8 Tips for winter driving to keep you safe and sound on the road

WINTER road conditions are no joke and it’s time for motorists to step up their game.

Here are some helpful tips to keep your safe and sound on the road.

1. Keeping a spare pair of sunglasses in the cubbyhole. Winter sun is no joke and it can be impossible to drive in its blinding glare.

2. When driving in ice and snow, turn your headlights and foglights on, engage a lower gear to increase road traction, increase your following distance, drive very slowly, and don’t brake suddenly.

3. When driving in extremely wet conditions, turn your headlights on, drive slowly and increase your following distance.

4. Have your car battery tested and replaced if necessary.

ALSO READ: Take heed of these safety tips for children

5. Replace your windshield wipers – these wearing parts can wear especially fast in the summer thanks to the beating sun, and you want to be prepared for winter rainstorms.

6. Check your tyre pressure after the first cold snap, and regularly after that. Cold weather adversely affects tyre pressure.

7. Packing an emergency breakdown kit to keep in the boot. Include a space blanket, water, non-perishable snacks, a torch, and a car cellphone charger.

8. If your vehicle slides in one direction on ice or in the wet, don’t over-correct by steering in the opposite direction. Instead, take your foot off the brake and steer lightly in the direction of the slide until the vehicle regains traction, then steer in the opposite direction while gently accelerating.

Source: Tiger Wheel & Tyre.

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