Arkansas’s winters can be a little brutal, with harsh winds, snow and ice hitting the state unexpectedly. Whether you’re driving to and from work, running to the store or going on a road trip, you’ll want to drive as safely as possible to avoid being involved in a car wreck.
From cautious driving to routine maintenance and performance tune-ups in Conway, AR, here are a few tips for safe driving this winter season.
For your car
There are a few key things you should do during winter to make sure your car remains safe during the cold season:
- Get snow tires: If the tires on your vehicle are designed for driving on dry, warm pavement and have thin treads, you may want to swap them out for snow tires this winter. Snow tires have deeper treads and better grip on slippery surfaces, making them better for providing traction on snow and ice.
- Stash an emergency kit: You never know when disaster might strike on the road, and if you’re unprepared, you could be stuck out in the cold for hours. Assemble an emergency kit with water, snacks, flashlights, jumper cables and other essential items and stick it in your trunk. Also make sure to include a blanket or two and some extra clothes in case it’s cold outside when you break down.
- Check tire inflation: The cold weather can sometimes affect your tire pressure, leading to accidental flats while driving. Before going anywhere, double check that your tires are properly inflated and fill them up whenever they’re looking a little low.
- Get a tune-up: If you expect to be driving a lot this winter, visit an auto shop for a performance tune-up in Conway, AR. A tune-up will provide the necessary routine maintenance your car needs to run smoothly. This is great to do before winter because it minimizes your chance of a breakdown.
For you
There are also some things you should be mindful of while driving in bad winter weather.
- Don’t warm the car up in an enclosed area: Cold weather can be awful, especially when that cold air is trapped inside your car. For this reason, many people prefer to turn on their car and let it warm up before driving. However, make sure to do this outside in the open air, not in an enclosed space like a garage. Doing so inside can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Avoid cruise control: Cruise control is a great feature when the weather is clear and roads are dry, but using it on slippery surfaces can reduce the amount of control you have over your vehicle and lead to a crash. Avoid using cruise control when snow or ice are on the ground so you have the best ability to regain control if you start to slide.
- Stay home: If the weather outside is truly terrible, make the decision to stay home and not drive, if possible. Going out in bad weather automatically increases your chance of getting into an accident and can leave you seriously harmed. It’s better to wait until you feel safe to drive and the roads are clear.
If you need performance tune-ups in Conway, AR for your vehicle this winter, visit Riverdale Automotive. We provide high-quality automotive services for your European vehicle and are ready to get you back on the road safely.