traction on the roads. Instead, if you know you need to stop soon, slowly release your foot from the gas pedal to decrease your speed. By the time you need to fully stop, you should only have to push lightly on the brake, giving you greater control.

 

If you do get into a winter accident, never hesitate to take your car to the reliable auto repair shop, Brown's Transmission Services & Full Service Auto Repairs in Newark, OH. Serving Licking County drivers since 1959, the family-owned shop offers everything from brake to transmission repairs. You can schedule an auto repair appointment by calling (740) 522-4459. Learn more about the business by visiting their website.  

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