The holidays are almost upon us and for many drivers that means long trips through treacherous weather may be in the forecast. If you're heading out for holiday festivities over the next few weeks, our staff at Fields Volvo Northfield wants to ensure that we are doing our part to help you plan for safe travels. Review the following tips for safe winter driving and be sure to make an appointment with our Northfield Volvo Service Center if you feel that your vehicle may need to be looked over before packing up and heading out to see family and friends.
· Always ensure that your gas tank is at least half full to avoid a frozen gas line.
· Check to see that your tires are adequately inflated.
· Never warm up your vehicle in an enclosed space like a garage.
· Do not apply cruise control when driving over wet, icy or sandy surfaces.
· Do not apply the parking brake in rainy, cold or snowy weather.
· Get plenty of sleep before hitting the road to ensure that you are maintaining a quick reaction time and making smart decisions on the road.
· Always buckle into your seatbelt before heading out. This applies to journeys you take at any time of the year in any kind of weather.
Finally, if you're packing up your 2015 Volvo S60 for a long-distance road trip, here are some other tips to help you avoid holiday headaches on the road.
· Make sure your cell phone is nearby and loaded with emergency contacts.
· Pack extra food, water, blankets, gloves and hats as well as any important medication.
· Check the weather before heading out and plan to drive only during mild weather whenever possible.
· Finally, enjoy the journey to a happy holiday season and a wonderful year in 2015!