The car shipping industry sends out gentle reminders of the essential, safe driving and car shipping practices on the First Day of Winter, observed on December 21st this year.
People celebrate this event by cherishing winter traditions, like cozying up with a warm drink and enjoying the season’s beauty. Besides, winter enthusiasts go far in welcoming their favorite season by hanging winter-themed decorations such as snowflakes, icicles, and cozy blankets that create a festive atmosphere.
However, it is worth taking the time on this joyous occasion to highlight the importance of exerting caution and following safety practices when driving during winter by recalling the following safe winter driving tips:
Safe Winter Driving Tips
- Planning the route before driving: Drivers must plan their route and check for weather and road conditions updates through the official website of the state they are driving in or any reliable route planning app. Before driving, drivers should allow extra time for their trip, especially if they are unfamiliar with the roads in winter conditions. They also must look for alternate routes in case of closures, be aware of plows, and give them plenty of space.
- Preparing the car for winter: The primary recommended practices drivers should follow when preparing their cars are checking tire pressure, tread depth, and windshield wipers. They must also ensure all fluids are topped up, test the battery, and consider getting winter tires.
- Packing an emergency kit: Winter’s driving emergency kit must include a flashlight, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, a blanket, a phone charger, snacks, and water.
- Driving carefully: Drivers must slow down and take their time, especially when stopping on slick roads. They must avoid sudden maneuvers and instead brake steadily and turn smoothly. Besides, drivers must be aware of black ice that can often be invisible, making it critical to watch for shaded areas, bridges, and overpasses. Using headlights even during the day allows other drivers to see the car.
- Avoiding dangerous areas: drivers must avoid driving through flooded areas; instead, they should turn around and find another route.
Best Winter Car Shipping Practices
People shipping their cars in winter should follow these best car shipping practices:
- Though enclosed car shipping is a little more expensive than standard shipping, it still offers additional layers of protection necessary to protect cars from harsh weather elements, snow, ice, and salt during shipping. So, this shipping method is highly recommended when shipping cars in winter.
Tempus Logix, a reputable nationwide car shipping company, provides open and enclosed car shipping methods. The company’s professional and experienced team can arrange for a secure car shipping process for any vehicle type at all times.
- People shipping their cars must also top off their fluids, including antifreeze, wiper fluid, and oil. They should consider adding a fuel stabilizer to prevent gas from gelling in cold weather to avoid hassle after delivery.
- Winterizing the car’s tires is crucial when preparing cars for shipping. All-season tires may not be enough in icy or snowy conditions; however, those who don’t have winter tires can check whether the tires are properly inflated and have good tread depth.
- Another important note people shipping their cars must know is that winter weather can cause delivery delays. So, the best practice to avoid late delivery is to book the car shipping service in advance to allow extra time if a natural occurrence hinders the shipping process.
- When shipping cars in cold weather, car owners should let the car warm up for a few minutes after delivery before driving it to prevent damaging the engine.
We wish for this year’s warm and pleasant winter season on the First Day of Winter. With these recommended winter driving and car shipping tips, we hope it will be a safe and peaceful time for all.
