Holiday Driving Tips

Before you head out on that long trip, you're going to want to make sure that your vehicle is up to date. Take your vehicle down to Columbiana Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM and have our experts check out your battery, fluids, tire pressure, and condition. No one wants to get stranded in the middle of nowhere during a winter storm, and you run the risk of stalling out if your vehicle is not in perfect working condition. You also want to make sure that you fill up your gas tank, with a good rule of thumb being to make sure your gas tank is always half-full to prevent freezing. 

Before you leave, make sure that you plan your driving route ahead of time. Check for road closures, construction, and other obstacles standing in your way. If you need to reroute, be sure to take the road more traveled if there is a storm. Speaking of which, make sure to check the weather report for both your current location and where you're driving to. If the weather is severe, you might want to consider canceling or postponing your travel plans. Your family and friends might be a little disappointed, but at least you will be safe and warm. 

Extreme weather such as snow and sleet can make for low visibility and icy highways. Be sure to slow down and allow for longer stopping distances. Also, make sure you leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the other cars on the road. You'll also want to avoid skids when accelerating by applying the gas slowly and be sure. When you're preparing to stop, make sure that you're applying the brakes slowly. Head to a parking lot when it's not snowing hard to practice what it's like driving in the snow, so you'll be prepared when you have to head out for the holidays. never to use cruise control in wintery conditions

You're always going to want to be prepared for any and all contingencies, such as a car accident, flat tire, breakdown, or medical issue. Be sure to keep some emergency medical supplies in your vehicle. These include a flashlight, blanket, extra gloves and hats, a first-aid kit, basic hand tools, a phone charger, snacks, and bottled water. It's also good to keep a small shovel and a small bucket of sand or cat litter in the trunk of your vehicle in case you find that your car is stuck in some deep snow. 

Distracted driving is the leading cause of accidents. Make sure that your eyes are on the road at all times by having a navigator or GPS device, so you know where you're going. It would be best if you also refrained from talking on the phone or texting while driving. Also, remind your passengers to keep their voices and the radio down. Make sure that you also take breaks every so often to revive your energy and focus, and perhaps even divide up the driving responsibilities with others if possible. 

Before setting out on that long winter vacation, be sure to stop by Columbiana Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM and get your vehicle winterized! We can change your oil, rotate your tires, and even fix your heater if you need it. If you need a set of snow tires, we can put those on for you as well! You can make an appointment either here at our dealership or on our website. We look forward to working on your vehicle and getting it ready for the holidays and beyond!