Winter weather can be a tough time of year for driving around Kansas. Our winters can present challenging conditions with snow, ice, and freezing temperatures making roads slick and dangerous. As a driver in the Sunflower State, taking extra precautions can help you stay safe while driving during the cold months. Here are a few helpful winter driving tips to help you prepare for the months ahead.
Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter
Before the winter season hits, it's crucial to make sure your vehicle is ready to handle the elements. One important task is checking your tires to ensure they have enough tread depth and air pressure. In Ottawa, KS, where snow and ice are common in the winter, having good tires can make a big difference in maintaining traction on slippery roads.
It's also a good idea to get your vehicle's battery, brakes, fluids, and heating system checked by a professional. Our experienced technicians can make sure your vehicle is in top shape to handle the winter weather.
Paying Attention to Your Driving Habits
When driving in winter conditions, it's important to slow down and increase your following distance behind other vehicles. This gives you more time to react if you start to slide or if the vehicle in front of you brakes suddenly. Accelerate and brake slowly to avoid slipping, and be extra cautious on bridges and overpasses, which tend to freeze first.
In Eudora, KS, where rural roads can become particularly treacherous in the winter, it's essential to drive with caution and be prepared for unexpected obstacles like drifting snow, icy patches or deep ruts.
Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Vehicle
It's always a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your car, especially during the winter months. Your kit should include items such as a warm blanket, extra gloves and hats, a flashlight with extra batteries, snacks, water, and a first-aid kit. In Topeka, KS, where winter storms can sometimes leave drivers stranded, having an emergency kit can provide peace of mind and help you stay safe while waiting for help to arrive.
Plan Ahead and Check the
Before heading out on the roads this winter, be sure to check the weather forecast and plan your route accordingly. If possible, avoid driving during severe winter storms or when roads are icy. In Kansas City, KS, where traffic can be heavy even on good weather days, it's particularly important to allow extra time for your commute and be prepared for potential delays.
By following these winter driving tips and taking a few extra precautions, you can help ensure that you and your loved ones stay safe on the roads this season. If you need assistance preparing your vehicle for winter, book an appointment at Dale Willey Automotive and let our friendly staff help you. Stay warm and drive safely!