Those who drive for a living, such as truckers and even race car drivers, know more about the road than most of us. So, when it comes to the best insider tips on safe winter driving, that’s who you turn to. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA did some homework and offer up these smart hacks for better handling cold weather road conditions.
Professional drivers know how critical it is to pay attention to the road surface. This is especially true in winter, when the most dangerous conditions occur when temperatures hover right around freezing. If ice or snow starts to melt in the sun, a slight drop can refreeze it. Alternately, roads that fall under the shadow of a grove of trees or tall hills will freeze more quickly. Keep your eyes peeled and slow down.
On that same note, take it easy in the presence of large trucks. They don’t have the ability to stop on a dime, so provide them with a wide berth any time of the year, but especially in wintry driving conditions.
You already know that it’s important to keep an emergency kit in the trunk. Driving experts add that it should also include a tow strap, small air compressor, phone charger, blanket – and perhaps the most important item of all, long underwear! It doesn’t take up much space but goes a long way in keeping you warm if you get stranded.
Speaking of staying warm, before you head out in winter, be sure to top off the gas tank. If you need to, you can stay warm all night idling the car on half a tank (just be sure no snow is blocking your exhaust).
Other winter preparations include checking your cooling system to ensure your antifreeze is clean and full. While the hood is up, check and fill up your wiper fluid. Expert drivers also swear by coating the windshield with something like Rainex to reduce the snow and grime that can reduce performance. Don’t forget your headlights and taillights; LED lights don’t generate enough heat to melt snow and ice.
These simple precautions will go a long way to keeping your winter driving safe and uneventful. And that’s the best kind!
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