Winter is upon us--and in the Northeast this means below freezing temperatures--which can lead to some snowy situations. When the blizzard hits, the snow- and ice-covered roads can challenge even the most experienced driver. Before you venture out into the treacherous weather, here are some tips from the car experts at Thompson Lexus Willow Grove to stay safe on the road.
Take it slow & be prepared
Snow- and ice-covered roads are no joke, so take it slow and be prepared for any situation if you decide to venture out. Pack your car with some essentials like a shovel, ice scraper, water, some snacks and a flashlight. If you can avoid it, don’t stop on ice or snow--just keep rolling! Try to keep a steady pace when rolling into turns to avoid slipping off the road.
Check your tires
Did you know that your tire pressure lowers itself in the winter and raises itself in the summer? In fact, as soon as the temperature goes down outside, so do does your tire pressure—by one or two PSI! When this happens, your car can react slower to steering, putting you and your loved ones in a dangerous situation. Before you venture out in the snow, be sure to check your tire pressure as frequently as possible.
Need to pull over?
Whether you’re facing car trouble our intense winter weather, it’s important to pull over as soon as possible. But with other cars zooming by or driving carelessly in inclement weather, you’re going to want to make sure you pull over on the right shoulder and turn your hazards on immediately.
Invest in winter tires
Winter tires are a great investment. They typically have a deeper tread with more edges that cut into the snow for enhanced grip. Some advanced designs can grip extremely well in icy conditions. If you need a set of tires, Thompson Lexus Willow Grove has the right tires for your Lexus.
Heated seats rule!
If you’re looking into buying a new car, you’re going to want to first check for all the safety systems. Next priority? Checking to see if the car is equipped with heated seats. Heated seats are a great investment if you live somewhere where the temperature drops below freezing. They begin to radiate warmth much quicker than the heater does.
There’s no way to avoid the snow if you live in the Northeast! So, use these tips and make sure that you invest in a vehicle that will get you through the snowy winter months. If you’re looking for a car to get you through the icy winter, the Lexus RX 350 has all-wheel drive capability. If you find yourself debating whether to go out in the snow, it might be a smart decision to stay at home. Better safe than sorry!