Winter driving is indeed a daunting task especially negotiating with difficult and slippery terrains. Indeed, driving in extreme temperature and almost zero visibility is no simple feat.
Reckless driving in these risky conditions can result in death or other serious consequences. You could slip or skid through very slippery roads. So it pays to be prepared. Very cold temperature put a test to your cars mechanical capabilities while testing your skills as a driver.
Below are helpful tips from my friend at
Vernon Ford to help you negotiate through winter roads:
First, take your car for a pre-winter check.
Examine your tires if it is properly inflated. Over inflation reduces the tires grip on the road so you dont want to do that as it could lead to slips and skids. Your tires tread is designed to have a proper traction on the road and you need that especially on a winter road. To know the right inflation of your car, check it out from any
Ford dealerships. They will be happy to assist you.
Shaded roads or overhanging bridges are fastest to ice than ordinary roads. This is because ordinary roads have the earths heat to delay its freezing. When passing through these icy roads, drive slowly than usual because these roads are very slippery and you have increased risk for skids and slips.
Second, give more time allowance for driving during winter conditions as it can make driving a bit difficult. To make driving condition better for you remove frost from your car windows, mirrors, and windshield to improve visibility. Dont use warm water on the frosted glass as it can break it. Also, dont put your car air con on a re-circulation mode because all it does is increase humidity inside your car.
Third, it is important that your tires have good traction and you as a driver have good driving skills.
Not all cars are all-wheel drive nor have an electronic traction control system. What you can do however is to create a very good traction on the road. To help you attain that here are some tips:
During winter season, the roads are very slippery. Drive safely by driving slow.
Step on the accelerator lightly and gradually increase your speed while feeling the traction on the road. If you feel that you are losing your grip on the road, reduce your speed also gradually.
If you need to step on your brakes, do so gradually by slowly increasing pressure of your brakes. Quickly stepping on your brakes will result to car slip or skid.
Ford dealers will tell you that some Ford cars have a hill descent control system. Using a control button located near or within the steering wheel the brakes are mechanically applied and control your cars speed when passing through an inclined road. In case your car does not have this feature, just drive slow and keep a good traction.
When turning into a corner apply your brakes slowly then gradually increase speed when driving into a straight road. Dont turn if you are braking or speeding up.
Finally, dont drive when you are tired as this could affect your reflexes and dulls your judgement. Also remember to use your seat belt.
