It seems like we’re in for another brutal winter here in New Jersey, but as we all know, garden state residents are undeterred by snow, ice, or cold. A state with just about every weather extreme requires knowledgeable drivers that can handle it all. That’s why we’ve put together some tips for winter driving, straight from the staff at our Jersey City used car dealership! Take a look at this advice and make sure you’re prepped for winter.

Before You Go

There are some steps that you should take before winter hits. First, make sure the vital components of your used car are in top condition. This includes making sure the tires are fresh and have enough tread to make it through ice and snow- if not, take it to our Jersey City used car repair center and we’ll be happy to replace them or even install winter tires. Factors such as oil levels, battery condition, and windshield wipers are all things that can affect the quality of your ride this winter.

Once the weather outside is frightful, try your best to stay inside or at least off the road. However, if you do need to head out, there are some precautions you need to take before you leave your parking space. First of all, warm up your car to keep it efficient. To pass the time while it warms up, clear the ice and snow off your car and, if needed, dig out your wheels. As a reminder, it is illegal to drive a snow-covered car in New Jersey, so make sure  it’s clean- especially the roof, where the snow can fly out and hit the vehicle behind you, obscuring their vision and creating a dangerous situation.

On the Go

Many people are intimidated by driving in the winter, but with the proper technique, the mystery evaporates. Approach with caution, heightened awareness, increased concentration, and with less speed. If you lose control of your car and start to skid, steer in the direction you want the car to go and keep steady but light pressure on the accelerator. This advice flies in the face of the “steer into the skid” instructions some drivers receive, but it is the best way to regain control of your vehicle.

If you want to make sure your vehicle is winter-ready, visit our dealership. Our service technicians will give it a thorough inspections to make sure everything is in working order, ready for inclement weather.