Navigating roads during the winter season can be difficult and dangerous, especially during severe weather. Ice, snow and sleet create hazardous driving conditions for those on the road. Let's take a look at how you can keep yourself, your family and your vehicle safe when experiencing this extreme weather.

Prepare your car for the winter season

Ensuring that your vehicle is prepared for icy roads is the key and first step in making sure you are safe on the roads this winter. U.S. News & World Report, an online news magazine, suggests all vehicle owners follow several best practices to ensure their cars are ready for wintry conditions. This includes maintaining the proper inflation of tires at all times, as well as having them rotated and aligned regularly. Snow tires are also an option that should certainly be considered for the winter.

Check those breaks! Brakes and brake pads should be regularly checked during the winter. Not only should you guarantee your brakes and brake pads are safe, but also that all of the mechanical aspects of your vehicle are in optimal working order in case you encounter ice and heavy snow. It is a smart idea to increase the amount of times you visit your car service center during the winter season.

Know how to handle ice

Once your car is prepared for the winter weather, it is important to know how to properly operate a vehicle on an icy road. Edmunds, an automotive publication, suggests being gentle with the brakes when you encounter ice. Slamming on your brakes can result in total loss of vehicle. If you do begin to lose control, the website argues that you first take your foot off of the gas but not attempt to brake and allow the car to slow down. Braking is one of the most common mistakes drivers make during a slide on an icy road.

Winter roads are difficult to navigate no matter how long you have been driving. As such, Edmunds did note that taking a professional driving course that focuses on training for icy conditions can be beneficial. These courses are somewhat expensive, but can provide useful information to save your life (and your car). So consider taking a look at courses offered in your area.

Check out the original article here.

Drive safely!!