Driving Safety Tips for the Winter

The time is now for car owners to prepare for the winter season. Even in Texas, winter weather can create an icy and dangerous situation on the roads. You may be wondering about the best ways to keep you and your passengers safe. Look no further because Mercedes-Benz of Tyler has some tips to help you prepare for anything Mother Nature throws your way.

Inspect Your Tires

The temperature drops in the winter, and so does your tire pressure. It’s important to check that your tires are filled with the recommended inflation pressure. Refer to your owner’s manual or the label found on the side door frame of your vehicle for the tire’s specific inflation pressure. Don’t use the listed pressure on your tires. It’s also important to check them when cold, as they might have been left on for several hours.

Vehicle manufacturers suggest you replace your tires every six years. In addition to checking their age, you should also look for signs of damage or conditions requiring immediate attention. Make sure that the sidewalls and the tread are clean and undamaged.

If you notice tire damage, take your vehicle to a tire service professional. Before you buy new tires, it’s a good idea to use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) tire safety ratings to compare the performance of different tires.

Check Under the Hood

Taking a look under the hood and checking your car’s vitals is imperative for driving safely in the winter. Lower temperatures equal lower battery power. In cold weather, both gasoline and diesel engines use more power to start. Lower temperatures can also drastically reduce hybrid and electric cars’ driving range. A mechanic can inspect your vehicle’s charging system, belts, and battery and quickly diagnose any issues.

You’ll also want to check your coolant levels. Having the proper amount of coolant ensures your vehicle can handle winter weather. Antifreeze lowers the freezing point of your coolant and prevents a freeze-up, saving you from cracking an engine block. It also has anti-corrosive properties that prevent scale and lime buildup in the radiator and heater core — parts that are essential for keeping you warm.

Fix Your Windshield Wipers

During the winter season, windshield wipers are important to ensure you’re able to see clearly and safely. They can help keep your vehicle’s windshield clear and prevent it from getting covered in rain or snow.

If your windshield’s wiper blades are damaged or cracked, they won’t be able to effectively clear snow or rain from your car’s windshield. This can be a safety hazard, preventing you from being able to see clearly and drive safely. To avoid this issue, make sure to regularly check your blades and wiper fluid levels. If you notice any signs of wear or damage, replace them immediately.

Know Your Breaks

When dealing with icy roads, it’s important to use your brakes properly. The type of braking system in your vehicle will determine how well it can handle such conditions. For instance, with an ABS, it’s usually recommended to engage the system to maintain control of the vehicle and avoid getting hit by an obstacle.

Traditional braking systems work by letting up on the gas pedal and not accelerating if you notice your vehicle is sliding on an icy patch of road. If you have an ABS, don’t overcorrect with the steering wheel, and don’t brake until you can regain traction. Without this type of braking system, overcorrecting and braking can cause your vehicle to spin out of control.

Have an Emergency Kit

An emergency kit can save your life in an accident. It should include a gallon of water, food, a flashlight, an ice scraper, a blanket, a bag of sand or cat litter, flares, a can of de-icer spray, and other necessary items in case you get stranded.

The safest place to be if you get stuck is inside your car. A fully charged cell phone, a charging device, and a radio are also handy in an emergency.

Learn How To Drive in the Snow

Although snow in Tyler is rare, it’s always better to be prepared. Knowing how to drive in snow is crucial for providing a safe driving experience for you and your passengers. Here are some tips on how to drive in the snow:

• Stay home: Even if you’re able to drive safely in bad weather, it’s better to stay home. If you’re planning on going out, check weather conditions to avoid taking unnecessary risks.
• Slow down: In extreme winter weather, it’s crucial to drive at a slower speed. The Texas Department of Transportation (DOT) suggests that drivers go below the posted speed limit in such cases.
• Look out for black ice: If the temperature drops and rain falls, the accumulated precipitation can turn into black ice on the roads. Black ice blends in with the asphalt and is difficult to see. If you’re planning on driving in areas where black ice often forms, be extra cautious.
• Be careful on hills: Don’t apply too much gas when going uphill, as it will make your wheels spin. Instead, before you reach the top of the hill, try to get some inertia going to help carry you up. As you get closer to the crest, reduce your speed and go down slowly, but don’t stop. It’s hazardous to stop moving on an icy road.
• Make space: In optimal driving conditions, it’s recommended to maintain at least two car lengths behind the other vehicle. However, in winter weather, the Texas DOT suggests that you should be about 200 behind the other vehicle.

Don’t let the winter months pass you by without “winterizing” your vehicle. We hope this helpful guide keeps you safe on the road. Do you have any good tips that we missed? Contact our team at Mercedes Benz of Tyler and let us know. If you want to make sure your vehicle is ready to withstand the winter months, our professionals at the service center are ready to help.

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