As autumn draws near, preparing for driving on frosty and icy roads is important. With Western Washington often experiencing freezing rain and ice storms during autumn and early winter, these conditions can make for hazardous travel. To minimize the risk of accidents, there are certain safety measures you need to take to protect yourself and your passengers.
Check your tires
The change of seasons is a clear indicator that it’s a good idea to take a moment to look over your tires. You want to make sure you have filled it up with the right amount of air and that they have plenty of treads left on them. Additionally, given the icy conditions often encountered in Western Washington, you might want to think about getting winter tires. They’re specially made to give you a better grip on the road when it’s slick out there.
Prepare your windshield
Functional wipers are vital for maintaining visibility, so you should check them to ensure they’re working as they should. Plus, it’s beneficial to have a scraper and brush in your car in case of emergencies. That way, you can scrape off any ice and frost that might build up on your windows when the temperature drops.
Learn skid recovery
Unfortunately, the Autumn season necessitates understanding how a car behaves when it’s icy. If you ever find yourself sliding or skidding, you may need to stay calm and remember to steer in the direction you want to go and avoid slamming on the brakes. Skid recovery can be critical in dire situations, helping you avoid actions that could worsen the skid.
When driving with your family, taking these extra steps as part of your preparation is better than just bracing for the worst. A car can only do so much, so maintaining its upkeep is crucial during this season.