Winter driving conditions can be daunting; fortunately, there are a few ways to improve your safety while driving in the snow. Keep reading this post by Oilrich in New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut for more information.

For many, winter is the best season of the year, and it's no wonder why! This weather allows us to enjoy many wonderful things, from snow-covered landscapes and cities decorated with Christmas lights to winter sports and recreational activities in the snow. Yet, winter is also associated with dangerous roads and unsafe driving conditions. For that reason, this post points out essential safety tips for driving in the snow. If you are interested in this topic, read on!

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How to Stay Safe While Driving in the Snow

Get Your Car Ready for Winter

Your car will need a few checks to perform effectively as the snow, and cold temperatures arrive. Thus, consider calling your auto repair shop to book a routine checkup before the winter chill sets in. If you plan to hit the road, inform your mechanic or service advisor so they can pay extra attention to your tires, brakes, and lights. That said, here are some crucial winter maintenance checks for your car:

• Request a battery test to guarantee your car will have enough power for the entire winter.
• Consider installing snow tires, especially if you plan off-road trips over snow-covered surfaces.
• Check your fluid levels to protect your engine against friction, extreme temperatures, and rust.
• Check the operation of all headlights. If you notice a light is flickering or emitting a weak light, replace the bulb. Also, make sure your headlights are well-positioned.

Keep a Clear Visibility Behind the Wheel

Unless you plan to keep your car stored in the garage for the entire winter, it will likely get covered in snow, especially after heavy snowfalls. Thus, you'll want to keep your windshields, windows, and headlights clear so you can see and be seen on the road. To do this, clean your vehicle with a snow broom before each trip. Optimally, you should clear the roof first and then the sides. If the snow is light, you can use a leaf blower to do this job faster. Finally, check that the mirrors and headlights are clear of snow to guarantee good driving visibility.

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Slow Down

Keeping a cautious speed on icy roads is vital to staying safe. The slower you go, the more time your tires will have to grip slippery, snow-covered, and icy surfaces. Conversely, stepping on the accelerator pedal too hard could cause your tires to lose traction and slide over the road. Because of this risk, it is advisable to follow the speed limits in your area to keep control of your car.

Leave Extra Space

Increasing your following distance on icy roads is also recommended. As mentioned, tires may have more difficulty gripping icy or snow-covered surfaces. Thus, they may take longer to reach a safe stop. With that in mind, be sure to increase your following distance to at least eight seconds between your vehicle and the road user in front of you. Doing so will allow you more time to react if a problem arises on the road.

Prepare a Winter Emergency Car Kit

Finally, be sure to equip your vehicle with a winter emergency kit. Following this advice will make a big difference in your safety and comfort if you ever get stranded in the middle of a secluded snowy road. Having pointed that out, here are the things you should include in your kit:

Survival Supplies

• Snacks and water.
• Essentials to keep you warm, like wool blankets, hats, gloves, and socks.
• A first-aid kit.

Equipment for Your Vehicle

• Starting cables.
• Traction devices such as snow chains or recovery boards.
• A snow shovel.
• A rechargeable LED handheld flashlight.

Driving in the snow can be safe if you keep up with your car's maintenance requirements. Contact Oilrich in New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut at (203) 592-7113 and ask their oil pros for advice on the top formulas you should use for your engine. Don't forget to visit AMSOIL's online shop to order the best oils and products for your car.