Winter Driving: Be Prepared

Winter driving can be difficult, especially when there are snowstorms or icy conditions. You can handle any weather Mother Nature throws at you by getting your car prepared for winter and following some simple tips to safely drive.

Get ready for Winter Driving

Here are some tips for winterizing your car, in addition to regular auto repair and maintenance.

• Check your battery. Battery power drops when the temperature drops.
• Check that the cooling system is working properly
• Install winter tires that are deeper and more flexible to your vehicle’s tread.
• All-season tires should be inspected and replaced if the tread is less than 2/3 of an inch
• The temperature can affect the pressure of your tires. If the temperature drops, the pressure of your tires will drop.
• Replace your wiper blades if necessary.
• Add wiper fluid that is rated for -30°C
• To avoid gas line freeze, keep your gas tank at minimum half-full
• Keep your car’s emergency kit fully stocked.

Make sure to clean your car’s side view mirrors and external camera lenses so that you can see what’s going on around you.

To allow assistive-driving functions like an automatic emergency brake to work. You may need to heat up your car in cold weather before you drive it. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be prevented by not allowing a vehicle to run in your garage. If you are unsure about the weather, you can wait it out. If you have to travel, you should share your plans and route with someone before departing

Before you start

• Make sure to clean your car’s side view mirrors and external camera lenses so that you can see what’s going on around you
• Make sure assistive-driving functions are working like automatic emergency brake to work, remove dirt, ice, and snow
• You may need to heat up your car in cold weather before you drive it
• Carbon monoxide poisoning can be prevented by not allowing a vehicle to run in your garage.
• If you are unsure about the weather, you can wait it out. If you have to travel, you should share your plans and route with someone before departing

How to Avoid a Crash

AAA has the following driving tips:

• In winter conditions, it is best to not use cruise control
• You can steer in the direction of a skid so that your wheels regain traction and you don’t need to overcorrect in order to keep in your lane
• Slowly accelerate and slow down
• Increase the distance between 8 and 10 seconds
• When you are going uphill, do not stop if it is possible
• If visibility is very limited, pull off to a safer place and don’t drive until the conditions improve. Unless it’s an emergency, do not pull off onto the shoulder. Other vehicles can’t see you because of the limited visibility.

Winter driving can be difficult, especially when there are snowstorms or icy conditions. You can handle any weather Mother Nature throws at you by getting your car prepared for winter and following some simple tips to safely drive.

If visibility is very limited because of a whiteout, pull off to a safer place and don’t drive until the conditions improve. If it is an emergency, do not pull off onto the shoulder. You can’t see other vehicles if you have limited visibility.

Know your car’s capabilities

Most new vehicles now have traction control. This function allows your vehicle to gain traction on snowy or icy surfaces. It is especially useful when you are trying to accelerate from a slowed or stopped position or climbing a steep hill.

Anti-lock brake system (ABS), which is standard on all new vehicles, helps you steer in emergency situations by restoring traction. When ABS is engaged, ABS might vibrate or pulse. This is normal. Continue pressing and holding the brake pedal down.

You are your car’s greatest safety feature. You must take safety precautions to make sure you reach your destination safely. Do not abandon your vehicle if you are stranded in unfamiliar territory. Use flares to illuminate the area in front and behind your car. Also, ensure that the exhaust pipe does not become blocked by objects, snow, or mud.

Call Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop now if you need help repairing or maintaining your car.

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Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop
7123 Tazewell Pike
Corryton, TN 37721
(865) 689-5072
https://www.millerbrosautorepair.com/

Serving Knoxville, TN and Knox County

Service areas include: All of Knox County, Corryton, Fountain City, Halls Crossroads, Powell and Knoxville