Whether you’re hitting the road to visit relatives or expecting people from out of town, the best way to stop needless accidents during winter travel is by keeping your car in safe driving condition.

There are numerous factors that make holiday driving more hazardous than usual, but if your car is well-maintained, you will be ready for whatever the holidays bring. The technicians at Christian Brothers Automotive are here to ensure your holiday season goes according to plan by sharing useful winter car safety advice and driving tips.

Preparing for Winter Travel

When it comes to winter travel, knowing the right driving tips is undoubtedly crucial, but preparation beforehand is equally important. Ensuring your vehicle is equipped to handle the challenges of winter road conditions can make all the difference in your journey. Here's what you should do before your winter road trip—or a trip around the block to run errands:

Check Your Battery

Cold weather reduces your battery’s capacity and renders any already weak batteries totally useless. With a dead battery, you shouldn’t expect to drive anywhere soon! To avoid being stranded in the middle of the parking lot with a dead car, test your battery's voltage and replace it if necessary. At Christian Brothers Automotive, we provide free battery checks and replacements to keep you safe during winter travel.

Check Your Tires

One of the most important parts of driving safely in the winter is having good traction on the road. To do this, you’ll need to keep your tires in tip-top shape for handling icy, slushy, or wet conditions. Make sure your tires have at least 1/8 inch of tread and are inflated to the correct tire pressure.

When the temperature drops, the air condenses in your tires, making them slightly flat. You may have to add more air over time during the colder months. Proper tire pressure combined with good tire tread will prevent your vehicle from sliding all over the road in inclement weather.

Check Your Brakes

There’s no more important safety feature on your vehicle than the brakes. Even if your brakes work fine on dry roads, it doesn’t mean they will work on wet roads. Squeaky or grinding noises while braking are huge indicators that your brakes need to be inspected as soon as possible.

If you notice it’s taking you longer to stop or need added pressure when braking, you should stop by one of our local auto shops immediately.

Prepare a Winter Safety Kit

The best way to be prepared is to have a winter safety kit in your vehicle just in case anything happens. This kit can include items such as an ice scraper, snow shovel, sand or salt, jumper cables, blanket, flashlight, flares, first-aid kit, tire pump, and cell phone charger.

Tips for Safe Winter Driving

Winter driving brings unique challenges like reduced visibility, black ice, and snow drifts. Some of the most important tips to follow when driving in the winter include:

Reduce Your Speed

Slowing down is the single most important action you can take when driving on snowy or icy roads. It gives you more time to react to hazards and reduces the risk of skidding or sliding. Remember, posted speed limits are for ideal conditions, so adjust accordingly in winter weather.

Increase Your Following Distance

Maintain a greater distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This extra space provides more time to stop safely on slippery roads. A good rule of thumb is to increase your following distance to 8-10 seconds in winter conditions.

Use Headlights

Always turn on your headlights in snowy, foggy, or low-visibility conditions. This helps you see better and makes your vehicle more visible to others. Make sure to keep your headlights clean of snow and ice for maximum effectiveness.

Avoid Sudden Movements

Make smooth, gradual changes when steering, accelerating, or braking. Sudden movements can cause your vehicle to lose traction and control. Practice gentle inputs on all controls to maintain stability on slippery surfaces.

Know How to Handle Skids

If you start to skid, stay calm. Take your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want to go. Avoid slamming on the brakes, as this can worsen the skid. Practice this technique in a safe, empty area if possible to build confidence.

Be Cautious on Bridges and Overpasses

These areas freeze first and remain icy longer than other road surfaces. Approach them with extra caution and reduced speed. Be particularly vigilant when temperatures are near freezing, as these surfaces may appear wet but actually be icy.

Plan Your Route

Before setting out, check the weather and road conditions. Choose main roads that are more likely to be cleared and salted. Let someone know your planned route and expected arrival time. Consider alternative routes in case of unexpected road closures or severe weather.

Get Your Car Ready for Winter Travel with Christian Brothers Automotive

Your safety and the car's reliability are our priority! Let the experts at Christian Brothers Automotive get your vehicle in top condition for safe winter travel. We offer a comprehensive Courtesy Inspection and various services to ensure you're prepared for whatever the season brings.

Find your local Christian Brothers Automotive auto shop and schedule an appointment today!