As we creep closer to Thanksgiving, many are planning their holiday travel routes. A big factor to watch for as the week progresses is the weather. Reports of bad weather sweeping the nation this week claim to bring rain, icy conditions, and of course snow. Before hitting the road, check weather reports, pack appropriately, and consider checking on vital car parts. This post will go over a few things to check and how to handle certain driving conditions.
Chicago Weather
If you’ve lived in the Chicagoland area for long enough, you will eventually become accustomed to weird weather patterns. Only in Chicago can you have a bright sunny day followed by inches of snow. So if you check weather reports the day before, consider checking again just before you leave so nothing catches you by surprise. Hopefully, the weather is not so bad to impact your holiday travel plans, but it’s always safer to stay off the road if you don’t feel comfortable driving in those conditions.
Weathering The Storm
For those planning on driving through the storms, you should consider a few tips and tricks. First and foremost, check your tire pressure on all tires, including the spare. Properly inflated tires give you the best traction, and the cold weather tends to lower the pressure of your tires. Secondly, check on your wiper blades. If they leave streaks or do not get enough rain/snow off the windshield then it’s time to change them.
How To Handle Weather Conditions
Lastly, in rainy, snowy, or icy conditions, driving slower helps you maintain control of the vehicle. If you get into a situation where your car begins to hydroplane or slip on ice, do not panic. The worst thing you can do is accelerate or hit the brakes, instead take your foot off the gas and counter steer to the side your car is slipping. Follow these tips and tricks to avoid filing a claim during your holiday travel.