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No matter what time of the year it is, you will want to drive safe. You probably bring your vehicle in for regular maintenance inspections. This is recommended so that the parts and components can be inspected for any issues. If you ever notice an issue between regular visits, make sure to contact us. We can schedule an appointment so the vehicle can be inspected as soon as possible. Also be aware of the weather and the road conditions that you will be driving on. If the weather is less than ideal, make sure to leave earlier and allow yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. Also make sure to have an emergency kit in your vehicle incase you would go in the ditch. Having a blanket, flares or matches, and a bottle of water can be beneficial incase you go in the ditch.

 

To help improve the safety as you drive this winter, make sure to change some driving habits you might have. You should accelerate slowly, as this can help to reduce the wheels spinning. Starting quickly on slick roads can cause the wheels to spin excessively, and may cause the vehicle to sway. Also make sure to reduce the speed that you are driving. By driving fast on ice or snow covered roads, you can increase your chance of an accident happening. In slippery conditions, tires can lose their grip easily. This will affect all aspects of your driving, including the braking, turning, and accelerating. Try and drive as smoothly as possible and avoid any sudden actions or rapids movements of any kind. This can help keep your vehicle under control and stable on the road. Asking a vehicle to do two things at once, such as braking and turning, or accelerating and turning, can reduce your control. When turning, slowly apply the brakes while the vehicle is straight. When it is at the right speed to take the turn, let up on the brakes and smoothly turn the steering wheel. After you are through the turn, slowly press the accelerator to regain your speed.

 

Locked wheels can make the vehicle slide or skid. If you have a vehicle without an antilock braking system, you may need to gently apply the brakes repeatedly to avoid having them lock up the wheels. If your vehicle has ABS, simply depress the brake pedal firmly and hold it down. ABS typically sends a vibration or pulsing sensation through the brake pedal. If you feel this, do not let up, as this is normal. You can also bring your vehicle in and we can inspect the brakes for you.