Winter Driving Tips to Avoid Auto Body Damage: Insights from an Auto Body Repair Company in Darien, Illinois
The winter months are quickly approaching, and with them comes winter weather. From snow to freezing rain and everything in between, it all puts you at greater risk of an accident on the road. This is why it’s essential to exercise caution when driving in the wintertime.
Need some tips for driving in winter weather? If so, you’ve come to the right place. This auto body repair company in Darien, Illinois is going to explain below.
Keep Plenty of Distance
When snow and ice hit the road, they make for some slippery conditions. This leaves vehicles highly vulnerable to getting into accidents. How can you reduce the risk of an accident in your vehicle? Keep plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. If you lose control of your vehicle, you’ll have more room and time in which to correct the problem.
In normal conditions, you should allow 3 to 4 seconds to stop should the vehicle in front of you stop suddenly. In snowy or icy conditions, you should extend this to 6 to 10 seconds depending on how slippery the roads are.
Involved in an auto accident recently? Do not hesitate to reach out to your local auto body repair company in Darien, Illinois. At Lombard Body & Fender, we’ll help you with any of the repairs you might need.
Avoid Braking Suddenly
Another tip to avoid losing control on the road is to avoid braking suddenly. Instead of slamming down on your brakes, apply gentle pressure to them, slowing down as gradually as possible.
If you apply sudden and substantial pressure to your brakes in slippery conditions, you stand a high chance of losing control of your vehicle. This could result in you skidding or even going left-of-center or off the road.
Proceed with caution when braking in these conditions. The slower you brake, the better off you’ll be.
Keep Your Vehicle Prepared for the Worst
When snow, slush, and ice present themselves on the road, they can create all sorts of negative scenarios for automobiles. Not only do they make it difficult for your tires to keep traction, but they can also dirty windshields, making it difficult for the driver to see. This is why you need to keep your vehicle prepared for the worst.
What does this entail? It entails keeping your tires properly inflated. It entails keeping your windshield wiper fluid filled. It also involves inspecting your brakes to ensure they’re working correctly. It’s also wise to keep a winter road kit in your vehicle, just in case something goes awry.
Look Out for Other Drivers
When you’re driving on a public road, it’s not just your driving that you need to worry about. You need to keep an eye on everyone else’s driving as well. This is always true, but especially during the winter months when the roads are bad.
This is often referred to as defensive driving. It’s about expecting the other driver to make the wrong move so that you can preemptively plan against it.
For instance, you might expect a driver to wait at a stop sign instead of pulling out in front of you. However, that driver might have other ideas, and might, indeed, pull out in front of you. To counteract this, you should keep your speed relatively slow so that you can stop safely at short notice.
Was your vehicle damaged regardless of your defensive driving? If so, a professional auto body repair company in Darien, Illinois can help restore your vehicle. Our team at Lombard Body & Fender will fix any auto body damage that may be present.
Looking for an Auto Body Repair Company in Darien, Illinois?
Has your vehicle encountered auto body damage? Looking for an auto body repair company in Darien, Illinois that can make the necessary repairs? If so, Lombard Body & Fender is the company to call. Contact us today to request a free quote.
