Four Winter safety tips

Christmas lights, evergreen trees, gently falling snowflakes… winter is in the air! But so is unpredictable weather. As the seasons change, your vehicle needs to be prepared to stop on any road condition: rain, snow, sleet, and ice.

Which is why our team of certified technicians put together this list of winter driving tips to keep you safely driving, and stopping, on the roads in Blue Bell this winter.

Check your tires. When roads are slick with snow and ice, tire tread becomes even more important. The same tires that kept you rolling on summer roads may be putting you at risk during the fall. Use a quarter to check your tread – if you can see the top of Washington’s head above the tread (with the quarter upside down), you may not have enough tread to stop in weather.

Stop early. Slick roads make it harder to stop, so pay attention and brake earlier than you normally would in good conditions. Wet roads can slow the response time of your brakes, and if combined with low tread or worn brakes, it can mean the difference between a close call and an accident. Pay attention, and put on the brakes early.
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Drive slowly. When unpredictable weather strikes, ease up on the gas pedal. The faster you’re driving, the longer it will take to stop your car in an emergency. Leave a safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you, and slow down!

Watch and Listen for warning signs. Your vehicle will tell you when something is wrong, you just have to pay attention. Squeaking tires, screeching brakes, and vibrating steering wheel can indicate problems with your brakes that can impact your safety. If you notice changes in drivability, bring your vehicle in for an inspection or schedule an appointment online.

To make sure your vehicle can handle any conditions, bring your vehicle into Motorcar Makeovers for a fall safety inspection. Our ASE-certified technicians will inspect the major systems in your vehicle so you have peace of mind knowing your car is ready for the changing weather. Call our team at 215-699-8383.