6 Habits to Pick Up for Safe Winter Driving in Kitchener-Waterloo
At Logel’s Auto Shop, an automotive recycling facility in Kitchener-Waterloo, we want to do our part ensure that our communities roads are safe this winter. After the first snowfall, there are lots of accidents on the road. This is why we’ve put together a list of 6 important habits you should pick up for safe winter driving this season.
Buy snow tires
The first habit you need to get into for safe winter driving is installing four winter tires on your vehicle. Winter tires are specifically designed to maintain handling and traction on even the snowiest days, helping you stay safe while on the road.
Let your vehicle warm up
Many drivers don’t realize that taking the time to let your vehicle warm up can not only save you from costly damages but can actually improve its driving performance. Letting your vehicle warm up before you drive results in a smoother ride, as the internal oils and fluids have time to warm up and start properly lubricating. It also allows the elements in your suspension heat up and loosen.
Leave extra time to get places
Between brushing snow off your car, letting it warm up, and dealing with less than ideal road conditions, it’s important to leave yourself extra time to drive to your destination. Allowing for this larger window of driving time means you won’t feel rushed, which can result in risky driving decisions.
Monitor your tire pressure
Many drivers don’t realize that as the weather begins to cool, you tires will experience a significant decrease in air pressure. This is because in colder temperatures the air in your tires contracts and reduces in volume, causing a decrease in tire pressure. When tires are underinflated, this can negatively impact your steering, handling, and the life of your tires.
Check road conditions before you leave
Before you head out this winter, whether it be across town or to a different city, take a look at the weather and road reports. Checking these before you leave will ensure you don’t find yourself caught in a storm or in traffic due to accidents or road closures.
Be prepared to spend the night
If you’re heading out of town during the winter, be prepared to stay overnight even if you had only planned on a day trip. This way if the roads or weather forecast are bad you won’t feel pressured to make an unsafe drive home.
By getting into these winter driving habits early, we can keep the roads in the community of Kitchener-Waterloo safe for everyone! If you have any questions about winter driving or want to know more about used winter tires from Logel’s Auto Parts Kitchener, give us a call.
