Staying Safe for your Winter Drive

Admit it—we hate the snow when it comes to driving. Waking up early to warm up the car, the arctic weather we have, the slippery roads or sidewalks, etc. I can go on about how much we all despise our daily use of snow and ice every year. Some people think that they can manage a car just fine during any weather condition, until they’re actually out in it. This year we can stay stay safe, keep our feet from slipping, and our cars on the ground and not in a ditch.              

Here are some pretty simple ways to keep your car alive, away from the ditch and keep you safe:

1. PAY ATTENTION!

Be aware of others around you! When coming to a stop at a stop sign/light, it’s easy to slide right into oncoming traffic if you can’t stop in time because of ice or snow. Allow plenty of time to stop by tapping the brakes well before the stop. It’s better to approach the stop sign slowly than to slide into traffic. Being aware of your surroundings is also very important. Don't even think about texting or talking on the phone while driving. I guarantee you that you will lose most of your attention from driving. Put that phone down because it's better than being stuck in the ditch or crashing into someone. Pay attention so you don't go in debt with attention.

2. Get Winter Tires!

I cannot stress how important it is to get winter tires during the winter. If you have all-season tires, your car will handle fine but it won't help much through those horrible snow days. If you have an AWD (All Wheel Drive) vehicle, you will need to purchase all four tires for your car because you can damage your vehicle's transmission if you only buy 2 tires. As for cars that are either RWD (Rear Wheel Drive) or FWD (Front Wheel Drive), you can purchase winter tires for the wheels that are moving. Winter tire prices can vary on the size of your tires on your vehicle. You should invest in winter tires because you're saving more money in the long run. You will be using these tires for the winter only and you can switch back to your regular tires once the snow disappears.

Another tip to save some cash during winter is to purchase a set of rims and winter tires for your car from Discount Tires. Have it so you can use these rims solely for winter only. Once winter rolls by, you can have Discount Tires bolt on your winter wheels to your summer wheels for free! You can practically save $60 to $100 depending on which other tire shop you go to but the only place I know that can bolt on my winter wheels to my summer wheels for free is at Discount Tires. If you have any more questions, feel free to give them a call. There are plenty of Discount Tire shops in the St. Paul or Minneapolis. Winter tires can last you a couple of winter seasons depending on how much you drive them during the winter and how well you care for them.

3. DON’T PANIC! Know How To Steer Your Car!

Ice is sneaky—you’re traveling along one minute when suddenly the car starts to slide to one side. What looks to be clear but roads can suddenly turn in to a solid patch of ice. Knowing how to steer a car when it begins sliding can save your life and that of the other passengers traveling nearby.
When sliding, do NOT stomp the brakes—hitting the brakes will cause the car to continue on its path. Instead, tap the brakes, let off, tap again, and repeat until the car begins to slow. At the same time, turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide. If you’re sliding to the right of the road, turn the steering wheel sharply to the right. The car will straighten up and you can then take control once again.

Although it’s actually an unnatural instinct to turn the car in the direction that seemingly takes you off the side of the road, when you turn the steering wheel in the same direction that you’re sliding, it’s like realigning the wheels. Rehearse in your mind while you’re driving in icy conditions how you’ll steer the wheel should you begin to slide, or you’ll likely have the most natural reaction which is to jerk the steering wheel in the opposite direction. This will almost ensure that you’ll continue to slide in the wrong direction. Also rehearse tapping the breaks with intervals, rather than stomping them during a slide.

4. Check Your Tire Pressure Frequently!

Checking the air pressure on your vehicle is also very crucial. During our coldest winters, you can lose up to 10 PSI in each tire. Losing air pressure in your tires can cause the tire to have odd wearing, lose gas mileage, and incomplete traction on the road. I always check my tire pressure when I’m at the gas station while filling up on gas.

5. Warm Up You Car!

Maintaining your engine is your priority—you can’t go anywhere if your engine doesn’t run, right? If you start up and go, you are pushing your engine too hard and it can potentially damage the engine. A good rule of thumb is to start your engine, listen to a good song and by then, your engine should be good to go.

6. Check Your Alignment!

A way you can check to see if you have bad alignment is when you are driving on a straight road and your steering wheel isn’t properly straight. If your steering wheel isn’t straight like it should be and it’s slightly at an angle, you need an alignment.

Let’s all try and keep everyone stay as safe as possible by paying attention to your surroundings when driving. Of course, more so than ever, remember to NOT text and drive and to NOT talk on the phone while driving. Paying attention to the road will always be the number one thing you can do for yourself and others in being safe on the roads this Minnesota Winter. Stay warm and stay safe!