Be Prepared for Winter Driving in North Idaho

The winter conditions here in North Idaho need no introduction. With frequent snows and constantly cold temperatures, it can be hard to get around this area safely through the winter months. To keep up with your busy schedule in spite of the challenging conditions, you’ll want to make sure your vehicle is prepared for what is to come. Let’s take a look below at some of the basics of how to prepare for winter driving.

Consider Winter Tires

This is a great starting point for automotive planning as winter arrives. If you are going to be doing a lot of driving in the winter months – and especially if you are going to be driving on more than just the main roads – you should think carefully about investing in a dedicated set of winter tires.

Most likely, you currently have all-season tires on your vehicle. These are general, all-purpose tires that are designed to perform acceptably in most situations. You can think of all-season tires as being a compromise between the extremes. Rather than performing perfectly in all weather conditions, they do pretty well most of the time, which serves the needs of the average driver. Unfortunately, given the harsh winter conditions that North Idaho is likely to experience, all-season tires might not get the job done.
When you switch to winter tires, you’ll gain the advantage of having deeper and wider treads, which will give the snow somewhere to go as you drive – meaning you’ll have a better chance to maintain traction. Also, winter tires use a rubber compound that stays softer in cold temperatures, which is another step toward maintaining traction. After you buy a set of winter tires, you can simply have them installed for the winter season and then swap them back for your regular tires when spring comes around and the temperatures warm up.

Add Some Important Supplies

If all goes well, you won’t get stuck anywhere while on a winter drive. And, if you choose to equip your vehicle with winter tires, you will be making that outcome less likely. With that said, it can never be ruled out as a possibility, so you want to prepare your vehicle with some supplies that will keep you safe in the event that you become stranded for a time.

As a starting point, create a small package with a blanket, some water, a first aid kit, and some non-perishable food. Use a bag or box to contain everything and store it away wherever you have room in the car or truck. Hopefully, you won’t need to use it all winter, and you can take it out in the spring (or keep it in the vehicle throughout the year, but modify the contents based on the season). In addition to those basic items we listed above, other options for your winter kit include an ice scraper, a small shovel, flares, etc.

It’s a good idea to customize your kit to suit the types of winter driving you will be doing. Those going off into the wilderness for winter adventures will need a robust kit that has plenty of supplies for survival in case they are stuck overnight in the cold. On the other hand, if you only drive in the city on relatively busy roads, you can opt for a simple kit that has just a few supplies to keep you safe and comfortable until help arrives.

Change Your Habits
One of the best ways to prepare for winter driving has nothing at all to do with your vehicle or the equipment you carry. Instead, it is about adjusting your driving habits to make sure they are appropriate for the conditions. Too many people try to drive the same way in the winter that they do in the summer, and the results can be ugly. You don’t need to be afraid when driving in the winter, but you do need to respect the conditions and drive in a way that will help keep you, your passengers, and other vehicles safe.

Here are a few winter driving tips to keep in mind –

• Increased following distance. This is always a good place to start, and this is a tip that applies on a rainy day in any season just as it applies in the winter. When conditions are a bit slippery, as they often are during an Idaho winter, stay farther behind the car in front of you on the road than you would otherwise. The reason for this adjustment is simple – with less traction to rely on, it’s going to take you longer to stop if the vehicle in front of you does something unexpected. Adding space essentially adds time, and that time can make all the difference when trying to avoid an accident.
• Take different roads. Hills are not your friend in the winter. Of course, there are plenty of hills in North Idaho, but when you have the option to take a flatter route to your destination in tough conditions, do it. Even if you think that your vehicle is up to the challenge of a particular hill in the snow, that road might be backed up with other cars that are struggling to make it through. Favor flatter roads and everyone will be better off.
• Gentle acceleration and braking. When possible, do your best to ease onto the throttle and onto the brakes as you drive around in the winter months. Aggressive starting and stopping is a recipe for trouble when the conditions are slippery. Of course, you have to do what you have to do in an emergency situation – such as braking hard – but when you have the option, do your best to operate your vehicle gently so you can stay in control of its movements.

If any of your winter preparations require the help of a professional service department, don’t hesitate to reach out to Taylor & Sons Chevrolet. With a friendly team of experienced technicians and a great reputation throughout the area, you’ll be in good hands from the start when you pay us a visit. We are excited to serve you!

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »