Braking in the Winter: Snow and Ice Safety Tips for Your Vehicle

Posted February 15, 2024

As winter weather ravages the region, cars sliding across the road contribute to car crashes. Slippery roads and hazardous conditions make the standard commute to work dangerous. However, there are several things you can do to ensure your vehicle is prepared for winter weather, such as investing in brake repair.

Don’t Procrastinate on Brake Repair

Your brakes are a crucial component in preventing accidents. According to Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz, brake failure accounts for around 5% of car crashes annually. Not properly preparing your brakes can result in significant accidents and serious injuries. It’s best to have your brakes inspected annually before winter hits.

Keep Your Tires Up to Date

Having good tires on your car can help prevent accidents before they happen. Tires are known for going through wear and tear. However, you may not notice that they don’t have tread on them until you try to drive on wet roads from snow and ice. Have your tires inspected before harsh winter weather, and replace them if they have low tread to ensure they can grip the road while you drive.

Follow a Safe Distance

Keeping your vehicle in great condition isn’t the only factor in safe winter driving; it’s also essential to ensure you maintain a safe following distance from cars in front of you. Staying far behind other vehicles ensures you have plenty of time to stop if something happens on the road. To be safe, we recommend that you stay at least three car lengths behind other cars.

Brake Gently

Slamming on your brakes when you hit a patch of ice can make your car spin out of control, which is dangerous. Instead, learn to use a gentle braking technique when you hit a slick spot on the road. Gently apply pressure on the brakes while maintaining control of the car. Let off the brake pedal and gently apply pressure again to stop. Gently pumping your brakes will help you keep control of your vehicle.

Anticipate Stops

If you’re familiar with your route, plan ahead for stops and intersections. Ensure you’re safe from other vehicles in case they lose control or it takes longer to stop than usual. Begin braking early, and slow down before you apply pressure to your brakes.

The first step in staying safe this winter is ensuring your car is in excellent condition. At AM-PM Automotive, we specialize in brake repair, tires, and more. Our mechanics are all ASE certified, too. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.