Winter Driving Tips and Preparation

The seasons are changing, which means it’s time to prepare your automobile for winter and make sure you’re ready for the new season!

While around Lexington and Columbia, South Carolina, typical winter weather, including snow and ice is not-so-typical, practicing safe driving tips and preparing your car for winter season is a must!

When it comes to driving, whether through rain or snow, keep the following tips in mind to help keep you safe on the road this winter:

• Make sure your tire pressure is ideal. When it’s cooler outside, tires tend to lose air pressure. To help avoid any blowouts, be sure your tire pressure is correct and double check that your tires are properly inflated.
• Buckle up. One of the top safety features in your Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge is your seatbelt. Always use your seatbelt whether you’re driving or just along for the ride. Remember, safety first!
• Do not use cruise control when driving on any wet surface. Cruise control use in rain or snow may increase the chance of hydroplaning, thus your chances of losing control while behind the wheel. It’s best to avoid cruise control while driving on any wet or icy pavement.
• Keep your gas tank at least half-full. When temperatures dip toward freezing, it’s best to have at least a half-tank full of gas to avoid gas line freeze-up. In general, keeping your tank full will help increase your overall gas mileage.
• Avoid driving while fatigued. Driving when you’re tired is never ideal and increases your risk for an accident. Try to get a full night’s sleep before any road trips this winter season and stay alert!

Now that you’re aware of some of the top driving tips, it’s time to check off seasonal maintenance items to keep your car in tip-top shape. The top four items to check off your seasonal maintenance preparation list are as follows:

• Replace your wipers. As a rule of thumb, every auto owner should replace their wipers twice during the year – once in the spring and once in the winter. Occasionally check your wipers and replace right away if you notice any cracks or splits.
• Check engine oil. Always make sure you schedule routine oil changes to help keep your car running smoothly. Your car’s oil level is one of the most important things you can do to extend the life of the engine.
• Inspect your brakes. The most important safety feature on a car is its brakes. Before winter officially begins, have your brakes inspected by JT’s Chrysler Jeep Dodge or your local dealership.
• Check antifreeze. Do you know if your car contains a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze? If you’re unsure, have your car’s antifreeze level checked or buy a tester for easy DIY maintenance.

There are many driving tips and maintenance items important for every driver and car. While time can easily get away, don’t let it get in the way of your safety! Practice safe driving and be sure to schedule routine maintenance on your Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep vehicle.
To schedule an appointment at JT’s Chrysler Dodge and Jeep try our online scheduler or give us a call at 888-255-4016. JT’s Chrysler Dodge and Jeep is located in Lexington, SC near Columbia, at 5215 Sunset Boulevard.

Sources:
http://exchange.aaa.com/safety/roadway-safety/winter-driving-tips/

http://autorepair.about.com/od/regularmaintenance/a/winterchecklist.htm