5 Essential Winter Driving Safety Tips for Connecticut Roads

Connecticut winters are unpredictable. Stay safe on icy roads with these 5 essential driving tips from your local East Hartford mechanics.

Driving in Connecticut during winter means dealing with everything from black ice on I-84 to unplowed backroads in Glastonbury. Even with the best tires, winter driving requires a different skillset. Here are 5 tips to keep you safe this season.

1. Slow Down and Increase Following Distance

It sounds obvious, but speed is the #1 cause of winter accidents. On snow or ice, it takes up to 10 times longer to stop. Increase your following distance to at least 8-10 seconds behind the car in front of you. If they panic brake, you'll have room to maneuver.

2. Know How to Handle a Skid

If you hit a patch of ice and start to slide:

Don't slam on the brakes. This locks up your wheels (if you don't have ABS) or triggers ABS aggressively, which can unsettle the car further.
Steer into the skid. If your back end slides right, turn your wheel gently to the right.
Ease off the gas. Let the car decelerate naturally until you regain traction.

3. Clear ALL the Snow and Ice

In Connecticut, it's illegal to drive with snow or ice on your roof (the "Ice Missile" law). Before you drive, clear your hood, roof, trunk, and all windows. Flying ice can shatter windshields of cars behind you and leads to heavy fines.

4. Keep Your Gas Tank at Least Half Full

Two reasons for this:

It prevents your fuel line from freezing by reducing condensation in the tank.
If you get stuck in a snowbank or massive traffic jam (we've all seen the highway shut down for hours), you can keep the engine running for heat.

5. Pack a Winter Emergency Kit

Don't rely on your cell phone alone. Keep a small kit in your trunk with:

Ice scraper and snow brush
Jumper cables
Flashlight and batteries
Blanket and warm gloves
Sand or kitty litter (for traction if stuck)

Is Your Car Winter-Ready?

Safe driving starts with a safe vehicle. If your battery is weak, your tires are bald, or your heater isn't working, you're taking a risk. Come see us at Strong's Alignment Services for a pre-winter checkup.

Call: (860) 569-1440 | 195 Silver Lane, East Hartford, CT