Safety Tips for Wintertime Driving
As we head deeper into the winter months, it's important to your safety and those around you, that you drive with caution in subpar conditions. As your premier car dealership in Camdenton, we thought it fitting to give a few winter driving tips to help keep you safe as you travel this winter. As always, ensuring that you are driving a well-maintenance vehicle should be your first order of business. So, if you're in need of routine maintenance, our certified automotive service experts would be happy to get your vehicle up to speed and ready to handle winter weather.
Before you Head Out
Your vehicle is in good condition and you're ready to hit the road. First things first, clear any external camera lenses, as well as side mirrors and windshields for clear visibility. Ensure any sensors are free of dirt, ice, or snow so that your vehicle's assistive-driving features work properly. In particularly frigid weather, it's advised to start your vehicle ahead of time to let it warm. With that being said, NEVER leave your vehicle running in your garage or enclosed space - even with the doors open. This can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be deadly. If the forecast appears iffy, wait for the storm out if possible, and if you must travel, share your travel plans/route with friends or family before you head out.
While on the Road
Once you've pulled out of the driveway and are on your way to your destination, keep vigilant. Avoid using your cruise control in wintery conditions. In the event that you start to slide, steer in the direction of the slide. This is so when your wheels regain traction, you don't have e to overcorrect to stay in your lane. Be sure to accelerate and decelerate slowly to reduce the risk of sliding. Increasing your following distance between 8 to 10 seconds is also advised as a precaution, should something go awry. Never stop while going up an incline, if at all possible. Lastly, if you're driving and find yourself with limited visibility due to a whiteout/blizzard, pull off the road to a safe place and don't continue until conditions improve. Also, avoid pulling off onto the shoulder unless absolutely necessary. Limited visibility means that other vehicles aren't able to see you on the shoulder, even with hazard lights going.
Know Your Vehicles Capabilities
One of the best ways to ensure your safety while driving during the winter is to be fully aware of your vehicle, its features, and capabilities. Features such as traction control can assist your vehicle in regaining traction on wintery roadways. The anti-lock braking system will assist you in steering emergencies by restoring traction to your tires. However, you are by far the best safety feature of your vehicle. Always take precautions to ensure safe traveling for you and those around you.
Being the best car dealership at the Lake of the Ozarks, we take pride in our work and as such feel a sense of responsibility for helping ensure roadway safety. We hope that you have found valuable winter driving tips during your read. If you are in need of any maintenance, or repairs for the winter season, schedule an appointment online or give us a call! We're here to help with all of your vehicle's needs! Plus, we have a huge selection of new and used vehicles at our Camdenton car dealership that are primed to get you around the Lake and beyond safely this winter!
Sales: 573.317.4191
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