(NAPSI)—The holiday season is upon us-one of the busiest times of year to be on the road. Safe driving practices are critical for keeping you and yours protected in heavy traffic. Now is a great time to get your vehicle winter-ready before road conditions become highly unpredictable. Consider these five safety tips to help you travel safely to see loved ones this holiday season.
Inspect your tires
Properly inflated traction tires reduce the risk of skidding and improve braking. Your local tire experts can measure your tires’ air pressure and tread depth, and do a visual alignment check. Be sure to ask if they can also test your brakes, shocks and battery.
Understand your options
The decision between studded and winter tires comes down to personal needs based on your commute and driving habits. Winter traction tires are specifically designed to provide the extra grip, braking and handling you’ll need to confidently drive on slush and packed snow. Studded tires offer additional traction in more treacherous winter driving conditions, like ice. Chains can be important too—and are sometimes required—for traction when you’re traveling in the mountains or on icy roads. Visit https://www.lesschwab.com/resources/winter-driving for a step-by-step tutorial on how to put on snow chains.
Know before you go
Before you go, we recommend checking your local department of transportation’s website for road conditions. Listen to the radio for announcements about accidents, road closures and travel advisories. Also, let someone know your route, in case an accident occurs.
Allow extra time
Slow down, especially when traveling over treacherous mountain passes. Whether you’re cornering, stopping, accelerating or driving on a straightaway, reducing speed is the key to safe winter driving. Allow more space between your car and other vehicles. Avoid sudden stops, abrupt downward gear shifts and quick changes in direction. Brake gently to avoid skidding or sliding. If the wheels lock up, ease off the brakes.
Be ready for the unexpected
A winter accident could leave you stuck on the side of the road in cold, wet weather. Packing your car with a few essentials will help keep you safe and ready for any weather conditions. It’s a good idea to store snacks, water bottles, an ice scraper, flares, chains, a flashlight, blankets and a roadside safety kit in your trunk. And, always carry a cell phone. If you must pull over because conditions are too bad to proceed, get as far off on the shoulder as is safely possible, turn off your headlights and turn on your hazard lights.
Your local tire experts at Les Schwab Tire Centers can help ensure your vehicle is winter-ready. Before you hit the road, we’ll check your tires’ air pressure and tread depth and do a visual alignment to ensure the tires are wearing evenly. We’ll also check your brakes, shocks and battery. All for free as part of our pre-trip safety check. Les Schwab has a full inventory of winter traction and studded tires, chains, and other devices to meet your needs. To find the store nearest you, visit https://www.lesschwab.com/about/store-locator. Safe travels!
About Les Schwab Tire Centers
Les Schwab Tire Centers (https://www.lesschwab.com) is one of the leading independent tire dealers in the United States, with more than 7,000 employees and more than 475 locations throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, California, Nevada, Utah and Colorado. The company has been recognized for its business practices through several awards, including a Milestone award from the Oregon Sustainability Board, Oregon Economic and Community Development Department honors, an Environmental Excellence award from the Association of Washington Business, an Integrity Counts award from the Northern Idaho Better Business Bureau, and The Oregonian 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 Top Workplace recognition.