Carefree Car Ownership
Tips and precautions for winter driving in an SUV
With the official start of winter finally here, many Americans are preparing to deal with dangerous road conditions. While SUVs offer many advantages for drivers preparing to battle the elements, they can also be more susceptible to the season's unique challenges. Here are some car travel tips and car safety tips for operating an SUV this winter.
Four-wheel drive
While SUVs' four-wheel drive provides them added traction when driving through dense snow, it can also inspire drivers to become overconfident. Car and Driver warns to keep your SUV at a decreased speed on icy or snowy roads, as the vehicle's weight can make turning or stopping more dangerous.
Give cars extra space
Tailgating and unnecessary passing can often lead to accidents on the road during the winter. Make sure to give other drivers plenty of room to stop, accelerate and turn, as their vehicles may not handle the winter road conditions as well as you might think, according to AOL.com.
Top heaviness
One of the most hazardous parts of many SUVs is their sheer weight. These vehicles can be vulnerable to flipping over due to top-heaviness. This can be even more prevalent during the holiday season, as travelers may load the roof of their SUV with extra cargo.