Winter driving tips

Winter is almost over but we still have some stormy days left.
The best advise about driving on a cold stormy winter day is not to drive at all .
If you must drive take these basic precautions to stay safe.

 1. Make sure you have a basic winter survival kit in your trunk, that would include water, blankets,dry stick matches, packaged food with a good shelf life granola bars dried fruit, and nuts. snow chains ,not to mention the usual safety paraphernalia , flares or reflector triangles,a flashlight, jumper cables, jack,spare tire, shovel, and a bag of salt.

 2. Slow down gradually while coming to a stop, avoid pushing down hard on the brake so as not to skid.
 If your wheels do lock up ease off the brake and steer to the side of the road. Always drive with you lights on in the winter even in the daytime, it make is easier for other motorists to see you.  

  3. Never use cruise control while driving on snow or ice, and be especially cautious when driving over    bridges  where it can ice up in a hurry.

  4. Don't pass large trucks, in many instances they can help blaze your trail. If your wheels start to break loose while your driving take your foot off the accelerator and steer the wheels the way you want to go, as you regain traction gently push down on the gas pedal. If you have front wheel drive then foot off gas shift into neutral , don't worry about steering right away as the wheels go sideways they will slow down the car and as traction returns put it in drive and ease your foot on the accelerator.

  5. If you do get stranded stick with your car, and crack one window a little so as not to get snowed in air tight. Be cautious of running your engine for the heater because exhaust pipes can get clogged with snow and cause carbon monoxide build up in your car which can be fatal. If the exhaust pipe is free then run the heater about five minutes every half hour. put out flares if you have them fore and aft of your vehicle .

If we show winter the respect it deserves and prepare we can enjoy our winter months and live to see the flowers of spring.

Take care and happy motoring