Winter Driving Tips

With winter just around the corner, now is the ideal time to refresh your memory on proper driving habits during this time of year. From the slick conditions created by inclement weather to the hardships of colder temperatures, the winter months present a variety of challenges to take into account. Thankfully, though, the knowledgeable staff at Pohanka Lexus is prepared to arm you with some vital information, so you can tackle the coming season with greater confidence.

Speed, Distance, Time

Although following speed limits and maintaining a safe following distance are essential year-round, they become even more important when conditions are less than ideal. Whether it’s raining, sleeting, snowing, or some combination of all three, winter precipitation significantly reduces the amount of friction between your tires and the road. As a result, it takes longer to slow down. This means that whenever driving conditions are hampered by wet surfaces, it’s essential to reduce your speed and keep farther back from vehicles ahead of you. Otherwise, you might not be able to come to a stop without skidding or colliding with someone. This also means that you should give yourself a few extra minutes to account for a slightly increased commute.

Know Before You Go

Due to the variety of factors at play, it helps to be prepared for all sorts of scenarios prior to leaving the house. This means checking the daily and hourly weather forecast to see if there’s a chance for precipitation during your evening commute, so you can plan accordingly. If conditions look like they might be particularly treacherous and the trip isn’t absolutely necessary, it might be in your best interests to simply stay home. If you do decide to drive, make sure to avoid warming up your car in a closed area, as the buildup of carbon monoxide can be fatal.

Preparation

Even the most cautious motorists can still end up stranded when inclement weather occurs, so it’s always best to prepare for such hazards by packing an emergency kit. This should include extra clothes, hats, gloves, and blankets to keep you and any passengers warm while you wait for assistance. Also, you should keep a flashlight, ice scraper, and first-aid kit on hand, as well as a brightly colored piece of fabric. That way, if you’re ever stuck in a snowbank, you can tie this to your antenna, so first responders have an easier time locating your vehicle when visibility is poor.

Pohanka Lexus hopes that these winter driving tips have helped to arm you with some essential information about traveling safely at this time of year. If you have any questions or would like to have your vehicle checked out, simply head over to our dealership. We’re open seven days a week!