According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 17% of all vehicle accidents in the country occur in winter. The wet and icy road surfaces reduce tire traction, making it more challenging to steer and stop safely. It’s challenging to drive on roads in and around Lanham, MD, in snowy winter weather. The following tips for driving in snow will expertly help you navigate winter roads.
1. Winterize Your Vehicle
Safety on snowy roads starts with car maintenance. Before the snow starts falling, schedule an appointment at your Ford dealership for a thorough vehicle inspection to ensure your car can handle winter driving.
Ask the Ford technician to check every system and component, especially your brakes, lights, windshield wipers, defroster, radiator, and tires. To give you the necessary traction to drive on ice and snow, switch your tires to snow tires when the temperature falls below 46 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Perform Winter Safety Inspections
In the winter months, perform weekly vehicle safety inspections. Walk around your car and check all the lights, windshield wipers, and tires. Always ensure that your tires are inflated to the correct pressure levels. The proper PSI for your car’s tires is in your owner’s manual and on a sticker inside your driver’s door.
Keep your car’s gas tank at least half full and check your battery regularly. Before you drive off, check that your vehicle’s tailpipe is clear of snow and ice, and you should clean and defrost the windows.
3. Drive Slower and Smoothly
Driving safely on snowy roads involves driving at slower speeds. It’s also important to smoothly steer, corner, and brake. Reduce your average driving speed to lower or even half the speed limit. Gently press down on your gas pedal until your car smoothly rolls forward to prevent the wheels from spinning.
Please don’t use cruise control in the snow. The snowy weather affects the sensors, and the slippery road surfaces can cause your vehicle to spin and skid. It is crucial to stay fully alert behind the wheel at all times.
4. Apply the Brakes Gently and Steadily
Wet and icy road surfaces dramatically affect braking distance. It’s best to drive more carefully when the roads are slippery. It’s also advised to not slam on the brakes, or jerk the steering wheel to avoid skidding. When you need to stop, apply the brakes gently but steadily, and start slowing down long before you usually do. Anticipate turns and stops and approach intersections slowly.
5. Increase Your Following Distance
When you drive on slippery roads, you want to leave as much space between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. Maintaining a safe following distance will give you enough time to react and brake early when you need to without skidding and losing control of your vehicle. Increase your following space from the typical three-car lengths to at least six when it’s snowing.
The key to safe driving in the snow is reducing your speed. You should also steer and brake gently, increase your following distance, and ensure that your vehicle is in excellent running condition. Visit DARCARS Ford of Lanham today for a thorough vehicle inspection performed by qualified and experienced Ford technicians.
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