Conquer Cold Weather with Winter Driving Safety Tips

When the snow and ice begin to fall, even the most confident drivers can get a little nervous. But with our winter driving tips, you'll handle the harsh weather with total peace of mind. The experts at Elgin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram are happy to pass on years of experience and research with our customers, so read on to get the best tips and tricks to brave the Chicagoland winters. 

Before Driving in Snow

Smart driving techniques begin even before you turn on the engine. Before you hit the road during the Elgin winters, take a good look at your vehicle. Here is a checklist and if you answer yes to all of these questions, then you're ready to tackle driving in the snow:

• Are your tires properly inflated to maintain optimal traction?

• Should you replace your tires to ensure your safety?

• Did you equip your car with winter tires? 

• Is your gas tank half full at minimum to prevent gas line freezes?

• Are your windshield wipers working hard to keep your line of sight absolutely clear?

• Do you have emergency snow equipment (like salt, blanket, shovel, food) in your trunk?

It never hurts to bring your car to a local service center to get it inspected before the temperature drops. If your vehicle could use some extra help before heading out on your next adventure near Bartlett, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at Elgin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. We'll get your car back to fighting shape in no time!

Tips for Driving in the Snow

Whether driving in flurries or dealing with a blizzard in South Elgin, the right driving techniques can make all the difference. We recommend these tips for driving in the snow:

• Take it slow. If there's one tip you need to remember, it is to take it slow. When you drive on slick and slippery road conditions, it's more difficult to stop, so you should decrease your speed and increase your following distance to stay on the safe side. This helps to maintain your traction and avoid skidding. Front-wheel driving in the snow is ideal for taking it slow as cars equipped with FWD aren't ideal for increased speed or sharp turns! As for rear-wheel driving in the snow, you will want to make sure you're going slow as the equal distribution of weight makes it less ideal for snow or ice. 

• Remember to commit when you're going up a hill. You'll need to maintain your momentum as you drive up steep roads, so try to stay off your brakes until you start descending. 

• Consider delaying your plans if the weather is too treacherous. Do you need to get something done immediately? Can it wait until the road is better? If you can hold it off, avoid going on the road. Sometimes driving just isn't worth the risk.

• Upgrade to a model with an all-wheel-drive system. Winters in Illinois are no joke, so if your vehicle doesn't have AWD, you should consider upgrading to one that has a drive mode designed specifically for the snow. Even if your car already has AWD, you will also want to invest in some winter tires that will work hand in hand with the AWD system. 

Emergency Preparation

If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, a good emergency plan can go a long way. Here are some tips to keep in mind if you find yourself in the path of a storm:

• Keep an emergency kit in the car with items that you may need: emergency phone numbers, blankets, shelf-stable food and water, snow removal tools, chargers, and other tools.

• Conserve your gasoline by using your heater sparingly.

• Check the exhaust pipe to ensure that it is clear of debris at all times.

• Don't leave your vehicle to flag down help. Tie a colored cloth around your antenna or on a rolled-up window to signal for help while remaining safely inside the cabin.

Get Ready for the Winter with Elgin CDJR 

Whether you want to get your car inspected or you need snow tires before the winter comes in Streamwood, Elgin CDJR can help you prepare for this season change! Reach out to us today if you have any questions.