Prepare Now for Your First Winter Driving in Snow and Ice
When you rely heavily on your vehicle, it can be easy to take it for granted. You turn the key each morning and it starts faithfully. Winter weather however and seasonal changes, can place new pressures on your vehicle and unexpected things can happen. That is why it is a good idea to pause as the fall season arrives and to take stock. In fact, I often advise drivers to use seasonal changes as markers for tune ups, tire rotations and other important maintenance checks.
Are You New to Driving in Winter Weather?
If you are new to Watertown New York, Fort Drum and the “North Country”, you may not yet be aware of the woes and cautions of driving in winter weather. Now, it really only takes one winter season to get a handle on things, but it helps to have a few tips under your belt as you navigate your first heavy snow season. So let’s prepare.
Does Watertown New York Experience Lake Effect Snow?
Yes, Watertown New York and the areas nearby are subject to Lake-Effect Snow. Now if you are new to winter weather, what is second nature to locals may require a little planning on your part. I’ll paint a quick picture for you if your friends and neighbors haven’t done so already. We experience on average 131 inches (approximately 11 feet) of snowfall every year. It is possible for snow to stay on the ground consistently for five to six months out of the year. It is challenging to navigate these wintery roads for the first time.
What are Some Tips for Driving in Snow and Ice?
When you first drive on snow, be prepared for your tires may make unfamiliar “crunch” sounds. These can be unnerving at first, but drive through it, it’s ok. Snow and ice can also tug or grip on your tires in a way that you may not be used to. Newcomers tell me that it feels like something is wrong. Push through it, you will get used to it. When driving however aim to make all of your movements as smooth as possible. Avoid any type of jerky or sudden actions (or reactions). Only press gently on your brakes, turn your steering wheel smoothly and avoid any sudden acceleration.
Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter (Winterization)
Be sure to do a little planning and prepare your vehicle for the winter season. The pre-winter checklist for your vehicle should include a possible change of tires, an oil change, and checks of your battery, and fluid levels. In fact, throughout winter, perform frequent checks of your vehicle. The more harsh the environment you are in, the more frequently you must check your vehicle.
Often Imitated, Never Duplicated!
Rust Check of Watertown
Rust Check of Watertown specializes in preparing cars, trucks and commercial vehicles for winter weather (winterization). And of course, we are a Rust Check provider, the #1 Corrosion-Protection Treatment in Canada & the US Since 1973. Call Rust Check of Watertown to schedule a check-up of your specific, winter-driving needs. We will inform you of your best options for tires, rust management and all around winter preparedness. Rust Check of Watertown also performs regular maintenance services like oil changes, fluid exchanges, tire replacements and rotations, suspension repairs, exhaust work, batteries, wipers, and NYS Inspections.
Don’t Forget Rust Prevention
Salt placed on our winter roads to make driving more manageable in wintertime, triggers rapid development of rust on our cars and vehicles. This creates a need for rust prevention solutions. Rust Check has been the #1 corrosion-protection treatment in Canada & the US Since 1973. It was developed in Canada more than 50 years ago. It is quick, simple, environmentally friendly and effective! Rust Check treatments slow rust development on new, used and even rusty vehicles.
Call Rust Check Today: (315) 782-1900
About the Author
Terrence Smith is a Watertown native and a family man. He had vaguely heard of Rust Check as a teenager, before he began driving. Later, when he purchased his first vehicle, the dealership advised him to visit Rust Check’s flagship location (1 hr away) to protect his new vehicle from rust. Rust Check worked so well and Terrence was so impressed with the process, that he began asking the company to open a Northern New York location. With time, it was Terrence himself who opened Rust Check of Watertown.
Incredibly, it has now been more than 33 years since Terrence’s first visit to Rust Check and he still owns that 1989 Cadillac. Moreover, Rust Check of Watertown continues to faithfully serve the Northern New York community. It has been 15 years ...and counting.
