The Best Ways To Stay Safe While Driving in Snow

1.Stay Home

First and foremost (which is why we made this #1 on the list) don’t go out. If you don’t feel confident enough to safely navigate the roads after a snowfall, just don’t go out unless absolutely necessary. This is definitely a no-brainer, but sometimes we need reminding simply because we feel pressured with the expectations of everyday life. Our work wants us to come in, the kids gotta’ get to school, we have appointments, etc, etc. No matter what the reason, if you don’t feel comfortable on the road in harsher weather conditions, just stay home. If in the event that you happen to go out, and an accident happens, call us and we’ll buy your junked vehicle off of you because we even buy vehicles that have body damage.

2.Check Your Vehicle

Give your car a once over. It’s as simple as it sounds. Check that your tires are properly inflated, make sure you have washer fluid in your car, make sure your wipers are in decent shape, and make sure you have some kitty litter or ice melt in your trunk in case you get stuck. There’s nothing worse than losing out on a great ride because you didn’t do a simple check, and now your vehicle is totaled. As much as we love to buy vehicles that are totally wrecked, we’d hate to see anyone get hurt over missing key things before heading out on the road.

3.Slow Down

We feel that this one should go without saying, but we’re still going to say it. Slow down! Absolutely do not overdrive the conditions. There is nothing worse you could do to put yourself and others at risk than driving too fast on slick and icy roads. It’s easy enough to over steer when the roads are like skating rinks, but if you are driving too fast, it’s 10 times worse to regain control after you lose it. So, just slow down when you’re out there.

4.Turn On Your Headlights

The majority of drivers on the road think that headlights are simply used when it’s dark. Newer vehicles typically have an “auto” switch that turns your lights on automatically for your when it gets dark enough, but there are certain situations where having your headlights on is a good idea for yourself, and other drivers on the road. When it’s foggy, when it’s raining, when it’s snowing (normal snow, not during a white out), and when you are going in and out of tunnels frequently, like along many of our beautiful BC highways through the Interior and Okanagan. Having your headlights turned on helps ensure that you have the best visibility, but also that cars behind you can definitely see your vehicle, because when you turn on your headlights, you’re also turning on your tail lights, and this again, makes you much more visible to those around you. If you can’t get your headlights or tail lights to work properly, you may have a major electrical issue, and if that  happens and you don’t want to spend a ton of money trying to get to the bottom of it, you can call us and we’ll buy your vehicle off of you for MORE cash than anyone else!

5.Use Your Wipers

Duh! If you can’t see because your windshield is covered with water, ice, or snow, then you need to use your wipers. Sometimes we don’t use them just for what the weather dumps on us though, sometimes our windshield gets littered with road salt, mud, and debris from the wheels of other vehicles that are driving in front of us. Whatever the case, if there’s stuff on your windshield that’s restricting your visibility, clear it off! You don’t want to end of trashing a perfectly good vehicle, even if you can sell your car to us for top dollar, regardless of it’s condition.

6.Keep Your Distance

When roads are slick, and visibility is reduced, it’s always a good idea to keep at least a little bit more distance between you and the car in front of you. And if it’s a truck, especially a commercial vehicle, you’ll want to leave even more room because you have virtually no visibility except the back end of their vehicle when you follow too closely. The good news is, if you do unfortunately collide with a truck, even a 1-ton vehicle, we will gladly buy both wrecked vehicles, because we even buy scrap trucks too!

7.Avoid Braking Heavily

We can’t stress this one enough! If you’re driving on snow covered roads, or even roads that have been freshly ploughed after a snowfall, be gentle with your brake. The slightest change in acceleration or deceleration can cause your vehicle to fishtail and you’ll lose control. Especially if you live in an area that typically encounters black ice over the winter months. This goes hand in hand with tip #6 because if you are keeping your distance, you have more time to brake, and safely. There’s nothing worse than having to call a scrap car removal company, simply because you were driving like an angry Grandma on icy roads!

8.Watch Out For Puddles

Even though it’s snow that’s falling, snow melts. And when the roads are being salted regularly, puddles form, and driving through puddles can lead to hydroplaning. Not only that, puddles have a tendency to re-freeze after being salted, so just do what you can to avoid any visible standing water while on the roads this winter.

Staying safe while driving in the snow or extreme winter conditions is easy if you make a conscious effort to take all the precautions you can for yourself, and those around you. We are here, and have been, since 2005 doing scrap car removal, and we take pride in it. However, we wish that everyone out there on our BC roads can stay as safe as possible throughout the winter, and always while driving their vehicles. We’ll pay more cash for any vehicle, even if they are completely damaged, but no amount of money can replace your loved ones, and the ones of others, so stay safe out there.