Winter Driving Safety Tips
Winter Driving Safety Tips
Cold temperatures, snow, ice, and shorter days can make winter driving more challenging. A little preparation can help keep your vehicle ready for whatever the season brings.
Schedule ServiceGet Winter-Ready with Balise
Winter weather can be hard on your vehicle. Before temperatures fall and roads become slick, make sure the systems you depend on most are ready for colder conditions.
Start with a Cold-Weather Vehicle Check
Cold temperatures can affect your battery, tires, fluids, brakes, and other important vehicle systems. A pre-winter service visit can help identify potential problems before they leave you stranded on a freezing morning.
Before Winter Weather Arrives
Give these important areas a little extra attention before snow, ice, and freezing temperatures become part of the forecast.
Battery
Batteries work harder in colder temperatures. A battery test can help identify a weak battery before the first truly cold morning.
Visibility
Inspect headlights, taillights, wiper blades, windshield washer fluid, and defrosters so you can see and be seen during winter weather.
Fluids
Check your oil, coolant, brake fluid, and winter-grade windshield washer fluid to help your vehicle handle colder conditions.
Are Your Tires Ready for Winter?
Your tires are your vehicle's connection to the road, which makes tread depth and tire condition especially important when roads become wet, snowy, or icy.
Cold temperatures can also cause tire pressure to drop. Checking your tire pressure regularly and replacing worn tires can help improve traction, braking, and overall confidence behind the wheel.
Drive for the Conditions
Even a properly maintained vehicle needs extra care behind the wheel when winter weather changes the road beneath you.
Slow Down
Reduce your speed when roads are snowy, icy, or wet. Give yourself more time to react to changing conditions.
Leave More Space
Increase the following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead to allow additional room for braking.
Make Smooth Moves
Accelerate, brake, and steer gradually. Sudden movements can make it easier for your tires to lose traction.
Watch the Forecast
Check road and weather conditions before leaving and give yourself additional travel time when winter weather is expected.
Build a Winter Emergency Kit
Winter weather can turn a routine drive into a long delay. Keeping a few cold-weather essentials in your vehicle can help you stay safer and more comfortable if something unexpected happens.
Don't Wait for the First Snowfall
Winter service is easier to take care of before temperatures fall and the first major storm arrives. Taking care of routine maintenance now can give you more confidence when winter weather becomes part of the daily drive.
