How to Drive in Winter Weather
Winter weather has made its way to Arkansas, and while we don't see snow every day, it’s still possible to encounter snow and ice. To ensure safety for yourself and other vehicles on the road, it’s essential to be aware of the challenges you can face with weather changes. At Chris Crain Hyundai, we’ve collected four big tips for driving in winter weather. The first step is to take your time.
Take it Slow
The key to driving in ice and snow is to take it slow. Even with all-wheel drive, you should still proceed with caution. When temperatures reach below freezing, the melted snow turns into ice, and even a little patch of ice can be hard to detect on the road. One of the best driving tips we can give this winter season is to take it slow.
Winter Tires
When you pair winter tires with an all-wheel drive vehicle, it goes a long way. Winter tires promote a higher level of traction in snowy and icy weather. Check your tires' tread to ensure they have an excellent depth to grasp the road and drive in such conditions. Also, keep an eye on the air in your tires. As the weather changes, colder weather usually means the air in your tires will decrease, so it’s important to recalibrate your tires through your vehicle’s system, and if it still shows it low on air, take it to your nearest gas station to fill up with air or our dealership, and we’ll be happy to help.
Winter Maintenance
Along with winter tires comes keeping your vehicle's maintenance up to date. This includes checking vehicle fluid levels like engine oil, coolant, and washer fluid. While on the road, you also want to get your battery checked beforehand. There’s nothing worse than getting stuck on the road because your battery won’t start or your tires don’t have a good tread depth on them.
Plan Ahead
Check out the weather and road map before you hit the streets. Before you travel anywhere, you should ensure the road conditions are clear enough to drive on. You can plan and see if there are any winter advisories ahead of time. A great tool to see if a road has been impacted with ice is iDrive Arkansas. iDrive Arkansas can show you numerous ways to use this application. It will show winter weather conditions, lane closures, and travel information.
Take our tips on how to drive in this winter weather, and you’ll be sure to stay safe. At Chris Crain Hyundai, we want only the best for you and your family. Stay aware this winter by keeping up with your vehicle maintenance and planning and taking it slow.