Winter driving tips

Winter has finally descended upon Chicagoland, and with that comes new challenges for drivers when it comes to driving in the snow. In order to stay safe this season, we at Patrick Hyundai have come up with a few tips for you to stay safe on the roads this winter

1. Remove snow and ice

Before getting on the road, be sure to take the time to remove all snow and ice that may obstruct your vision while driving. This can be done through the use of various tools such as a brush and/or ice scraper. Once completed, make sure to set your vehicle’s airflow to defrost and crank up the heat! It’s also recommended to carry a brush to remove snow and ice that could accumulate overnight.

2. Decrease speed

It’s important to keep in mind that, when traveling on icy roads, that your wheels do not garner the same traction that they would on dry surfaces. This means that your speed and any aggressive driving habits you may have should be scaled back given the conditions. If not, your vehicle could lose traction and could cause an accident due to lack of traction on the road’s surface. A vehicle’s tires will slide on snow and ice so gently press the break to stop.

3. Do not use cruise control

The reason why we caution drivers using cruise control during these snowy months, is because your vehicle maintains the same level of speed while using cruise control. However, cruise control cannot account for black ice or unplowed snow up ahead. These sorts of conditions could cause you to lose control of your vehicle when driving with cruise control enabled because your vehicle’s system might not react as quickly as you can if you feel a loss in traction.

4. Check tire pressure and tread

Check tires monthly to determine that each tire is properly inflated and that each has enough tread on it. If the tread looks worn down, replace your tires at Patrick Hyundai. You will see diminished performance in traction and your stopping distance will be greater with inadequate tires.

It’s important to stay on top of the game when it comes to driving in the winter. If you feel as though your vehicle could use some maintenance before more snow comes, don’t hesitate to stop by and see us at Patrick Hyundai. Give us a call at 847-230-8221 or click here