Auto Repair Tacoma WA – Winter Driving Tips

Located roughly 32 miles northwest of Olympia, Tacoma is a port city in Washington with a population of just under 200,000 people. The region is known as being one of the most livable areas in the country, and Tacoma is often included on various ‘best-of’ lists. However, like many northwestern cities, it also feels the sting of winter. Average lows are around the mid-thirties for most of the winter, and freezing rain or snow is a common occurrence. Driving in an unsafe manner can often lead to accidents and other automobile repair issues, and learning how to safely drive during the colder months is important for anyone in the area.

There are a few things to remember about driving in the winter, and the first is nothing more important than tires. Many auto repair shops will be able to outfit your vehicle with a good set of tires, and it’s important that you take the time and money needed to invest in tires with good tread seriously. Also, if there is an excessive amount of snow or ice on the road, it’s a good idea to reduce tire pressure to a level slightly lower than the recommend levels. This increases the amount of surface area touching the road and provides better traction.

Speed kills during bad weather, and simply slowing down on the road will reduce the chance of accidents and other issues. Leave out earlier than you normally would and take your time during your drive. Remember to monitor outside temperatures. When they dip below freezing, any dark spot on the road could be ice. This ‘black ice’ may look like a puddle of water, but is the cause of many accidents each year.

Another point to consider is for your car’s overall health and your own comfort. Crank your car and let it run for a few minutes prior to using it. Letting it ‘warm up’ will ensure that your fluids reach a good operating temperature, reduces the chance of serious problems, and will give you a warm interior to drive in.

Finally, complete your maintenance as directed each year. When the temperatures lower, you’ll want your car to be in the best shape possible. A quick visit to a repair expert will give you the right kind of fluids and ensure no problems occur during the winter.

Avoiding accidents and car trouble is easy when you remember the previous winter driving tips.