Charlie's Columbia CARSTAR Supplies Secrets For Safe Driving in the Winter Season
Frigid weather can create some of the toughest driving conditions of the year. And, months between October and February lead the list for accidents, auto damages and accidental injuries in the Columbia area.
When the local climate dips and the snow rises, it's critical for motorists to boost their attention to safety on the highway. With proper planning, some preventative driving measures and a close watch on the weather report, drivers can safeguard themselves and their cars or trucks during the winter season.
The specialists on wintry driving problems at Charlie's Columbia CARSTAR in Columbia, Illinois repair lots of automobiles each and every year damaged in cold, arctic auto accidents. They give drivers some helpful pointers to help with making cold weather travel more secure.
Inspect Your Visibility:
• Add de-icer to your windshield wiper fluid
• Make sure that your windshield wipers are without ice before you start venturing out on the road – and consider upgrading with new flexible windshield wipers before the snow hits
• See to it that each of the mirrors are clear and perfectly adjusted for field of vision
• Clean your car headlights and look at the light bulbs in each of your motor vehicle lights – front and back
Take it slow and Stay Back:
• When there's snow or ice on the ground in Columbia, Waterloo, Southern Illinois, Millstadt, Freeburg, or Athens, IL, decrease the speed of your car to a safe limit
• Allow for increased distance in between your ride and the automobile in front of you for more protection
• Don't try to use cruise control on slippery highways
• Use extreme caution on bridges, overpasses, and rarely traveled roadways since these are generally slippery courtesy of ice
• Use extreme caution when driving on one-lane highways
Skidding Smartly
Should the rear wheels skid...
• Take your foot off of the gas
• Steer in the direction you need the front tires to move. If the rear wheels are slipping left, steer left. When they are sliding right, steer right
• If your back tires start slipping the other way as you recuperate, ease the steering wheel in the direction of that side. You may have to steer right and left several times to truly get your automobile thoroughly under control
• For people with standard brakes, pump them carefully
• If you have got anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply continuous force to the brakes. You will feel the brake system pulse — that is typical
Should the forward wheels slip...
• Bring your foot off of the gas and change to neutral, but don't try to steer at once.
• As the wheels skid laterally, they're going to slow the car or truck and traction will come back. As it does, steer in the direction you wish to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and speed up slowly
Prepare for a Snow Day:
• If your ride has rear wheel drive, put bags of sand or kitty litter in order to keep your motor vehicle simpler to control on Columbia, IL streets
• Pack a snow day kit in case you get stuck. Essential items to include are a blanket, gloves, hat, water, granola bars, flashlight and spare battery packs, additional cellular telephone battery pack, flares, wooden matches in waterproof container, compass, a pair of scissors, rope and first aid pack.
• Prepare a toolbox for digging your motor vehicle out with collapsible shovel, 2x4 planks to position beneath tires, ice scraper and snow brush, reflective triangles, flares and outside windshield cleaner
You can't ever be too careful when getting behind the wheel in winter weather. Crashes can occur easily on slippery, frozen roadways, so slowing down and making the extra precautions can seriously make the difference.
If the unfortunate winter accident does come about, we suggest having a collision strategy in position so you won't be stranded on the roadside waiting for aid. Charlie's Columbia CARSTAR in Columbia, Illinois provides great, reputable repair service. Just call 1-800-CARSTAR once you have an incident and they're going to send the tow truck, get hold of your insurer, arrange for a rental car and repair your motor vehicle.
