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Last updated on Tuesday, November 20, 2018
(UNDATED) - Millions of Americans will hit the nation’s roadways obetween Thanksgiving and the New Year, creating the potential for accidents - especially during inclement and wintery weather.
Before you head to grandma's house, hit the slopes, or visit friends and family this holiday season Chevrolet has some tips to make sure you and your vehicle are well prepared for whatever mother nature has in store.
As a leader in electrification, Chevrolet also included a few specific tips to help EV drivers maximize range as temperatures begin to fall.
Electric Vehicles - How to Beat the Cold
Smart Cabin Heating: Precondition while plugged-in and take advantage of the power on the grid to heat the cabin and the battery prior to driving. Using energy from the grid to warm the cabin allows you to reserve stored battery energy for driving. Using a 240V charger provides the maximum benefit.
Keeping Warm on the Road: If equipped, use the heated seats and heated steering wheel to keep warm instead of the heater. It takes less of the vehicle's energy to heat your body through the seat than heating the entire cabin.
Tire Pressure makes a Difference: As the outside temperature drops, so does the air pressure in your tires. Check the pressure in all four tires and add more air if needed. Check the tire pressure in the morning when the tires are cold. Properly inflated tires can help improve electric range and fuel economy.
Chevrolet Winter Driving Tips - The Essentials
Before you drive:
Prepare your car for winter: Have your dealer or a trusted mechanic do any scheduled service. Make sure your battery, tires, lights, wiper blades, and other critical parts are ready for winter. Check tire pressure, as it can drop as the weather gets colder.
Stock your car: In addition to a snow brush and ice scraper, it's a good idea to carry a snow shovel and abrasive material such as sand or cat litter. Jumper cables, a flashlight and emergency flares can help if you encounter unexpected problems. Cold weather clothing and emergency blankets can be critical if you are stuck or stranded.
Don't drive on empty: Bad weather can cause delays, so keep your gas tank at least half full or your EV fully-charged.
When you drive:
Drive with extra care: Snow and ice reduce steering control and increase braking distance, to reduce vehicle speeds, leave extra space between vehicles, and avoid abrupt maneuvers.
Watch the road surface: Winter roads can be an unpredictable mix of dry pavement, nearly invisible ice, packed snow and loose snow. Pay attention to changes in the surface and adjust your driving accordingly.
Buckle up: Even at slower speeds, seat belts and properly installed child restraints provide crucial protection in case of a crash. Heavy coats can reduce the effectiveness of seat belts, especially for kids in child seats, so cover kids with warm blankets instead.
Stay alert: It is especially important to avoid distractions when driving in bad weather. Also, on longer trips, plan enough time to stretch, get something to eat, return calls or texts, and change drivers or rest if you feel drowsy.
In case of a skid: Look in the direction you want the car to go and steer smoothly in that direction. For modern vehicles with antilock brakes, don't pump the brakes. Rather, maintain pressure on the pedal and let the ABS system modulate the braking.
About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 100 countries and selling more than 4.0 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
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