Tahoe Winter Driving Tips
The beauty of living in Sacramento is that if you want to experience snowy outdoor adventures, Lake Tahoe is only an hour away. But for many Californians, driving in the snow is a bit intimidating. To help make your drive to Tahoe a bit safer, here are some helpful winter driving tips.
Pack a preparedness kit --
Be sure to include a first aid kit, gloves, blankets, water, snacks, flashlights, a shovel, flares, and tire chains. You’ll never know what Mother Nature has in store for you while on the road, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Check your vehicle before the drive --
Are your tires optimally filled with air? Does your engine have enough oil? Got the right coolant mix as well? How about your belts, hoses, wiper blades, fluids, and brake pads? If your vehicle is making noises or not as powerful when it was newer, take it in for a service inspection to avoid a breakdown on your weekend getaway.
Get to know your low gear --
If you are driving in the mountains and you’re on a steep hill, you would be wise to engage your vehicle’s low gears. The low gear setting in your car is an easier way to keep the car going at a slower pace and helps your brakes from getting worn out. Go slow when you’re low.
When in doubt, map it out –
Do you have a clear path lined out so you can easily find your destination? What do you plan to do if you get caught in traffic? Using maps will help you find alternate routes, which might help you get to your destination faster and safer. There are a number of apps available to help you plot your course if your car is not equipped with a GPS system.
Now that you’ve begun to think about how to prepare for your winter travels, we’d also like to encourage you to make sure that your car is in tip-top shape by scheduling a service with The Auto Experts. We care dearly for each and every customer, so let us take care of your vehicles. Proudly serving downtown Sacramento, Midtown, and East Sacramento, you can find us at 505 30th Street Sacramento, CA 95816. See you soon!