Chances are, if you’re new to the Midwest during your interim housing stay, you may have not experienced driving in all four seasons. Travel conditions in St. Louis can vary according to weather, so it’s important to educate yourself to be best prepared for the upcoming months. Winter weather driving can be dangerous if you’re not prepared to follow some of the most important road safety rules and tips. Here are a few pointers we find especially helpful when preparing for winter weather on the road:
Practice Makes Perfect
Perhaps the most important step to readying yourself for winter weather driving is practice. Seek an unused area such as an empty parking lot and practice driving with someone who has plenty of experience behind the wheel in icy conditions. Your break and acceleration time will be much different than all-season driving, take note of how your vehicle handles. Remember that during the winter you will need to give yourself plenty of space on the road and keep a safe distance between your vehicle and those around you.
Have Your Car Maintained Regularly
Cold weather is harsh in your vehicle. Be sure to maintain your vehicle regularly to have it ready for the cold months of the Midwest. Scheduling regular maintenance appointments can help reduce the chance you’ll have engine trouble unexpectedly. Also be sure to check the quality of your tires & windshield wipers before the first snow and ice storm!
Add a Few Essentials to your Vehicle Safety Kit
Keep a blanket, retractable shovel, kitty litter, gloves, and a warm set of clothing in your vehicle. Chances are, you already have an emergency kit in your car; adding these items can be helpful in case of an unforeseen event. There are a variety of winter weather safety kits available online, or you can learn how to make your own.
Check Tire Tread
Even if your typical tire tread is in good repair, you may want to consider purchasing snow tires or having a set of chains available to add to your tires if needed. Having the proper tire tread for snowy seasons ensures your vehicle will get optimum traction in the slickest and snowiest conditions.
Add Weight to Your Vehicle
Perhaps you’ve seen pickups hauling sandbags during the winter and wondered why? Putting extra weight across the rear axle of a rear-drive vehicle can improve traction for winter weather driving.
Luckily, with the convenience of many of our St. Louis area interim housing properties being located just minutes away from wherever you need to be, your winter driving time could be reduced substantially. Be sure to travel with caution this winter! Please join us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.