As the days get shorter and colder, driving dangers increase. Roads become slick with ice, while visibility decreases due to earlier sunsets, sleet, and snowstorms. Frigid temperatures also present dangers in the event of a breakdown. Protect yourself and your vehicle from winter driving hazards with the following guide to prevent the need for auto repairs.

4 Ways to Stay Safe When Driving In the Winter

1. Stay Informed About the Forecast

Plan driving trips around the weather as much as possible by reviewing the forecast regularly. Consider installing an app on your phone that provides advisory alerts to avoid driving in severe weather unnecessarily. If you do end up driving in bad weather, keep your hazards on and pull over to the nearest safe space, such as a parking lot, until visibility improves. 

2. Winterize Your Vehicle

Schedule a tune-up with your local auto repair team to make sure your vehicle is ready for winter. Get your oil changed since cold temperatures increase fluid thickness, making it harder to lubricate moving parts.

You should also get your heating system inspected, and the battery checked. Cold weather can decrease battery power. Your radiator, defroster, windshield wiper fluid, brakes, exhaust system, and belts and hoses also need inspection and any necessary repairs or replacements.

3. Check Your Tires & Wheel Alignment

If you routinely drive in snow and ice, increase traction with chains or winter tires. Request wheel alignment services from your auto repair team when you get your tires replaced to decrease handling difficulties. Vehicles pull to the side when their wheels are misaligned, which is even more dangerous on icy roads.

4. Drive Slower on Snow & Ice

Take your time on slick roads and stay alert. Practice driving on snowy roads that don’t get much traffic to help acclimate yourself. Remember to brake slowly and to steer rather than brake if you start sliding to avoid spinning out of control. Keep as much distance between yourself and other drivers as you can since rear-end crash rates increase in the winter.
 

Take your car to Mullanphy Tire & Automotive for auto repairs and maintenance this winter. The full-service auto repair shop serving Florissant, MO, and the surrounding areas combines honesty with reliability, knowledge, and experience to provide drivers with the dependable services they need all year round. Call (314) 921-4961 today to make an appointment and visit the website for their latest specials.