Driving in the winter can be a tricky business. The roads can be wet, icy or potholed, there is more traffic than usual and you truly have to monitor your speed to avoid accidents. Driving always requires a high level of focus, but winter brings about obstacles that wouldn’t usually affect your journey. Not only this, but we can experience delays and difficulties as a result of other factors. For example, you’re just about to set off for work and you’re going to be on time, but oh no! Your windscreen is completely frozen over and you now have to wait some time for the ice to melt. These are types of issues that can be easily avoided by following some simple tips that might just save you in a volatile situation. Take a look below and find out how you can help us, to help you!
Car Door
Make Sure You Check Your Tire Tread Depth
What is more dangerous than driving on a winter road? Driving on a winter road with worn out tires. Driving with this kind of combination will increase your stopping distance and decrease your stability on wet roads, ultimately making an accident far more likely. Many states have a requirement that your tires have a 2/32-inch minimum tread depth, as tire traction decreases rapidly after your tires wear beyond 4/32 inches. If you don’t properly maintain your tire tread, you will literally be sliding around roads. Why risk it? Simply install new tires or actual winter tires to ensure that you avoid all accidents, and make sure that you don’t hurt yourself (or your bank balance).
Create A Car Survival Kit
This tip could help you get out of a rather sticky situation at some point or other. We advise that you keep with you: a candle and a lighter, some ‘fix-a-flat’, a small flashlight, jumper cables, hat and gloves, an air compressor, a first aid kit, a notepad and pen, simple tool kit (hammer, screwdriver etc), a phone charger, a warm blanket, a shovel and spill absorbent. You never know when any number of these items may come in handy. Say you’re driving on a quiet road in the middle of nowhere and your car breaks down. Do you have low battery on your phone? Use the charger. Will your car not turn on? Wrap yourself in a blanket while wearing a hat and gloves. Is your car blocked by a small mountain of snow? Use your shovel. Can you not identify a problem because of the lack of light? Use a flashlight. These items can be life-savers in the necessary circumstances.
Lubricate Your Window Tracks
If you don’t take care of your window tracks, you could have a costly problem later on. Freezing-cold water can seep into the window tracks quite easily and cause a drag on attempt to open the window. This drag can then damage the window regulator cables, costing around $300. Simply avoid this problem in it’s entirety by lubricating the window tracks with spray silicone or dry Teflon spray lubricant. All you need to do to execute this task is by lowering the window and shooting the spray right into the front and back window track. Make sure that you use enough of the window lubricant so that it drips all the way down the track. If any of the spray lands on the glass, simply use a glass cleaner and paper towel to remove it.
Lubricate Your Door Locks
It is very possible that these days you might not use your physical door lock all that much, seeing as how many keys are now remote. However, you never know when in an emergency you might need to use your key. Doesn’t it sound like a terrible scenario, being stuck outside in the cold because your wireless key has stopped working, and you now find that your lock is frozen through! Also, keeping your locks lubricated will prevent corrosion, which can really stop you using your key. Simply putting graphite lock lubricant into the keyway works extremely well, just don’t overdo it. You can also use that dry Teflon spray for an alternate option. Don’t hesitate! Your car will thank you in the long term.
