How to Survive a Road Trip this Winter
The last slightly measurable dusting of snow in the Phoenix area happened in 1998, but that doesn’t mean that places just a few hours away like Prescott and Flagstaff don’t get a good share of snowfall every winter.
Many people choose to forego the crazy airport chaos and instead decide to drive to see family and friends over the holidays or during a winter vacation.
We want to help you out with safety on the road in snowy and wet conditions, (after all we wouldn’t want you to be in an accident, and ruin those wheels!).
Tire Tread & Pressure Check
Start by checking the tread of your tires. A quick check can be performed with a penny. Insert your penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down, facing you. If you can see all of Abe’s head, your tread has worn down to less than the recommended 2/32 inch and it’s time to replace your tires.
Next, check your tire pressure – as temperatures drop, so does the pressure in your tires. For every 10 degrees the temperature drops, your tires will lose air pressure. Having properly inflated tires is not only good for your safety, but also good for gas mileage.
Invest in Good Wipers
It’s difficult to drive safely if you can’t see. Don’t wait to replace your windshield wipers if yours are streaking, skipping, or smearing. Most auto shops and retailers can look up the proper size for your year, make, and model of car. The last thing you need is to be on a slick road with poor visibility.
Slow and Steady Wins the Winter Road
You and everyone else on the road who is stuffed full of eggnog and holiday food (or eager to go eat it) just want to get to where you are going. We get it. However, speed is your enemy in rainy or snowy conditions. It’s time to slow down and use caution. This can help increase traction in the slush and snow. Everything will take a little longer on wet pavement than on dry pavement, so when turning, stopping, and when driving in general, slow it down.
Avoid Cruise Control
Using cruise control in inclement weather conditions is not recommended. Road hazards (including other inexperienced-in-weather drivers) are heightened and your foot needs to be ready for action! In addition, using cruise control while driving on wet roads can increase the chances of hydroplaning.
Headlights Help
Visibility in the winter is often low thanks to daylight savings time, fog or mist. Keep your headlights on to increase your visibility to other drivers and to avoid low visibility dangers.
Take a Raincheck
If the weather is particularly nasty, try to wait it out or avoid it all together. Fewer people on the road during less than ideal conditions improve safety for everyone, and can provide just the excuse you needed to have a cozy day inside by the fire/space heater/radiator sipping spiked eggnog.
Lastly, winter and rainy conditions can cause minor scrapes and dings to your wheels because it can be harder to control your vehicle in those conditions. We are always here to repair or refinish your wheels should they succumb to any damage on that winter trip you took.
Don’t delay! Snap a couple of photos of your wheels and fill out our quote form and we’ll respond typically within a day.
Many people choose to forego the crazy airport chaos and instead decide to drive to see family and friends over the holidays or during a winter vacation.
We want to help you out with safety on the road in snowy and wet conditions, (after all we wouldn’t want you to be in an accident, and ruin those wheels!).
Tire Tread & Pressure Check
Start by checking the tread of your tires. A quick check can be performed with a penny. Insert your penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down, facing you. If you can see all of Abe’s head, your tread has worn down to less than the recommended 2/32 inch and it’s time to replace your tires.
Next, check your tire pressure – as temperatures drop, so does the pressure in your tires. For every 10 degrees the temperature drops, your tires will lose air pressure. Having properly inflated tires is not only good for your safety, but also good for gas mileage.
Invest in Good Wipers
It’s difficult to drive safely if you can’t see. Don’t wait to replace your windshield wipers if yours are streaking, skipping, or smearing. Most auto shops and retailers can look up the proper size for your year, make, and model of car. The last thing you need is to be on a slick road with poor visibility.
Slow and Steady Wins the Winter Road
You and everyone else on the road who is stuffed full of eggnog and holiday food (or eager to go eat it) just want to get to where you are going. We get it. However, speed is your enemy in rainy or snowy conditions. It’s time to slow down and use caution. This can help increase traction in the slush and snow. Everything will take a little longer on wet pavement than on dry pavement, so when turning, stopping, and when driving in general, slow it down.
Avoid Cruise Control
Using cruise control in inclement weather conditions is not recommended. Road hazards (including other inexperienced-in-weather drivers) are heightened and your foot needs to be ready for action! In addition, using cruise control while driving on wet roads can increase the chances of hydroplaning.
Headlights Help
Visibility in the winter is often low thanks to daylight savings time, fog or mist. Keep your headlights on to increase your visibility to other drivers and to avoid low visibility dangers.
Take a Raincheck
If the weather is particularly nasty, try to wait it out or avoid it all together. Fewer people on the road during less than ideal conditions improve safety for everyone, and can provide just the excuse you needed to have a cozy day inside by the fire/space heater/radiator sipping spiked eggnog.
Lastly, winter and rainy conditions can cause minor scrapes and dings to your wheels because it can be harder to control your vehicle in those conditions. We are always here to repair or refinish your wheels should they succumb to any damage on that winter trip you took.
Don’t delay! Snap a couple of photos of your wheels and fill out our quote form and we’ll respond typically within a day.
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