Driving in harsh winter conditions is difficult and stressful for many people. Aside from ensuring that your auto insurance is current, it helps to understand exactly how to drive in this weather when you aren’t used to it. The trusted insurance agents at Imperial Agency in Garfield, NJ, highlight some tips for driving during the winter.

3 Driving Tips for Harsh Winter Weather

1. Accelerate & Decelerate Slowly

The key to driving in winter weather is retaining tire traction. Often, drivers don’t realize that the snow they’re driving on is covering a layer of ice from previous storms. Without proper traction, the automobile easily spins out. By accelerating and decelerating slowly, drivers retain traction much easier. 

2. Understand Your Brakes

Under normal conditions, pumping your brakes suddenly will cause it to screech to a halt. However, when it snows, cars easily slide forward, not gaining traction and causing accidents. Slowly compress the brakes when stopping, and keep additional distance between you and other cars.

3. Don’t Stop on a Hill

Drive slow and steady when driving up a hill in the snow or ice. Remember to not stop on a snowy hill, if you can avoid it. Instead, continue at a  gradual pace up the hill and allow the tires to maintain traction. If you feel yourself sliding downhill, turn the wheels and pull the emergency brake. This will cause the car to slide sideways instead of down the hill. 

Prepare your car for the harsh winter weather now. If you have any questions, the insurance agents at Imperial Agency are on hand to help. Aside from auto insurance, they have been Garfield, NJ’s trusted source for quality homeowners and health insurance for over 38 years. Call (973) 546-9567 or visit their website for more information.