Dashing Through the Snow… Safely! | Scott's Fort Collins Auto

Dashing Through the Snow… Safely! 

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Dashing through the snow… at a safe and steady pace? While those aren’t the lyrics we know and love, it’s important to remember how important it is to drive safely when you hit snow or icy weather. If it’s been a while since you have had to drive in the snow, or if you just want a refresher on how to do it safely, here is what you need to know about driving in the winter. 

Driving in Snow

Even if you don’t live in an area that gets frequent snow in the winter, it’s still to your benefit to know how to drive in the snow in case you ever find yourself out in it. Outside Online provides a useful guide on driving in snow for beginners: 

  • First, don’t ever underestimate a light now. Most people worry about getting stranded in a foot of snow, but even a light snow on the ground can be dangerous to drive on. A then layer of snow on the road can easily melt under the heat of traffic, however, it can refreeze when the temps drop again and turn into a sheet of ice. If you hit an icy patch, don’t panic or slam on your brakes, as you can easily lose control of the situation. Rather, try to keep your car as straight as possible. 
  • Don’t accelerate out of a jam. If you find yourself stuck in the snow or on ice on the road, don’t press the gas to the floor to try to get out of it. Doing this can launch you in any direction, endangering everyone near you. Instead, keep supplies in your car, like sand to help you get unstuck. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to keep food and wear in your car, in case you get stranded. 
  • Clear your car of snow. Before you start driving, clean the snow off of the roof of your car. If you keep snow on top of your car, you risk it flying and hitting cars around you. It can also slide forward when you brake, hindering your own view. 

Do I Need Snow Tires?

If you live in an area where it snows often, it is wise to invest in snow tires for your car. If you don’t live in a place prone to wintry driving conditions, then your all-season tires are enough. Consumer Reports conducted a test that showed most winter and snow tires have better snow traction than the average tire, as they are better equipped to handle the cold, slippery challenges that come along with the snow and ice. 

Staying Safe

To stay safe during a nasty snow storm, it’s best you stay off the roads until your local officials have had time to clear the roads and make them safe for travel. This will help keep you and your family safe in your own car, but it also helps protect other drivers and first responders. Further, if you do go out, you risk getting stranded in freezing temperatures, which is extremely dangerous for all involved. 

Trust Your Tires with Scott’s Auto

If you need snow tires or just want your all-season tires checked, stop by Scott’s Auto. We are your one stop shop for tires and all of your auto repair needs since 1993. Now with locations in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Montrose, we’re easy to locate and here when you need us. Call us at (970)-682-4202 to let us know when you plan to come by or just stop on by when you have the time. We’re here for you no matter the season. 

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