Taking a trip in the winter can be challenging, especially for drivers who live in New Hampshire. Heavy snowstorms, black ice, frozen vehicle parts, difficult traffic patterns, and a lot more come with the snowy season. Our team at Portsmouth Ford, your local Ford dealership in Portsmouth NH, wants you to maintain your safety and your peace of mind while driving this winter. We have put together a list of helpful tips that will help you remain safe on the road. Here at Portsmouth Ford, your local Ford dealer in Portsmouth NH, we recommend that you do the following:
– Do not get behind the wheel if you feel tired or exhausted. It is important to be alert and ready for anything while on the road.
– If it starts to snow while you are driving, accelerate and decelerate as slowly as you can. This will prevent your Ford model from experiencing wheelspin or skidding. It is also a good idea to turn as slowly and as carefully as possible.
– Keep your tires inflated to their optimal levels. The air pressure in your tires can dramatically decrease due to radical drops in temperature. However, you need to have the right balance of air pressure. Too much will reduce the traction your tires have on the road, but not having enough air in them will decrease their effectiveness.
– To prevent your gas line from freezing, we suggest that you keep the tank of your Ford model at least half full.
– Avoid using cruise control while you are traveling on icy roads. You will be able to react much faster to any sudden changes in your driving.
– Stay current with the weather reports in both your area and the entire route of your trip. A good way to do so is to check the weather app on your smart device.
– Remember to schedule a maintenance appointment with Portsmouth Ford, your local Ford dealer in Portsmouth NH, before you head out on the road. This will help you feel secure that your Ford is in its best condition.
– Know how much stopping power your brakes have and be ready to use them. When driving in snow, it is always better to slow your vehicle rather than coming to a full stop.
– When you encounter a steep incline, do not attempt to use extra power. Instead, let your natural momentum push you to the top, and then slowly reduce the power of your engine.
– Carry an emergency kit with you that contains clothes, food, water, blankets, flashlights, etc. This will be highly useful if you ever find yourself caught in a storm on the road.
– If the worst does happen and you end up getting caught in a severe snowstorm, do not abandon your Ford vehicle. The visibility in a snowstorm is greatly reduced, and the temperatures can be extremely low. Instead, remain in your vehicle until the storm ends or until help comes.
– Find a colorful piece of fabric to place on your vehicle so that first responders can locate you quickly.
– Only use your engine for warmth to preserve power. Also, it is important to keep your exhaust pipe clear of any snow or other debris.
The best piece of advice that our experienced team at Portsmouth Ford, your local Ford dealership in Portsmouth NH, can give you is to avoid driving in winter storms whenever possible. Staying inside and warm is always a better alternative to being stuck on an icy highway. Your local Ford dealer in Portsmouth NH reminds you to put safety first when you are out on the road this winter season.
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