6 Winter Driving Tips to Make the Drive Safer in Mid-Michigan

Snowy Weather Driving Tips from Thelen Kia in Bay City, MI

With winter in full force in mid-Michigan, snow-covered roads are a consistent element of our everyday driving during the season. If you struggle with handling these slippery driving conditions or just want even better ways to stay safe when you have to go out, Thelen Kia is here to offer six great driving tips for handling them! Our Bay City staff wants you to be safe this season, and we are happy to provide these tips that we use in our driving during this time of the year. 

Tips for Safe Snow-Covered Road Handling

1. Plan Ahead of Time for Your Drive if Possible – 

Knowing where you’re going and how you’re going to get there is a great way to eliminate one of the more tedious elements of winter driving. A clear route will allow you to properly assess your time so that you don’t feel like you have to rush to your destination. Unless it’s an emergency, we highly recommend you take a moment to plan out everything before you set off. 

2. Drive Slow & Give Yourself Extra Time! –

The last thing you want to do when driving on snow-covered or icy roads is to try and go quickly on them. The slower you can go, the better your traction will be. Better traction results in more consistent all-around handling for a more confident driving experience. As such, make sure you leave several minutes earlier than you normally would leave just so that you allow yourself to drive slower and still arrive at your destination on time. 

3. Smooth Acceleration Prevents Spinouts –

Similarly to driving slower overall, you don’t want to accelerate too quickly. Pressing down on the gas pedal too hard will cause your wheels to spin and this could result in a dangerous spinout while trying to start from a standstill. Remember to gently press down on the accelerator to allow your tires the chance to properly grip the road. 

4. The Earlier You Slow Down or Brake, the Better –

Slippery roads make braking very difficult if you are waiting too late to do so. Your Kia’s anti-lock brakes will engage to assist but slow and steady breaking is still essential. As such, we recommend that if you’re approaching a stoplight that is turning red or has already turned red, start slowing down much earlier than usual and ease on the brakes. This is vital to ensuring your vehicle stops in the required distance.

5. Smooth & Consistent Steering Will Prevent Spins –

Winter weather driving primarily involves preventing spinning as efficiently as possible. Steering is another element of driving that needs to be as consistent and smooth as possible to ensure the likelihood of a spin is minimal. If you need to make a turn or merge between lanes, start your movement earlier and gently make the movement while maintaining full focus on what is going on in front of you. Any sudden or sharp movements will greatly increase the chances of your grip disappearing and resulting in a spin.

6. Equipment Options for More Confident Winter Driving –

Even with all the above driving tips, your already-capable Kia can be made even better equipped to handle slippery road conditions. For example, a set of dedicated winter tires is a great asset to enhance the traction you have in these less-than-ideal conditions. Our team will be happy to help you find a set of quality winter tires if you are interested in having them equipped. As for general items to have while driving in winter, an emergency kit filled with items such as water, non-perishable food, batteries, and extra clothing and/or blankets is a great way to stay safe if you find yourself stranded during a snowstorm. 

(Photo Credit: Pexels)

Tags: Bay City, emergency kit, Great Lakes Bay Region, Michigan, Mid-Michigan, Thelen Kia, Winter Driving, Winter Tires
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