Driving Tips to Keep You and Your Hyundai Safe This Winter
While no winter is the same, as a relatively mild year can follow one that has been marked by a seemingly unending train of 'polar vortexes', there are a few winter driving tips we'd like to share with Burlington, WI Hyundai drivers that should always be kept in mind when taking to the road in cold, snowy, or icy conditions. Taken together, and applied with common sense, they can make winter vehicle operation safer for driver, passenger, and pedestrian alike.
Prepare Your Car Before You Head Out
Before winter even begins, every Burlington, WI automobile should undergo a thorough winterization process that involves battery level checks, inspecting lines for signs of cracking, and making sure that tires have proper air pressure. Even after an auto has been prepared for the coldest months, however, drivers should always follow these simple Hyundai tips before they pull out of the driveway:
•   Give your car's engine time to warm up before setting out. This is because oil tends to congeal in cold conditions. Allowing a motor to idle while you remove snow gives its oil time to heat up, thin out, and flow more smoothly.
•   While the need to remove snow and ice from a car's windows is obvious, many drivers don't realize that clearing its grille and exhaust are equally important. This is because air that flows through the grille is used to both aspirate and cool the engine, while a harmful buildup of gases can occur if the exhaust is clogged. A car's engine can even overheat on the coldest mornings if the grille is blocked by excess snow.
•   If a car idles higher than normal when first started, do not put it into gear before the speed drops down. Giving a motor time to drop down to a normal speed prevents wear and tear on automatic transmissions.
•   To prevent mechanical problems, wait until the cold engine light has gone out or the engine temperature gauge has moved from its lowest position before applying full power while driving.Â
Remember That a Car's Handling Is Affected By Road Conditions
In general, most winter driving tips revolve around the fact that a car's drivetrain applies force on snowy or icy surfaces less efficiently than on a normal, dry road. This causes a loss of traction which, in turn, means that autos lose some responsiveness in severe winter conditions. Though modern traction control and drive systems have mitigated this to some degree, Hyundai owners should still keep the following winter driving tips in mind:
•   All vehicle reactions take more time when driving in the snow, so drivers themselves should drive at a slower pace than normal during or after a winter storm. Because stopping/turning times and distances are longer when ice or snow are on the road, drivers should extend the standard safe following distance from three to four seconds to eight to ten seconds.
•   Apply gas slowly to gain traction when driving on snow-covered roads. Hitting the gas too quickly can cause a loss of traction and increase the odds of skidding or a total loss of control.
•   When approaching a hill, try to build up speed before beginning the ascent. Attempting to accelerate or increase power while driving up an ice or snow-covered hill can cause the wheels to spin.
•   If your automobile is equipped with an ABS braking system, press down on the pedal firmly when you need to stop. As you do so, keep in mind that it's normal for the pedal to vibrate in an ABS system, as they are designed to 'pump' on their own. For non-ABS braking systems, keep your heel on the floorboard, allow the ball of your foot to apply steady pressure on the pedal, and use 'threshold' braking.
If You Become Stranded During a Blizzard, Play It Safe
While modern traction control systems are designed to minimize the chances that a vehicle will undergo a loss of control when driving on highway or street conditions, Midwest and Wisconsin drivers know all too well that the region is known for sudden and unpredictable snowstorms that can yield high snow totals in a short amount of time. These winter driving tips from Hyundai, however, can help stranded drivers and passengers ride out a severe blizzard:
•   Always carry some form of communication device in your car in the event that you need to call for assistance. In the case of Hyundai vehicles, many trims are equipped with the Blue Link® telematics suite, which can automatically alert authorities in the event of an accident.
•   If your car does become stranded along the side of a highway during a storm, use it for shelter and wait for help. This is because 'white out' blizzard conditions can disorient individuals who are seeking help on foot.
•   A car that's trapped in a ditch or snowbank is more likely to be noticed by authorities if it's visible. Bright orange, red, and yellow pieces of fabric can be tied to a car's radio antenna or pinned atop a rolled up window to make it more visible against a white backdrop, while roadside flares can also be used to attract attention during emergencies. A car's dome light can even be used to signal its presence at night.
•   It's always wise to carry bottled water, packaged foods, and a first aid kit (which comes standard with some Hyundai models) in your car. A shovel can also help clear away reasonable snow build up. In addition, items like floor mats can be used as blankets in the event of an extended cold weather emergency.
Ultimately, though a special focus on safety defines every new Hyundai, tips like these can help Burlington, WI drivers navigate the winter months. For more information on how the modern traction control systems that are built into the current Hyundai lineup can help prevent winter accidents from occurring in the first place, call our sales professionals at (888) 757-5628.
