Winter is coming! The air is getting colder, the roads are getting more slippery, and your driving style needs to change. These are some tips to help you remain safe while driving this winter.

Get Your Car Ready for the Cold Roads

The first thing you should do before facing the cold and the winter roads is to get your car ready. If it's time for a maintenance appointment, go ahead and go through with it. If you need to change your oil to a thinner, winter option, now would be the time to switch to AMSOIL Synthetic Oil.  Winter roads can be tricky, but they're not impossible. Here are some pointers to make your driving easier and safer when you're out driving this winter in Fayetteville.

The Warm-up

Some people believe that allowing the engine to warm up for more time than what it takes for the oil-pressure gauge to register only wastes gas. However, a fully warmed engine is more efficient. Besides the extra warm-up time, lets you clear off any ice or snow from the windows. Although synthetic oil does start to flow much faster than conventional oil does when you first start your engine, it’s a good idea to give it some time to warm up. Use that extra time to get your car’s interior warm and cozy as well. If you're thinking of switching to synthetic oil to prepare your car for winter, you should go for AMSOIL Synthetic Oil. Their Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil is a great option to start with. Check out their online store or call Huff Oil Group at  (910) 988-9328 to get special recommendations.

Mind What You Wear

When you’re getting ready to head out to the cold during the winter, you probably think only about the layers you can wear to keep you warm. Dressing for driving and dressing for snow is not the same. A puffy coat won’t let you steer properly in case you need to react fast to some situation on the road. Your big snow boots will make it tough for you to gauge how much pressure you’re putting on the pedal. Consider keeping a different pair of shoes in your car for driving.

The Importance of Your Tires

Snowy and icy roads aren’t the best to provide the friction that tires require. Snow tires are built differently from summer tires. They have different compounds that enable them to maintain traction on the road. Their tread designs permit them to have a better grip on the road and prevent slush and snow from accumulating on the tires. Winter tires are not a guarantee that you won't slip or skid, but they are a safer option for areas with heavy snow. Be sure to change them back once the weather warms up as the compounds used in winter tires can wear out faster on summer pavement. Here are some tips from Bridgestone to help you choose the best tires for the cold, whether they're winter tires, snow tires, or all-season tires.

Skidding into a Stop

If your car starts to skid, don’t panic. Nerves and stress are not your allies in a scary situation. They don’t allow you to think clearly. You’ve probably heard the old advice “steer into a skip,” that’s just what you should do. Pay attention to the direction it’s skidding to and gently steer in that direction. Don’t brake, don’t try to steer in the opposite direction, and don’t accelerate.

Keep Your Windows Clear

You need to have a clear vision while driving. A clear window starts with the right windshield wipers and washer fluid. If your wipers are old and cracked, they definitely won’t clean your windows. It’s time for you to change them. If possible, you can even get, heavy-duty snow and ice-wipers. These kinds of wipers usually have fabric or special rubber to prevent moisture from damaging their moving parts. Be sure to refill your washer fluid, and don’t use water! Water can freeze. If you’re taking a long drive, try to stop periodically to wipe down your windows manually.

Slow, Steady and Secure

You need be overall slower while driving during the winter. This means you should go softer on the accelerator and move your hands and feet slower over the steering wheel and pedals. The lower friction on the roads makes the wheels take longer to find a good grip and react to your directions. You should be cautious when driving, but not overly cautious. Be secure, but not too confident, and go slow. One of the great things about winter roads is that many people try to avoid them. This absence of traffic might make you feel overly confident and inspire you to try riskier driving techniques. Stop that line of thought! Just because there's less of the danger that traffic entails it doesn't mean that the icy roads are safe. Slow and steady wins the race.

Get Your Supplies for Your Synthetic Oil Change in Fayetteville and Start Your Own Business This Winter

One of the many benefits of switching to synthetic oil is that you don't need to worry about changing your oil viscosity as the seasons change. Still, if you need to change your oil, it's time to call Huff Oil Group to get your AMSOIL supplies. Their number is  (910) 988-9328, and they will gladly help you choose which oil you need.  When you call them, be sure to ask about how you can be your own boss and become an AMSOIL dealer.