8001 Minnetonka Blvd.

952.931.9696

Mon-Thu: 7am -6pm
Friday: 7am – 5pm

6407 West Lake Street

952.922.9696

Mon-Thu: 7am -6pm
Friday: 7am – 5pm

Thank you for choosing D&D Autoworks for your vehicles’ service, maintenance and repair.

Tips for Driving Safer on Snow and Ice

by | Dec 11, 2015 | Auto Repair, Driving Habits, Safe Driving, Winter Vehicle Maintenance

tire-repair-5

 

Regular maintenance and safety inspections are important for your vehicle. It is also important to know the type or roads and weather conditions you will be driving in. You will encounter driving on snow and ice in the winter months. The best thing to do is to slow down and take your time getting to your destination. If you anticipate the roads might be in a condition less than ideal, make sure to leave early and allow yourself plenty of time to get there. Also make sure to a quick check of your vehicle. This should include the tires, lights, and windshield wipers. These will help you travel on the snow and ice, as well as improve your visibility.

 

When you check the tires, make sure they have the proper amount of tread on them. This helps them to grip the surface of the road and have adequate traction when you are traveling. The tires should also be inspected for proper inflation. By having the proper inflation, you can also have good fuel efficiency with the vehicle. This is because the tires will rotate properly and the vehicle will not have to use extra power to correct it. If you notice the tires are in poor condition, make sure to bring the vehicle in and we can inspect it for you.

 

Also remember to inspect the windshield wipers on your vehicle. They should be free of any cracks, rips, or other damage. If you notice any damage to them, they should be replaced as soon as possible. Also watch for how they clean the windshield. If the blades are leaving streaks water behind when they are in operation, that is a sign they are wearing. Take a few seconds longer and check the lights on the vehicle. This helps to improve your visibility, but also helps others to see you as well. Make sure that the headlights and taillights are clear of any snow, ice, or any other buildup that might be on them. In some cases, you may need to invest in a new set of lenses so the light can illuminate the area more effectively.
When you drive, make sure to be aware of the roads you are driving on. As a rule of thumb, if the road looks slick, it probably is. This is especially true for any black ice situations as it is nearly transparent and will often look like a water puddle. In some cases, the black ice is invisible and you will not realize you are on it until you start to feel your vehicle slide slightly. If you are ever on black ice, try not to slam on the brakes, as this can cause you to lose control of the vehicle. Bridges and intersections are a common place for issues to occur. Use caution when approaching these areas. If an area poses difficult driving, it is likely to be in the same condition when ice or snow falls again. By driving with care, you can help to have a safe and enjoyable drive.