Winter Weather Driving Tips!

Sorry folks, but Punxsutawney Phil has decided on a few more weeks of winter weather! There’s no need to worry because Chevrolet has a few simple tips for Jefferson City drivers. Mid-MO Powerhouse is here to help you prepare for any bad weather on the roads with a few simple tips:

1.     Get comfortable by removing all bulky clothing so you have full mobility for complete   control.
2.     Leave a pair of appropriate driving shoes that do not have bulky soles in your vehicle. This will allow you gauge how much pressure you are placing on your petals.
3.     Turn your heat down so you do not become drowsy.
4.     Be aware of the outside temperature. The most dangerous temperature range is between 24-34 degrees Fahrenheit.
5.     Be aware of how the winter conditions affect your traction! Snow gives you about 50% less traction while ice gives you about 75% less traction. Slow it down, break early, and be aware of your surroundings.
6.     Clear your car of snow and ice so you can see properly.
7.     Ensure your tires and battery are in good shape.
8.     Carry along kitty litter just in case you get stuck.

Remember: do not travel if you do not have to! Just in case you do, always keep your car winter weather ready! Schedule your service appointment today at MidMo Powerhouse!

Get Winter-Weather Ready With These 6 Tips For Driving In The Snow

Winter is swiftly approaching, and we all know that with the cold weather often comes that dreaded four-letter word… snow. Sure, snow is great when you’re cozied up in your home and don’t have anywhere to go, but unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world. Driving in snow can be dangerous and our team at Mid-Missouri Powerhouse in Jefferson City, MO wants you to get to your destination and back home safely. Check out these tips below for driving in the winter:

Clear snow and ice off of your car before driving

This is an essential first step to take before you hit the road. Snow on your windshield can block your view and create unnecessary blind spots. Snow left on the roof of your car could slide down to the windshield while driving, completely blocking your view. It could also fly off, causing trouble for the drivers behind you.

Reduce speed

Tires easily lose grip of the road in icy and snowy conditions. Slowing down will give you more control and the ability to react if slippage occurs. Reducing speed will also lessen the impact if things should go wrong.

Accelerating, braking and turning should all be separate actions

Trying to brake while turning or accelerate while turning is the recipe for disaster in snowy conditions. Be sure to slowly apply the brakes while the vehicle is still going straight and gently accelerate when making the turn. Keyword: Gently.

Longer braking distance

Keep your distance from the vehicle ahead of you, and be sure to apply your brakes earlier than you would in dry conditions. Additionally, use much less pressure on the brakes than you normally would. Locking your wheels causes the vehicle to slide or skid.

Steer into a skid

Should the rear of the vehicle begin sliding during a turn, DON’T PANIC! Let your foot off of the accelerator and steer your vehicle in the direction of the slide. This will keep you in control.

Just because the road looks clear, doesn’t mean it is safe

Black ice is a layer of ice on the road that is typically mistaken for wet pavement and is often found on bridges, overpasses and shaded parts of the road. According to one study, trying to stop on black ice takes nine times longer than normal, leaving no room for error if you happen to come accross it. Keep in mind that if the road is wet and temperatures are below 32 degrees, freezing will occur. Just because a road looks clear of snow does not mean that it is clear of danger.

Winter Vehicle Tips: Tire Age and Wear

Be sure your tires are in tip-top shape with new tires from the Mid MO Powerhouse serving Central Missouri

Your tires — your vehicles needs four of them (six if you’ve got that dually Silverado 3500), and they are as important of a part of your vehicle any other. Just like regularly scheduled oil changes or checking the fluids, your tires need to be rotated and sometimes replaced, especially when the tread wears out and the winter weather approaches.

The old penny trick doesn’t always give you an indication of when to replace the tires. Traditionally, placing a penny with Lincoln’s head down would tell you when the tires are ready to be replaced. If Lincoln’s head is obscured by the tread, you’re driving with a legal amount of tread. But photos of tread depth of 1/16 of an inch still show some of Lincoln’s head being covered up.

Sage advice says that tires should be replaced during times of the year when slick and wet roads are a concern if the tires are at 1/8 of an inch of remaining tread depth. No tread means your vehicle is more likely to hydroplane and can push snow out of the way as easily.

The age of the tire plays a factor in deciding when to replace tires as well. Dry rot of the rubber can occur when the environment and UV exposure can be harsh. Once a tire hits 10 years old, the Department of Transportation recommends changing them out.

When a tire is made is just an important — maybe more important — then when they’re bought. To figure out when your tire was born, look for the letters DOT on the tire, and you should see a string of numbers following it. There will be a set of either three or four numbers (four for tires made after 2000). The first two numbers are the week of the year it was made; the last two are the year.

Are you in need of new tires in Central Missouri? Check out the Mid MO Powerhouse’s tire finder on our site to get the tires that are right for you! Our certified service technicians will help handle all your needs when you schedule service at the Mid MO Powerhouse. Stay safe out there this winter!

Schedule car service in Central Missouri at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse