If you’ve never lived somewhere with a snowy and cold winter, moving to a place with those types of driving conditions can seem intimidating. In addition to ensuring that you have comprehensive and up-to-date auto insurance, in case of any potential issues, there are also some tips for driving in the snow and ensuring that you stay accident-free.

Do:

Perform winter maintenance on your vehicle.

Have a mechanic check that your car’s brakes and tires are performing to the best of their ability. Having quality tires with sufficient tread is one of the essential aspects of staying safe on slippery roads.

In addition to ensuring that you can handle slippery road conditions, you also need to know that your car won’t leave you stranded in the cold. Older batteries can have more difficulty retaining their charge in extreme temperatures, so have your battery tested.

Keep an emergency kit in your car.

In winter, your emergency kit should include some essentials. These include a blanket, a flashlight, matches, water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, reflectors, a small shovel, cat litter for helping your car gain traction if needed, your auto insurance information in case of accident or needing a tow, and a battery pack to keep your phone charged.

Brake and turn slower.

If you’ve never driven in slippery conditions before, one of the essential aspects is staying slow and careful with any movements. Drive slower, always brake and turn slowly, and begin to decelerate for stop signs sooner than you might typically.

Don’t:

Warm-up your car in an enclosed space.

When cars are left running in a garage or similar enclosed space, the exhaust fumes can build up and create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Only warm your vehicle up in the open air, such as your driveway.

Tailgate.

It is advisable to keep double the distance between your vehicle and the ones in front of you in winter weather. This is because it can take twice as long to come to a complete stop in snowy conditions.

Use cruise control.

Even small bursts of acceleration or decelerations can cause your tires to spin in slippery conditions. During winter conditions, your focus should always be fully on driving your vehicle.

If you do begin to skid, avoid overcorrecting. If possible, steer into the skid as best as you can. Braking too hard can sometimes cause you to spin out even more.

Understanding how to drive during the winter is a skill that can only be mastered over time. To ensure that you always feel prepared for whatever the weather throws at you, turn to the auto insurance experts at 1st Choice Insurance in Fairfield, OH. Their specialists will tailor a policy that fits your needs and save you money. Call (513) 860-0666 for a quote or visit them online to learn more.