This season, you may spend plenty of time behind the wheel shopping for gifts and groceries, and visiting loved ones over the holidays. Unfortunately, weather conditions can become wet or even icy during the winter. To keep yourself and your passengers safe, as well as avoid a need for auto repairs, use the following driving tips.

3 Tips for Driving During the Winter

1. Come to a Gradual Stop

When you need to come to a stop on a slippery road, do so slowly. Braking too fast could cause your tires to lose their grip, sending the car hydroplaning. This increases the risk of rear-ending the vehicle in front of you, or skidding out into an intersection.

Instead, shift to a lower gear or lower your speed as you approach a stop sign or red light. Press the brake slowly and lightly.

2. Know How to Handle Hydroplaning

Should you experience hydroplaning, it’s safer to know how to deal with it.

If you lose control and start to slide on a slick road, remember the phrase “steer into the skid.” This means you should turn the wheel toward the direction your rear wheels are sliding. As a result, your car will straighten itself, and you should be able to center the wheels again.

3. Keep Your Distance

During the winter, it’s especially important to keep enough space between you and the next car to allow you to come to a full stop.

Instead of the standard two seconds between your vehicles, increase your following distance to six seconds. This means you should drive by a landmark about six seconds after the car in front of you. This tip will also help if visibility is poor, as it may be harder to see if the car in front brakes suddenly.  

If you’ve tried to adopt these tips but still need auto repair this winter, turn to Oak Hollow Tire Car Care Center of High Point, NC, for help. Their mechanics are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), so you can trust they’ll deliver top-quality results for your vehicle. Whether you need new tires or transmission repair, call (336) 841-6553 to schedule an appointment. You can also visit their website to learn more about their auto repair services.