Tips for Winter Driving in the Springfield, IL Area

While the bright snow blanketing the land is a beautiful sight, driving on snow, especially at night, is a daunting prospect for even the best drivers. However, there are a few little things Virden, IL drivers can do to make your winter driving less of an ordeal and a good deal safer.

Check Your Tires and Brakes

Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with how your vehicle responds to the change of weather the first time it snows. An empty parking lot in Chatham, IL is perfect for testing the traction of your tires by stopping suddenly, and you can also practice slowing your car by downshifting rather than pressing the brakes.

Be Prepared

It’s always a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your car at any time of year, but you can customize it with items specific to the winter season so you’re more comfortable if you should break down. If you don’t already have one, a folding shovel is excellent for digging your wheels out of snow or mud should you get stuck.

A blanket, warm clothing, gloves, and a flashlight are also excellent additions for drivers in the Decatur, IL area. Consider keeping a tin can, a pillar candle, and lighter in your car, as a single candle flame inside a metal container will radiate enough heat to keep the vehicle’s cabin warm, but you’ll need to keep a careful eye on it so it doesn’t pose a fire hazard. Extra weight over your wheels is always a good idea, so keep a few bags of cat litter or sand in your vehicle if you’ve got rear-wheel drive.

Stay Off the Roads When Possible

If you can avoid going out altogether when it’s snowing, put off errands or non-essential travel until the plows have had time to clear the road surface and spread salt or sand. If you can’t avoid it, go slow, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and give yourself plenty of time to come to a stop. If you’re driving on an incline, don’t stop midway, as you may not have the inertia to make it to the top.

Winterize Your Vehicle

If you’re in need of new snow tires, wipers, or services to help you get ready for winter weather, make an appointment at Landmark of Taylorville to make sure your car, truck, or SUV is ready for the elements.

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