Following the old adage, if the weather is bad, stay home if you are able.
Before heading out, check the weather. If it looks bad out there, delay your trip if possible. If you still have to go out, call family or friends to let them know where you are going, what time you plan to arrive, and what route you are taking. Take an extra walk around your car, be sure your wipers are in good working order, that your fluids are full and your tires are inflated to recommended specifications. Plan to refill when your tank reaches full.
When accelerating or decelerating, do it slowly. While applying the gas, slow is best to regain traction and avoid skids, take your time to slow down for a stoplight, it takes longer to slow down on slippery or icy roads. Try to increase your stopping distance by 5 or 6 seconds; it may just give you the necessary margin of safety when you need to stop unexpectedly. It's always best to take your time to slow down for a red light and don't be in a hurry when accelerating after it turns green.
Pro tips: If you can avoid it, don't stop! Slow just enough and keep rolling until your light turns green again, take advantage of the inertia you already have. It takes a LOT to start moving again from a full stop.
Avoid powering up hills; it makes your wheels spin. Keep your momentum going before you reach the hill and let it help carry you to the top. Putting the pedal to the metal will make your wheels spin; also avoid stopping on hills at all costs, as trying to go up a hill from a mid-hill stop on an icy road is more challenging. Once you reach the top of the hill, let off the gas to reduce your speed and head down that hill slowly.
Get familiar with your brakes; they are your friends. It is often best to keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot when applying steady, firm pressure to the brake.
If you do get stuck, make sure to have cold-weather gear ready to go in your car blankets, warm clothing, food, water, a flashlight, etc. If you don't have anything warm, you can always use your floor mats, paper maps, or newspaper to wrap yourself in a pinch. If you do get caught stuck in a storm, stay in your car. Be sure not to overexert yourself if you try to dig out your vehicle. Listen to your body; take breaks when working. Your vehicle offers temporary shelter and can also help you get located by a rescue team if needed. Check and clear your exhaust of mud, snow or ice, to avoid a carbon monoxide risk while the engine is running.
Avoid walking in a severe storm; it is very easy to get disoriented and soon lost once you lose sight of your car. Simply tie something brightly colored to your antenna or hang it out of your window to signal distress and leave a dome light on in your vehicle to help a rescuer find you.
What is it they say? The best-laid plans... Well, whatever the saying is, before this winter weather hits, call Antero Automotive to make an appointment. Better yet, click here to make your appointment online. Ensure sure you won't be stuck in a lurch when it is cold outside. See you soon!