5 tips for driving in the snow

OK, so we know it doesn't snow here in Central Florida... like, ever. However, that doesn't mean you'll never hit the road in a snowstorm. Holiday road trips and winter vacations often take Central Floridians out of state and into climates that see real winter weather, leaving them unprepared for the conditions on the road. Toyota of Orlando is here to help - check out these 5 simple tips for driving in the snow.

Driving in the snow: What you should know 

Tip #1: Slow down your car.
You'll want to slow your car's speed when driving in the snow - that's probably our TOP Orlando Toyota tip. Snow makes the roads slippery, which makes it harder for your vehicle to retain traction no matter what type of tires or tire traction devices you have on. Slowing down helps you better keep control of your vehicle, especially when you're doing things like changing lanes or making turns.

Tip #2: Leave more space between your vehicle and other cars
Leave some extra space between your vehicle and other cars when driving in the snow. You'll want more time and space to bring your car to a stop or to get out of the way if the person in front of you suddenly loses control.

Tip #3: Don't make sudden movements.
Making sudden movements when driving in the snow is a big mistake. We're talking slamming on the brakes, hitting the gas hard, jerking the steering wheel, etc. All of these sudden movements can cause your car to lose traction and your wheels to spin out, which makes you a lot more likely to get into an accident. Take it from our Orlando Toyota dealership - turn your wheel and hit the gas and brakes slowly and evenly.

Tip #4: Make turns carefully.
Just like you don't want to jerk the wheel when driving in snow, you also don't want to take turns too quickly. This can cause your back wheels to slide out from under you, which can result in a collision. Take turns very slowly and carefully.

Tip #5: Think before you take on a hill.
Driving up hills in the snow is tricky. You don't want to accelerate too much because you can lose control of your car when you reach the top. You don't want to move too slowly or come to a stop on a hill because you may find yourself sliding back down. The trick is even speed all the way to the top and no sudden acceleration, braking, or turning.

Let our Orlando Toyota service center get you prepared for winter weather 

Want more tips for driving in the snow? Call Toyota of Orlando today and chat with our service specialists. They can also help you get your car prepped for winter weather! We're open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

Tire traction devices, explained

Here in Orlando, we can get away with all-season tires all year. We don't need to worry about special winter tires or tire traction devices because we never see snow or ice (but here's hoping). However, we know that some drivers find themselves heading north for vacations, especially when the holidays roll around. That's why our Orlando Toyota parts and service specialists have taken the time to explore different tire traction devices and explain them here.

Is your Orlando Toyota ready for out-of-town winter weather? 

What are tire traction devices? These special tools are used in winter weather conditions - namely snow, slush, and ice - to provide your car with better grip and traction. This makes it a lot safer to take on the roads when the weather outside is frightful! Tire traction devices are best-suited to two-wheel drive cars where only two of the wheels are receiving power and the car is more likely to slide out in the snow. However, they can also be helpful on all-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles. Here are the explanations of the main types available for you to put on your Orlando Toyota.

The main types of tire traction devices 

• Tire chains: Tire chains are the most popular AND the most widely available tools to give you more traction when driving in the snow. They're exactly what they sound like; chains that wrap around your tires. The chains help to dig into the snow and give you better traction as well as better acceleration (your tires won't spin out). 

• Tire spikes: Tire spikes are also pretty self-explanatory. They're typically one large piece that's fastened to the front face of your car's tires. They're easier to install than tire chains and also look cleaner and sleeker when on your vehicle. 

• GoClaws: GoClaws are a type of tire spikes, but they hook onto your car differently. They're attached to straps that are fastened to the "corners" of your tires.

• Auto Socks: Auto Socks, on the other hand, are similar to tire chains but they're more like a special textile sleeve that goes over your tires to provide you with more grip and traction. They're a new technology, so they're not overly popular yet. 

• Traction Mats: Traction mats won't help you when you're in motion, but they can come in handy if you find yourself stuck in snow, slush, or mud. These special mats go in front of your car's tires so the tires can grip and subsequently, accelerate. 

Have questions or think you might want to order some tire traction devices? Call Toyota of Orlando today - our techs can help you out! We're open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001.

Car tire care to prevent tire blowouts

Have you ever been through a car tire blowout? It's a frightening experience - not only can the blowout be loud and shocking, it also can cause you to lose control of your vehicle as the tire collapses. Obviously, having one of your tires blow out is dangerous not only to you, but also to others out on the road around you.

Don't let a car tire blowout happen to you 

However, it's easier than you may think to ward off this scary driving situation. Toyota of Orlando is here to suggest 5 car care tips to help you prevent car tire blowouts from happening.

5 car care tips to avoid this scary driving situation 

Tip #1: Always check your PSI. 
You want your tires to be inflated to the proper PSI at all times for many reasons, but mostly for safety. The air inside your tires is what supports your vehicle so if it's too low, undue stress is put on the tire and its components. Basically, the tire is made to flex to the point of no return, and when it can't flex any further under all that weight, it blows out. Keep your car tires inflated to the proper PSI, which you can find both in your owner's manual and also on a small placard inside the driver's side doorjamb.

Tip #2: Pay special attention to your tires in the summer. 
Summer puts a lot of pressure on your tires. It's hot outside and the pavement is even hotter, so when you're driving at high speeds or over long distances, it puts your tires through the ringer. Make sure you do a visual inspection of your tires regularly during the summer season and stay on top of routine car care at our Orlando Toyota Service Center.

Tip #3: Don't drive over potholes. 
Driving over potholes, running into curbs and other impediments - whatever you do, avoid this. Both can do major damage to your tire that may not be visible to the naked eye, which means you won't even realize the tire was damaged until it's too late. If you run over a pothole or into a curb, have our Orlando car care techs take a look at the tire to ensure it's still in drivable condition.

Tip #4: Don't overload your vehicle. 
Your car has a weight limit, even if it's a powerful Orlando Toyota Tundra. Make sure you abide by the weight limit. Overloading your car has the same effect as having your tire pressure too low - the tires are forced to flex too far to support the vehicle, which can lead to a blowout.

Tip #5: Stick to a routine tire care schedule. 
Stay on top of routine car tire care like tire rotations, wheel alignments, and replacements. Our Orlando car tire care center can help you get on a schedule and stick to it.

Want to schedule car tire service today? Call us! We're open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001.