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As the weather gets colder due to the winter, it also makes the driving condition even worse. It is essential to be aware of the various driving safety tips for your benefit. As the winter strikes, you must also modify your approach to driving just like how you prepare your used car, plan your road trips, and the way you drive in the middle of the cold temperature. Airport Auto Sales Used Car Dealership in Fredericksburg, Virginia suggests 10 driving tips that can be used as your guide while you’re driving this winter.

1. Keep everything up to date. Make sure that the fuel, oils, and brakes are checked. It is more convenient to keep your fuel tank half-full during this season, have your oil changed, and all fluids in your used car have been topped off before driving.

1. Make sure that your battery is in proper working order. Winter significantly puts a strain on your used car; hence, you need to exert effort into checking the car battery as part of vehicle maintenance to make sure that it is in proper and safe working condition. Failed car batteries can leave you stranded in the middle of the freezing temperature, so be sure to check them ahead of time.

1. Check if tires are inflated and in good shape. There will be possibilities where you will get stranded in the middle of the road because of a flat tire. To avoid such circumstances, be sure that your tires are properly inflated and evenly aligned. Keep in mind that the pressure in the car’s tire fluctuates as the temperature changes. Consider investing in a set of winter tires that you can rely on for several winter.

1. Wear a seatbelt and be alert. Maybe it’s a cliché driving tip, but it is noteworthy to reiterate that wearing your seatbelt can save your life. While driving, you must also be alert. Do not be distracted, and as much as possible, get rid of anything that could potentially lose your focus while driving. Pay attention to your surroundings while driving in snow. Moreover, do not use cruise control while driving in snow, as it could lead you to an accident. Always keep the cruise control off while driving in harsh weather conditions.

1. Check the weather on your scheduled trip and plan your route ahead of time. For you to get rid of a lot of troubles that you can encounter on the road, checking the weather ahead of your road trip is essential. In every road trip, it is recommended to plan and map out your route before you travel. It is even more important during the winter.

1. Prepare for your road trip. Make sure that you are prepared. Do not just rely on the car’s heating to warm you up. It is essential to have a winter emergency kit in your car. Stock first aid kit, some simple driving tools like a screwdriver, pliers, flashlights, and extra battery in the kit. A warm blanket, willies, ice scraper, and emergency warning triangle can also help you a lot when driving during this harsh condition.  If you are well-prepared, driving in the snow doesn’t have to be as precarious. Make sure that your used car ready for a road trip ahead of time.

1. Keep the car interior ventilated. Condensation in cars is common in freezing weather conditions as there is a significant difference in temperature and moisture inside and outside the car. It can potentially build up during a road trip that can be dangerous if the visibility decreases.  When you turn up heaters, it will lead you drowsy; hence, avoid using an air recirculation setting during this season as this closes off the vents that will allow outside air to come into your used car.

1. Check if you have a clear view of the road. This entails planning. Make sure you see outside when you drive through the window. Replace windshield wiper blades for clear visibility or clean the inside of your window. Check your windshield water system if they are functional and are full of an anti-icing fluid. Drain the oil fluid by running the washer until new fluid appears.

1. Check the lights.  When checking the headlights, make sure they are free from snow. If you have a used car with a sand-pitted headlight, you can opt to get a new set of lenses.  Cover the new lenses with clear tape to prevent easy pitting.

1. Be mindful of the tough spots. You must be aware of the nuances of every track so that you can alter your path for changing track conditions. Look where icy roads tend to occur, especially in bridges and intersections.  Moreover, be mindful wherever water runs across the road. Most drivers lost control on the road because of an automatic lawn sprinkler that sprayed water in the street in freezing temperatures.

We care for your safety

There are still winter conditions that cannot be avoided even if you possess excellent driving skills. However, the aforementioned tips may help prevent you from ruining your day due to the snowy and icy roads brought by the winter. If you have other queries regarding winter driving safety tips, don’t hesitate to contact Airport Auto Sales Used Car Dealership in Fredericksburg, Virginia now!