When the temperature outside plummets and the snow starts to fall, it’s time to take extra care when behind the wheel.
Winter driving can be treacherous, but if you take the proper precautions, it can be safer and even more enjoyable.
That’s why it’s highly important to plan ahead to ensure your safety. It’s also important to be equipped with all the necessary tools and safety measures.
By being prepared and taking your time, you can help ensure a safe winter driving experience.
Here are a few tips to help you navigate the roads this winter.
1. Keep a Safe Distance
If you’re a winter lover like me, you love driving in the rain or snow while enjoying calm music. However, the cold weather can create dangerous road conditions, which is why it’s essential to take extra caution while being behind the wheel.
One of the essential things you should keep in mind is to keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you. That is especially important on icy roads, where it can take longer to stop due to the slippery surface.
Your car is prone to lose traction on slippery surfaces, which might cause you to lose control of your car and crash. A damaged car will lose a lot of its value, which isn’t great news if you want to sell your car in UAE.
Another thing to keep in mind is to watch for black ice. It’s pretty dangerous, especially because it’s hard to spot. If you suspect black ice on the road, slow down and be extra cautious.
In addition, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. There’s nothing worse than being late and feeling the stress of rushing in the winter weather. So take it slow, stay safe, and enjoy the season.
2. Clear your car of ice and snow
When driving in winter, you should always clear your car of ice and snow. Not only is it the law in many countries, but it’s also a safety hazard. Not being able to see out of your windshield or having your car slide all over the road is a recipe for disaster.
So, how do you go about clearing your car of ice and snow? Well, the best way is to use an ice scraper. These can be found at most convenience stores and gas stations. Simply scrape the ice and snow off your windshield and windows, and you’re good to go.
You can start scraping the roof. Ice and snow can build up quickly and make your car top-heavy. Use your scraper to get rid of as much as possible, then brush off the rest.
Now move to the windows. Again, use your scraper to remove the bulk of the ice and snow, then brush off the rest. Be sure to clean all windows, including the windshield, for good visibility.
Finally, clean off the rest of the car. The last thing you want is to track snow and ice into your clean car.
You can always cash your car in UAE if you want to sell your car and purchase one that can stand the harsh winter weather.
3. Keep Your Tank Full
As winter sets in, make sure you’re prepared for whatever the weather throws your way.
One way to do this is to keep your gas tank as close to full as possible. That will give you some extra leeway if you find yourself stranded in a snowstorm or running low on fuel in frigid temperatures.
Of course, there are other things you can do to winter-proof your car, like making sure the tires are in good condition and that the engine oil is the right viscosity. But keeping your gas tank full is necessary as it’ll help you avoid some potentially dangerous situations down the road.
4. Deal with the Skids Carefully
When you’re driving in winter, you need to be extra careful of black ice and other potential hazards. But even if you’re being careful, sometimes you can’t help but skid.
Skidding can happen when your tires lose traction with the road. And it can be extremely dangerous, especially if you’re going too fast.
So what should you do if you find yourself skidding?
First, try to stay calm. It can be easy to panic when you’re sliding around on the road, but that will only worsen the situation. Take a deep breath and focus on what you need to do.
Next, gently turn your steering wheel in the direction you want the front of your car to go. Doing so helps correct your skid and get you back on track.