The weather outside is frightful. You might hear those words and think of a Christmas melody, but there is some truth behind the old poem. It can be dangerous and frightful to be behind the wheel during the winter months. There is ice on the road and the snow is piling up. Your visibility is compromised. Yet you have to go out because you have to get to work, shop for gifts, pick up the children, and run various other errands. Fortunately, your friends at your preferred auto center can offer a few helpful driving and maintenance tips that will help keep you safe on the road and help your vehicle survive winter.
Take It Easy
You might have what is called a lead foot. If that is the case, now is the time for you to slow down. You might not think it takes an auto shop expert to tell you this obvious principle. But after driving through the summer and autumn months, drivers can develop some habits that do not correspond with the winter months. If you are driving too fast and you hit a patch of ice, you could skid into another lane. Taking it slowly is particularly important at the times of accelerating and stopping. If you slam on the brakes or stomp on the accelerator, you could find yourself in a position of being the cause of an accident.
Snow Wipers
The wipers that you may have picked up at an auto parts store were probably designed specifically for the rain. Heavy snow can wear them out. If you are overloading them with too much weight, it is possible they could break while you are driving. On a snowy day, that could almost certainly cause an accident. If you’re heading up to snow country, go to your auto shop and ask about snow wipers.
The safety of your family should be paramount. Leaving something to chance is not a wise option, so it is especially important to use proper driving and maintenance methods in the winter months.
Looking for a reliable auto center that can offer you good advice? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Dependable Car Care today for more information and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Ventura, CA, and surrounding area.