Safe Winter Driving in Minnesota
Safe Winter Driving in Minnesota
Make Your Appointment at Our Service Center!
Those of us who have ever lived in the northern United States have a special perspective when it comes to winter. Some would argue that winter in Minnesota is harsher than anywhere else in the country! Being so close to the Great Lakes can significantly increase the amount of snow we see each year compared to other areas, and it also creates a biting wind chill that makes the air feel even colder than it really is. In spite of all this, winter in Minnesota is a beloved time of year, due to many great things that go along with the season. You can enjoy winter sports like cross-country skiing, ice skating, ice fishing, and so much more! You can also settle in next to a crackling fire after a long day in the cold. As you prepare for this year’s winter, it’s important to keep some safe driving tips in mind. Read on to learn about safe winter driving in Minnesota!
Go Slower than You Think You Need To
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to stay safe out on the roads this winter is to drive slowly! Keeping your speed under control is always a good idea, but it’s especially important to drive slowly during the winter months when roads might have ice or snow on them. When you drive slowly, you’ll be able to avoid skidding, fishtailing, or losing traction on slippery roads. You should be especially careful while accelerating, whether you’re pulling out of your driveway, turning at an intersection, or taking an exit on the highway. If you do start to swerve, be sure to keep steering straight. If you try to over-correct your car’s swerving with the steering wheel, it can actually make things worse. Keeping your speeds slow will help avoid the problem in the first place.
Prepare for Icy Roads
If you’re living here in Minnesota, you’re probably no stranger to driving in the ice and snow. However, we can all use a reminder of just how sneaky the ice can be. Ice can be hidden under a thin layer of snow, while frost and black ice can blend into the pavement itself, especially at night. If the temperature is below freezing, it’s best to assume that you’ll encounter ice on the roads, whether you see it or not. To help with this, be sure to leave ample space between your car and the car in front of you. You want to have lots of time to come to a stop without bumping into the car in front of you. Similarly, be sure to hit the brakes sooner than you think you need to, so that you can slowly decelerate over a larger span of time.
Make Sure Your Car is Clean
Sure, keeping your car clean is important all year-round, whether it’s keeping the inside organized, or the outside looking clean and shiny. However, when we talk about cleaning your car during the winter, we’re really referring to the removal of snow and ice! Cleaning off your car in the morning after a snow storm can feel like an impossible task, but it’s important to take the time to do as thorough a job as possible. Be sure that all windows and mirrors are clean, and then take a moment to clear your license plates, and don’t skip the roof! It can be tempting to leave snow leftover on the roof and assume it will slide off while you drive. However, it can actually be dangerous to leave snow on your roof, as it can fly off and hit cars behind you, or have concealed chunks of ice. Plus, if a big pile of snow slides forward while you drive, it can be hard to adequately remove it while the vehicle is moving. Skip these issues by getting a good snow brush and giving your car a thorough clean.
Get the Right Equipment
As we mentioned above, having a good snow brush is an essential tool as we head into winter. However, there are a few other items you should consider to prepare yourself for the snow. One of the main things you should research are appropriate tires. There are a few options, including snow tires, all-weather tires, tire chains, and more! Be sure to ask your mechanic about which tires might be best suited for your unique vehicle. You should also get your car inspected to see if it needs any replacements, such as new wiper blades, more windshield wiper fluid, anti-freeze, or new headlights. You should also be sure that your heater is working properly so that you don’t get caught without it on a cold winter day!
Make Your Service Appointment at Coon Rapids CDJR!
If you’re ready to get your car ready for winter, we here at Coon Rapids CDJR are here to help! You can visit us at our dealership in Minneapolis, Minnesota to let our service technicians take care of all the maintenance you might need. We can give you a general tune-up to make sure that all of your routine maintenance is good to go, and we can also help out with any repairs you might need. Plus, we’ll help you order and install any of the accessories you desire for the winter. Making your appointment with Coon Rapids CDJR is easy. Simply give us a call at our service center, or request an appointment using the online form. We look forward to working with you soon!