Driving in winter traffic can be complicated; that’s why the experts at Cerberus Systems, Inc. in Chambersburg, PA, put together this guide to ensure you get safely to your destination.

Be Alert While Driving

Part of staying safe on the road when driving in winter traffic is to ensure you’re alert while driving. One way to do this is to avoid distractions like scrolling through social media or texting while on the road. Taking your eyes off the road, even for a second, could be a second too long and be unsafe for pedestrians, other drivers, and yourself. Impaired driving is also a big issue during winter; that’s why it’s essential to avoid drinking or consuming other substances before getting behind the wheel. Driving under the influence was the reason for over 10,000 deaths, according to statistics from 2019. Make alternate plans for getting home if you plan to drink, like having the number of a taxi company or using a ride share service.

Winter traffic can be challenging to navigate. That’s why keeping your car in good shape is so important. The excellent products from Cerberus Systems, Inc. can help you keep your engine running better for longer. Call their friendly oil experts at (717) 658-1256 for advice on the best products for your engine.

Keep Children Safe

Because of weather conditions, risks in winter driving tend to increase, and it’s essential to keep the most vulnerable members of your family safe on the road. That’s why children should always be buckled in the back seat of our car. Depending on their age, they should be in a car seat, on a booster seat, or wearing their seatbelt, significantly reducing the risk of injuries or death. Check with your Department of Transportation for their child safety requirements to know about the most up-to-date safety guidelines. One thing that can prevent children from being buckled correctly during winter is bulky coats. Parents commonly make the mistake of buckling in their children while wearing bulky coats. While coats are essential to staying warm, they can reduce the effectiveness of car seat harnesses and seatbelts, so it’s best to remove the coat when buckling your child to their seat. If the coat is necessary for warmth, lay it over your child and the seatbelt.

Maintenance is Key

It’s a good idea to do some essential maintenance when driving in the winter. Some things to check are as follows:

• Oil and other fluids: Ensure that oil and other essential fluids like brake, transmission, and windshield fluids, as well as coolant, are all at the proper levels. If it’s been a while since you’re last oil change, do so at this time.
• Air filters: Change your air filter to ensure no dirt or debris gets into your engine.
• Battery: Check your battery for leaks, bulges, or corrosion around the terminals. Also, check if your battery is holding enough charge.
• Tires: Your tires should be at the correct air pressure and shouldn’t have any bulges, cracks, or foreign objects embedded in them.
• Lights and horn: Check that your lights and horn are all in working order for safety reasons.

Looking for the best products for your engine? Find them at Cerberus Systems, Inc. Give them a call today at (717) 658-1256 for more information on their excellent products like AMSOIL’s Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil or visit their online shop for more details on their extensive line of products.

Check the Forecast and Road Conditions

To avoid delays in getting to your destination, it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast and road conditions before leaving. Weather events such as snowfall or rain could make visibility difficult on the road. Sometimes, it’s best to make other plans and wait for the weather to clear than to put oneself in harm’s way. If you get caught in a winter storm while driving, it could be safer to find somewhere to ride it out instead of staying on the road. Lastly, before you leave for your destination, check the road conditions to see any accidents or road closures around your route. Plan an alternate route or wait for traffic to clear up a bit before leaving. If your destination is far away, see if staying in a hotel for the night is an option to avoid being stuck on the road or delayed.

We hope you find these tips helpful and that you get safely to your destination. If you have any questions on the best products for your engine, don’t hesitate to call  Cerberus Systems, Inc. at (717) 658-1256, and their friendly pros will help you out in no time!