10 Winter Driving Tips to Stay Safe
It was estimated that in 2020, 119,000 police-reported crashes happened in snowy areas. Now that winter is arriving full blast, you’ve got to follow some Charlotte Toyota winter driving tips to stay safe out there. And, Toyota of N Charlotte has gathered car safety tips for you and your family to stay safe on the road. Let’s dive in!
Winter Driving Tips
Below are the Charlotte Toyota winter driving tips you should follow this winter!
Tip #1 Watch Your Tread.
The first Charlotte Toyota winter driving tip is to pay attention to the tread. By this, we mean that it’s best to gear your ride with winter tires so you get the best traction on the road. Under-inflated tires overheat and wear down edges, which reduces your tread.
Tip #2 Watch Fluids.
Also, it’s best practice to keep an eye on all of your fluid levels. If you’re unsure where to look, then bring your car to Toyota of N Charlotte and we can check during your car maintenance.
Tip #3 Clear Snow Off Your Car.
Another winter driving tip is to clear off all of the ice and snow that accumulates on your ride. Pay extra attention to the headlights, taillights, and hood. It’s good to take care of this now so that you don’t blind the driver behind you when it does fall off.
Tip #4 Hold Off on the Defroster.
We know you want to crank up your heat when you get on your ride on a cold night. However, it’s best not to crank up the defroster because this will cool your heater to pass more air through the system. Instead, keep the dial on the 3/4 mark.
Tip #5 Keep a Safe Distance Away.
Another great Charlotte Toyota winter driving tip is not to tailgate the car in front of you and to keep a safe distance in front of you.
Tip #6 Stay Adaptable to Conditions.
If you see that it’s snowing harder or someone just drove through a pile of water, then leave room to adjust your speed and slow down.
Tip #7 Don’t Slam on Your Breaks.
Another winter driving tip is not to slam on your car brakes. If you do this, then it can cause your car to skid on the road.
Tip #8 Car Safety Kit.
Also, prepare a car safety kit that will help you stay safe if you get stranded. Be sure to include a flashlight, batteries, blankets, non-perishable food, gloves, and a jacket.
Tip #9 Let the Plow Work.
If you’re trying to get past a whole lot of snow on the road, then you should let the snow plow do all of the heavy lifting.
Tip #10 Stay Inside.
And, as always, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If the conditions are really bad outside, then you should stay inside and wait it out.
Stop by Toyota of N Charlotte!
If you need some more winter driving tips, then stop by Toyota of N Charlotte today! We’re located at 13429 Statesville Road. Just take exit 23 off I-77 in Huntersville.