Coming from the sun-drenched roads of Arizona, tackling the icy streets up north is like trading in your summer gear for a winter coat.
Down south, you might deal with the odd bit of rain here and there, but when you venture into colder territory, you’re faced with an entirely different set of challenges like snow, ice, and freezing temps.
So, let’s get you sorted for hitting the road when the mercury drops—it’s not all about cranking up the car’s heater.
Feathering the Controls
Let’s kick things off with how you handle your wheels. Imagine the grace of an ice skater; that’s the smooth touch you’re aiming for when you’re driving on frosty roads. Gripping the wheel like it owes you money? That’s a no-go—it can cause you to lose your grip on the situation faster than you can spot ice on the road.
Keep things easy and relaxed. Loosen up that grip, flex those fingers—it’s more about gentle guidance than giving it all you’ve got.
This smooth approach is crucial for avoiding any awkward skids off the road, which believe me, is about as much fun as a trip to the dentist without an appointment.
Avoiding the Spin
Moving on to how to get out of a skid—you might see folks sliding around on the ice in films and think it’s a hoot, but trust me, in real life, it’s no laughing matter. Jamming on the brakes hard can make things go pear-shaped in a flash. Instead, steer smoothly in the direction you want to go and ease up on those brakes.
It’s super important because the wrong move can escalate a tiny slip into a full-scale spin. And you sure don’t want to be the one causing a backup because your car decided to pirouette on the motorway.
What About Tyres?
Now for a word on tyres—dropping temperatures can really take the wind out of your tyres, meaning they won’t work as well as they should. You’ll need to keep an eye on that (sort of like keeping tabs on your texts).
Make sure your tyre tread is up to scratch too; you’re aiming for at least 1/8-inch. And if you’re set up with some snow tyres, you’re laughing.
These tyres are like the MVPs when it comes to winter driving, totally outshining the everyday kind. And don’t forget about gear for extra grip, like snow chains. Without these, it’s a bit like arriving at a shin-dig snack-less.
Don’t Forget About Oil
So, when the weather turns proper cold, your car’s oil can start acting like treacle. I’m talking around 20 degrees below freezing—your engine’s oil can get so thick that pushing it around becomes a real slog for the oil pump.
Here’s what you can do: The folks who know a thing or two about car care suggest you swap to a thinner oil during winter. Throwing in some synthetic oil could be a game-changer. It doesn’t stiffen up as much, making your car start smoother and keeping the oil flowing even if it drops to a toe-numbing -40 degrees.
But, before you go pouring anything into your engine, have a gander at your owner’s manual. The car’s makers might have their own recommendations on oil for when it gets nippy. Synthetic oils are usually spot on for cold starts and will help your engine run like a dream, even when it’s freezing outside.
The Thing About Car Accident Attorneys
And here’s a tip—while we all aim to stay out of trouble, accidents can still catch you off-guard. In such a case, if you happen to be in the AZ area, having a Mesa car accident lawyer in your corner is like a bit of insurance. They’re clued up on all things related to vehicle mishaps and can help you whip through any legal blizzards you might find yourself in.
So keep in mind—it’s all about keeping your cool and staying in control, just like a smooth drive on an Arizona road. Stay safe out there and take a moment to enjoy the wintery views!
Read Next: 10 Ways To Winter-Proof Your Car