Driving in the snow: Essential tips

 

Are you planning on heading north for the holidays this year? We definitely don't see harsh winter weather here in Clermont, but chances are the farther north you drive, the more likely it is that you'll be driving in the snow. Toyota of Clermont is here with tips to help you tackle the task because driving in winter weather is far different than the day-to-day driving conditions you're used to here in Central Florida. 

driving in winter weather

6 tips for driving in the snow 

Tip #1: Slow down. 

The top thing to remember when driving in the snow is to slow things down. You may even want to drive slightly under the speed limit - moving at slower speeds ensures that you can better retain control of your vehicle, especially if your tires lose traction. 

Tip #2: Take turns wide. 

When driving in the snow, our Clermont Toyota dealership recommends taking turns slowly and taking them wide. If you whip around a corner or make a sharp turn, chances are that your back tires will slide out as you go through it. Slow down, give yourself plenty of time to make the turn, and if you can, swing wide. Be careful not to overcorrect once you're through the turn. 

Tip #3: Avoid sudden gassing and braking. 

Try not to slam on the gas or brakes - instead, gently accelerate and brake. Sudden movements can cause your wheels to spin and make you lose traction (putting you at risk of an accident or collision). 

Tip #4: Don't make sudden movements. 

Just like you should avoid taking turns sharply or hitting the gas and brake hard, you should avoid making any sudden movements (like when changing lanes, etc.). Snow makes the road slick and sudden movements can leave you without traction, sliding all over the place. 

Tip #5: Leave plenty of space in between your car and the car in front of you. 

Leave plenty of space in between your car and the car in front of you when you're driving in the snow. This will give you extra time to come to a stop. You should give yourself plenty of space to stop when conditions are slippery anyway, but especially in the snow. If the car in front of you comes to a sudden stop, you need to be able to do the same without hitting the back of them. 

safe driving tips

Tip #6: Use your headlights and wipers. 

Remember to turn on your headlights and wipers if it's actively snowing. It'll give you better visibility AND let other drivers see you better when conditions are bad. 

Get your car prepped for winter weather at Toyota of Clermont

Have questions or think you need to prep your Clermont Toyota for driving in the snow? Call us! Toyota of Clermont can get you ready for anything. We're open seven days a week at (352) 404-7000 or you can stop by and see us at 16851 State Road 50, just west of the Florida Turnpike. 

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