Tips For Winter Travel | Wappinger Falls, NY

Let it snow! Snow is falling here in Wappingers Falls, NY, and we want to make sure all of our beloved Mercedes-Benz drivers are staying safe out on the road. We want to urge all of our customers to avoid travel if possible during the storm. However, we understand that is not possible for everyone. So, below you will find safe winter driving tips that are sure to help you get from point A to point B safely! And if you’re looking for Mercedes-Benz service or to shop our impressive lineup, we invite you to head over to https://www.mercedesbenzofwappingersfalls.com/ for all of your needs! 

Tips For Driving In The Snow:

• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for gaining traction and avoiding skids.
• Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning – nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
• The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds
• Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold braking.
• Don’t stop if you can avoid it.
• Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road.
• Make it know what kind of driving assistance you have (AAA, Roadside Assistance, etc.)

Everyday Driving Tips: 

• Avoid driving while you’re fatigued.
• Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
• Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
• If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy, and snowy weather.
• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).
• Always look and steer where you want to go.
• Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.

Long-Distance Driving Tips: 

• Watch weather reports
• Service your vehicle before hitting the road
• Keep at least half a tank at all times
• If you become snow-bound, stay with your vehicle. It provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you.
• Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or place a cloth at the top of a rolled-up window to signal distress, if needed.
• Make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow, ice, or mud if you slide off the road