Winter Driving Tips

Drive Safe with Prince George Ford

It's that time of year again. Soon the snow will be flying and the roads will be slippery, making driving more of a chore than it should be. There are several steps you can take to ensure that you stay safe on the roads, even if you need to play it safe and your journey takes a bit longer than planned. If the roads are especially dangerous, remember you don't need to feel obligated and unsafe. Consider making alternate travel arrangements or postponing your trip if necessary. Here are some additional tips from us at Prince George Ford to help keep you on the road and moving this winter.

Think Ahead

As it gets colder outside it is a good idea to do a fall checkup of your vehicle to make sure it is ready for driving in the cold and snow. Make sure your oil has been changed recently, that your fluids are all topped up, and that you have winter-ready windshield wipers since others can crack and break. It is a good idea to switch to winter tires as they have more traction on the snow and ice in cold temperatures. Keep a snow brush/scraper in your car for those times when it unexpectedly snows.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Every vehicle should have a proper emergency kit, particularly for the winter months when a vehicle breakdown can be a much more serious, if not dangerous, event. Make sure to include a blanket, first-aid kit, jumper cables, a flashlight, shovel, flares, food/water, a basic toolkit, some rope, and a knife. If there are other items you may require in an emergency, make sure to include it in your emergency kit.

Drive to the Conditions

The most important thing you can do to stay safe on winter roads is to err on the side of caution and drive slow. Driving too quickly is the main cause of winter collisions, so be smart and drive at a reasonable speed for the conditions. Avoid making any sudden stops or turns while driving as these can cause your vehicle to lose control. Keep in mind not all vehicles are created equal, and the people in front of or behind you may not have the same maneuverability. Be sure to leave enough room between you and the vehicle in front of you so there's time to properly react.

Pay Attention

Although you should always pay attention while driving, it's even more important to do so in the winter. Be sure to anticipate what your next move is going to be so you can give yourself plenty of room for any stops and turns. Turn on your lights for increased visibility to other drivers and turn on your indicators earlier than you normally would to keep everyone around you informed about what you intend to do, as opposed to what you're currently doing. If a loss of traction occurs, brake gradually so that your tires have a chance to gain some traction and get you driving normally again. Many traction control and anti-lock braking systems are designed to help you keep control, so it is important they are turned on and functioning properly.

Get Your Fall Checkup at Prince George Ford in Prince George, BC

Winter driving can be daunting, especially when the roads are icy and you're not prepared. By following the above tips you can have peace of mind while driving in Canadian winters, knowing you're properly prepared. If you have any further questions come down to Prince George Ford today and our staff will be more than happy to help you get ready for winter. We are located at 1331 Central St. W, Prince George, BC V2M 3E2 or you can call our expert Service Staff at (778) 764-1491 for any inquiries.