Be In The Know When Driving On Ice And Snow

Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center Gives You Secrets For Safe Travel in the Winter Months

Winter can produce some of the harshest driving conditions of the year. And, months between October and February lead the list for mishaps, car damages and injuries in the Maryville, Illinois area.

When the temperature range plunges and the snow increases, it is necessary for drivers to increase their attention to safety on the streets.  With the right preparation, some protective driving procedures and an eye on the weather report, vehicle operators can safeguard themselves and their cars during the long winter time.

The professionals on wintry driving incidents at Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center in Maryville, IL fix thousands of vehicles each year damaged in wintry, icy calamities.  They offer drivers some helpful tips to help make cold weather driving more safe.

Take A Look At Your Field Of Vision:

•   Add de-icer to your windshield wiper liquid
•   Make fully sure your windshield wipers are devoid of ice before heading out on the road – and start thinking about upgrading with new flexible windshield wipers before the snow strikes
•   Check that all the mirrors are clear and appropriately tweaked for visibility
•   Wash your car headlights and check the bulbs in all your motor vehicle lights – front and rear

Slow Down and Stay Back:

•   When there is snow or ice on the surface in Maryville, Edwardsville, Troy, Collinsville, Glen Carbon, or Highland, Illinois, lower the speed of your vehicle to a safe limit
•   Have a lot more distance between your ride and the car or truck ahead of you for additional safety
•   Stay away from cruise control on icy streets
•   Use careful attention on bridgework, overpasses, and hardly ever traveled freeways because these could possibly be slippery as a result of ice
•   Use extra caution when you are driving on one-lane freeways

Skidding Smartly

In a situation where your back wheels slip...

•   Bring your foot off of the gas
•   Steer in the direction you want the forward wheels to go. If the rear wheels are moving left, steer left. If they're slipping right, steer right
•   If your back tires begin moving the other way when you recuperate, ease the steering wheel to that side. You might have to steer left and right once or twice to truly get your car or truck really under control
•   For standard brakes, pump them carefully
•   If you have got anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply regular force to the brakes. You might feel the brakes pulse — that is routine

Should your front tires skid...

•   Bring your foot off the gas and go to neutral, but don't try to steer right away.
•   As the tires skid sideways, they'll slow the car or truck and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you wish to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and speed up slowly

Prepare for a Snow Day:

•   If your motor vehicle has rear wheel drive, put bags of sand or kitty litter to keep your car or truck simpler to control on Maryville, Illinois streets
•   Pack a snow day kit in case you get stuck.  Valuable items to include are a blanket, gloves, hat, water, granola bars, flashlight and spare batteries, extra cellular phone battery, flares, wooden matches in water-resistant carrier, compass, a pair of scissors, rope and first-aid gear.
•   Make a tool kit for digging your vehicle out with foldable spade, 2x4 planks to put under tires, ice scraper and snow brush, reflective triangles, flares and exterior windshield cleaner

You can't ever be too careful when getting behind the wheel in winter weather. Accidents can take place rapidly on slick, icy streets, so going slower and making the extra safety measures can seriously make the difference.

If the adverse winter accident does take place, we encourage having a wreck strategy in position so you aren’t stuck on the wayside waiting for assistance.  Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center in Maryville, Illinois features good, dependable repair service.  Simply call 1-800-CARSTAR once you have an accident and they will send the tow truck, speak to your insurance company, arrange for a rental car and fix your car.