Driving during winter can be a stressful experience. Between blinding snow, slippery ice, and a frozen engine, any number of issues can occur when you travel during winter. Your home for used cars in Portsmouth NH always wants you to be safe when you drive. We have gathered some great tips for you to follow this winter that will bring you peace of mind knowing that you are driving as safe as possible.
– Don’t drive when you’re tired. Always get the rest you need before driving this winter.
– If you’re driving in snow, make sure you accelerate and decelerate as slowly as you can. Doing this will optimize your level of traction and minimize skidding. You should always stop and turn as slowly as possible in order to stay safe.
– Make sure your tires are inflated to the correct level. Intense temperature changes can lead to fluctuating levels of pressure. Too much air will decrease your tires’ traction, while not enough air will decrease efficiency as more power will be needed to move those tires.
– Prevent a gas line freeze-up by making sure that your tank is always at least halfway full.
– Avoid using your cruise control when you are driving in slippery conditions like ice or freezing rain.
– Keep track of weather reports in the areas where you will be driving. The weather near your house might be fine, but the ride may get treacherous as you near your destination. You should always wait to travel at the safest times whenever possible.
– Get your vehicle inspected, and get any issues repaired at the Portsmouth Used Car Center service department before you leave.
– You should always know your braking power and be ready to use them if needed, but if you don’t have to stop, try not to. Slowing down whenever you can is always a better option than trying to come to a complete halt in the snow.
– Don’t try to apply extra power when you go up a hill. Let natural momentum carry you to the top and then decrease power slowly once you reach the peak of the hill.
– Always bring backup supplies such as blankets, clothes, food, and water in case you get stranded.
– If you get stuck in snow, don’t leave your vehicle. Blowing snow can impair your vision, and you will spend all of your energy trying to push or dig your vehicle out. Just stay in your vehicle until the storm subsides or help arrives.
– Attach a bright piece of cloth to your vehicle so that first responders will be able to find you easily.
– Run the engine only long enough to stay warm, and make sure there isn’t any snow clogging up the exhaust pipe.
The best advice that your Portsmouth used Ford destination can give is to avoid traveling at all during winter storms if possible. If the weather is terrible, it is always a good idea to stay inside. If you do have to travel through the snow and ice, make sure that you always follow these tips so you can drive as safely as possible during the winter season.
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