Driving in the snow can be a daunting task, especially if your vehicle is not properly aligned. If you’re from Lafayette, Indiana you know exactly what we’re talking about!
In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to stay safe while driving in the snow, as well as provide information about the services offered by Beck’s Auto Center like Affordable Alignments in Lafayette Indiana.
Read on to learn more!
Get your car checked before winter
Winter is coming, and that means it’s time to make sure your vehicle is ready for the cold weather. One important task to consider is having your car aligned. While this may seem like an unnecessary expense, an alignment can help improve the safety of your vehicle in the snow.
An alignment ensures that your tires are properly adjusted and running in the right direction. When driving on icy or snowy roads, having well-aligned tires can significantly reduce the chances of losing control of your car due to slipping.
Additionally, it can reduce wear and tear on your tires over time. This can save you money in the long run, as misaligned tires can cause excessive tire wear and shorter tire life.
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Slow down and take your time
Winter driving can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be if you take the time to prepare your vehicle and plan your route. One of the most important steps in staying safe while driving in the snow is to slow down and take your time.
When roads are covered with snow, they become more slippery and it takes longer to stop or turn. Accelerating and braking too quickly can cause you to lose control of your vehicle, so it’s important to drive slowly and adjust your speed according to the conditions.
It’s also important to avoid sudden stops or turns when driving on snowy roads. Sudden movements can cause you to skid and lose control of your car.
Instead, try to anticipate what’s ahead and ease into your turns or stops as gently as possible.
This will give you better control of your vehicle and help you avoid dangerous situations.
Use/Check Your Lights
Make sure your lights are working properly, and also, just remember to use them!. On some car models, you have to remember to turn on your lights. This is especially true when you are driving in low visibility conditions or when the roads are slick and slippery.
Using your headlights helps other drivers on the road to identify your presence and can make all the difference in avoiding an accident.
It’s also important to remember that your headlights are not only meant for low visibility conditions. In fact, it’s a good practice to use your headlights even when it’s sunny out, as this will make you more visible to other drivers.
If you are driving at night, be sure to turn your headlights on before dark.
It’s also important to use your fog lights in bad weather. These should be used when the visibility is reduced, such as during a snowstorm. But remember not to use your high beams. High beams will actually blind you more by illuminating the snowfall.
The fog lights help cut through the fog and snow so that you can see more of what is in front of you. However, be sure to turn off your fog lights when the visibility improves. Otherwise, they can blind other drivers on the road.
Beware of Black Ice
It is crucial to remember the danger of black ice when driving. Black ice forms when rain or melted snow freezes on the pavement, creating a thin layer of clear ice.
It can be very hard to spot on the road, as it often looks like just a wet patch. However, it is incredibly slick and can cause your car to suddenly skid out of control.
To avoid black ice while driving in snowy conditions, it is essential that you remain aware of your surroundings. If the road looks wet, it may be black ice.
Also be sure to check your tires before getting on the road – make sure they are in good condition and properly inflated.
Additionally, drive slower than you normally would in wet conditions and give yourself extra time to stop at intersections or for other vehicles.
If you do hit a patch of black ice, keep your steering wheel steady and take your foot off the accelerator. Do not brake suddenly, as this can cause further skidding. The best thing you can do is wait for your car to regain traction and then gently accelerate in the direction of travel.
By taking a few precautionary steps and remaining vigilant while driving in winter weather, you can keep yourself and others safe on the road.
Ready for A Check-Up?
Stop by Beck’s Auto Center to get your vehicle ready for winter! We have a check-list and we will check it twice to ensure you are set for the winter roads.
Contact one of our professionals at (765) 563-5455 or visit our website and make sure you are ready to face this up-coming season!