It’s a reality. We are right smack in the middle of winter and those winter driving hazards are all too real. The roads covered with ice and snow are a challenge to even the best of drivers.
Winter also means very short days, and fewer daylight hours means you do more driving in the dark, which is a hazard in itself. Before you venture out into the adverse weather, know that taking precautions and driving safely will help ensure you reach your destination without an incident. Bostons Locksmith, your automotive locksmith in Boston, offers these winter driving tips to help keep you safe.
Slow Down
Speeding is never a good idea, especially when the roads are icy and snow covered. When bad road conditions exist, prepare to drive significantly slower than you usually would.
Of course, this means it will take you longer to reach your destination, so make the necessary adjustments so you can get where you need to go on time.
Plenty of Distance
If the vehicle in front of you comes to a sudden halt, you will want to make sure you are far enough back so you can react to it. When the snow flies and the roads are slick, you need to leave plenty of distance between yourself and the car in front of you.
Know Your Breaks
Traditional braking systems allowed the brakes to lock up and keep the wheels from turning at all. This promoted skidding and sliding and a reduced grip of the tire when trying to stop or otherwise maneuver.
But now most vehicles have anti-lock brakes. So when roads are icy and snowy, all you need to do is press the brakes and let the vehicle do the work slowing down. The brake pedal will pulsate and vibrate as the brakes are pulsed.
Stop and Go
Too many motorists believe that if they have a four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle, they can cruise through the snow and ice without any problems. While the added traction will help these vehicles get around in the snow, they won’t help you slow down any quicker when you hit a patch of black ice.
Promote Visibility
In the winter months, it is important that you check your vehicle to ensure everything is fully operational. Since the days are so short, you will be doing a lot more driving after sundown. Headlights are a basic, but important feature that helps avoid accidents. So make sure your headlights are working in good order.
It is also important that you can be seen by other drivers. So in addition to checking your headlights, check all of the other lights on your vehicle.
Be Ready
The winter gear you have in your truck should include jumper cables, flashlight, blankets and a small shovel. You need to make sure you also have an ice scraper, drinking water and extra batteries for your flashlight. In fact, you should have a kit full of all of the items you will need should you find yourself stranded.
And should you lock your keys in your car this winter, give Bostons Locksmith a call.
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