Glendale Nissan Official Blog
Stay Safe This Winter with These Icy Road Driving Tips
By webdev | Posted in Uncategorized on Thursday, December 12th, 2024 at 4:00 am
We’ve all been there—those icy days when you have to hit the road, but the weather seems determined to make it a challenge. Snow can turn even a short drive into a nerve-wracking experience. So, to help you navigate winter’s worst with confidence, we’ve put together essential tips for staying safe on icy roads:
Prepare Your Vehicle
Book your vehicle for a winter Nissan maintenance check to get ahead of the season. Your technician will ensure your tires are properly inflated, the pressure is accurate, and the tread is deep enough for safe winter driving.
It’s just as important to inspect your battery for corrosion and secure connection points. Also, check your brakes, including their pads and fluid levels. Double-check that everything is in top condition.
All this will be checked by our fully Nissan-qualified technicians. They’ll also review any other aspects of your vehicle that may need attention, such as transmission fluid and front-end wheel alignment.
Drive With Caution
If it’s icy or snowy, drive with care. This includes gradual and slower acceleration and deceleration while driving in as low a gear as possible. If you go too fast, your tires may lose traction. Also, give yourself more distance to stop when there’s ice on the road. Brake earlier and slowly, leaving plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Remember to drive even slower around corners and on winding roads, and keep an eye out for snow plows ahead. If you’re unsure of your tire grip on icy surfaces, gently test it out in a quiet and safe place by braking.
If you feel like your steering is off, that’s a warning sign. You may need to book your vehicle for a tire grip check or invest in some Nissan winter tires.
Know Your Ice
There are different kinds of ice to be aware of while driving:
Wet Ice
This freezing rain can be slippery when driving because you have less grip on your tires, even when they are Nissan winter tires, so try to avoid roads that aren’t salted or sanded.
Glaring Ice
This ice has a smooth, glassy, slippery surface and can be found in patches where the road is clear elsewhere. If you see it, don’t brake once you’re on it, and avoid sudden movements with the steering wheel. Instead, brake before you get to it.
Lastly, if you’re on an icy and potentially slippery road, do not use cruise control because this can result in your vehicle slipping or skidding.
Prepare Yourself
Pack an emergency bag containing extra thermal layers, water, and non-perishable food. Make sure you have an ice scraper, de-icer spray, a flashlight, blankets, and a first-aid kit on hand, just in case.
Are You And Your Nissan Prepared for Winter?
You’re in the right place if you’ve searched for a “Nissan service center near me” and found us. Book your vehicle for Nissan maintenance. You can either pop in or contact us to schedule a time that suits you best.
