Posted on Dec 29, 2016

Here are 7 Winter Driving Tips for a Safe Holiday Season

Go ahead and plan your holiday getaway with friends and family as 2016 is winding down. Be it a backdrop of thumping music, bumping along a dusty highway or driving in bone-chilling Himalayas, swerve into 2017 with a holiday outside the city. But before you set off, it will be important to think about how the conditions will affect roads and the way your vehicle will behave. Here are 7 tips to prepare your car this winter and help you become a safe and vigilant driver.

Keep your windscreen clean and demisted

When driving in wintery conditions, visibility is key so you need to make sure your windscreen, windows and mirrors are all free from grit and dust. Your wipers need to be in good working order to clean your windscreen effectively

Take your car to a local authorized dealership

In addition to doing your own regular checks, a visit to your local dealership is advisable to make sure your vehicle is in tip top condition. The dealer can do a professional inspection of your windshield wipers, front and rear defrosters, car battery, lights and safety system to ensure all are in good working order

Plan your journey carefully

Before you set off, check the weather forecast. It is also a good idea to listen to traffic announcements to find out about any accidents, road closures or road advisories that you may encounter on route. Trips can take longer during winter weather than other times of the year, so leave some extra time

Be prepared

In case you are planning to travel to the hills which are prone to snow, make sure your fuel tank is full before you set off. Frosty conditions may cause delays – and you don’t want to be stuck in the cold having to walk to the nearest gas station. Your vehicle should always be equipped with a torch and a first aid kit. Take a fully charged mobile phone with the phone number of your breakdown provider stored in it so you can always call for help. And to keep you warm, don’t forget to pack a blanket, some food and a flask of hot tea

Be aware of fog

If there is a fog warning, delay your trip until it clears. Incase that is not possible, always drive at a slow speed and use low-beam headlights. High-beams reflect off the moisture droplets in the fog, making it harder to see. Always have tail-lights and blinkers on so that other drivers can spot your car and maintain a safe distance. In case your car doesn’t have fog lights, keep yellow cellophane paper handy. Stick it to your car’s headlights and turn the high beam on

Adjust your speed

It’s prudent to drive a little slower than normal and always make sure you have enough space between you and the car in front. Following distances should be adjusted accordingly. If you are going faster than you think, reduce speed gradually and avoid passing, changing lanes and crossing traffic

See and be seen

Keep your lights on low when driving in the snow. Look ahead for traffic lights, stop signs, curves, and give yourself enough time to react. In case of an accident or breakdown, pack a hi-visibility vest to make sure people can see you

The above tips were shared by Ford India.