4 Smart Driving Techniques for Bad Stormy Weather

November 15, 2018 · 3 min read

The holiday season is almost here and it's the time of year when families reunite with members gathered from all over the country. However, in many areas, that also means bad weather is here again and won't leave until spring of next year. If you need to take long drives in the next few months, it's essential that you prepare for all the rain, snow, wind, sleet, or hail that Mother Nature may throw at you. Here are some tips on how to do that as safely as possible.

Inspect your Car

It's not exactly a driving technique, but it is the essential first step before going on a drive in bad weather. Ideally, the car should be inspected at a garage, but if your time is limited you can do that yourself. Lights and tires are the first items that need to be inspected, so make sure all tires are inflated and all the car's lights work. Also, if the weather is cold, snow tires are essential. Even on a dry road, once the temperature drops below 45, snow tires do a better job than regular tires because they stay soft. Other things you need to check are fluid levels, like gas, antifreeze, and oil. If you don't remember the last time you had your oil changed, it would be a good idea to do that before the trip, just to be sure you won't have any bad surprises along the way.

Plan your Drive

A good way to increase your chances of a safe journey is planning your drive beforehand. Often around Thanksgiving or Christmas, the roads are filled with people driving to get home to their families, so checking a GPS app for the best time of day to take the drive is a useful first step. Less traffic usually means fewer things that can go wrong, not to mention a faster trip.

Keep an Appropriate Distance from Other Cars

Bad weather conditions can sneak up on inexperienced drivers who don't change the way they drive based on the road conditions. The first thing any driver must remember when driving through bad weather is that braking distances are longer than on a dry road. Also, it's not enough to keep a safe distance from the car in front; a driver must constantly be aware of cars behind to make sure they keep a safe distance.

Don't Drive Through Intense Storms

If rain, snow, sleet, or hail starts to fall up to a point where visibility is gravely affected, it's best to park your car and wait for it to mellow down. Avoid parking next to trees or any other kind of tall object, like billboards or telephone poles, as strong winds can topple them. Unless you can quickly get inside a building, staying in your car during lightning storms is crucial, because the car's metal body protects passengers from being hit by lightning. Once the storm mellows out a bit and you have decent visibility, you can get back on the move. Keep these tips in mind when you're on the road over the holidays, or anytime stormy weather strikes. And whenever a storm seems like more than you can handle, remember - it's always better to be safe than sorry. Image via Flickr by theogeo Used under CC BY 2.0

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Jul 28, 2023 in Highland park

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Image via Pixabay. A powerful vehicle like the Dodge Charger gives you a fun and exciting driving experience that you'll look forward to on every trip you take. For some more enjoyment you can have right here in the Highland Park, MI area, check out these fun places and the activities they have to offer you. more 1. DEFY Detroit Adrenaline-pumping fun is waiting for you at DEFY Detroit, where there are high-flying activities fit for all ages. With an open jump trampoline park, parkour courses, zip lines, and so much more, you won't run out of activities to experience at this place. Fun is waiting for you right around the corner at 2737 Union Lake Road, so stop in for a visit today. 2. Safari Playground The wildlife-themed adventures waiting for you at Safari Playground creates an experience that your whole family will love. There's bowling, laser tag, and an obstacle course for you to have some fun on here, giving you plenty of options for how you want to spend your visit. Take a drive down to 700 North Pontiac Trail to see everything this place has to offer. 3. Ernest T. Ford Recreation Area Get outside for the day and enjoy some fresh air when you play around at Ernest T. Ford Recreation Area. We had a lot of fun shooting around on the basketball courts when we stopped in for a visit here. Plan your next activity at 10 Pitkin Street. 4. Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Want to get a sense of local history on your day out? Then set your destination to Ford Piquette Avenue Plant and get ready to step back through time to see important events that made our area what it is today. You can take a historical tour here to learn all about the Model T and how it revolutionized the automotive industry. Check out this museum at 461 Piquette Avenue. 5. Sky Zone Trampoline Park Another great option for the thrill-seekers out there, Sky Zone Adventure Park will have you jumping for joy when you spend the day here. This place is the perfect setting for your child's next birthday party, so ask them about their party hosting options if you want to make the next party one to remember. The excitement is waiting for you at 42550 Executive Drive. With so many great places to visit right around our area, all you need is a reliable vehicle to get you out there. We've got you covered with the fantastic inventory we have at our dealership. Come find the perfect ride for your needs at Bill Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM!

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