5 Winter Tips to Help Keep Teen Drivers Safer

Long Island Preowned Car Dealer | Smithtown Used Trucks

Winter is here, and that means driving conditions here in New York will start deteriorating as time goes on. Snow, ice and sleet make the roads slick and icy and cause many accidents. It is dangerous enough for adult drivers on the road, but if you have teenagers or college-aged kids, it is important that they have as much training and knowledge as possible to stay safe on the roads.

One of the first things to do is to make sure the New or Used car your child is driving is in top condition. Get the car serviced at a place that you trust to make sure everything works as it should. Check the fluids, battery, tire pressure, wiper fluid, wipers and defroster. Teach your teenager how to check all of those things too, and make sure they know to keep the gas tank full. Include an emergency kit in the vehicle with an emergency blanket, salt, and flares. Making sure the car is ready for winter driving is one of the most important ways to insure their safety.

Along with that, make sure they know how to clean the snow and ice off the car. A long ice pic and brush can help to clear the snow off the car. Depending on how much snow and ice is on the car, cleaning it off can take up to 15 minutes, so make sure they leave a little extra time in their schedule to do that. You should also teach them how to clear the tailpipe to avoid carbon monoxide from entering the cabin.

Winter driving is different than driving in the summer. A great way to prepare your child for driving in the winter is to practice once there is ice or snow on the roads. Take them to a large, empty parking lot, and let them drive. Have them accelerate, brake and turn, to see how the car reacts in those situations. Before they get on the actual road, review the rules of winter driving with them, like keeping a safe distance and giving extra time to stop or react.

Certified Headquarters wants you and your family to stay safe on the roads this winter. If you need a safer vehicle for your teenager, come visit us at 873 Middle Country Road, in St. James, New York. Our Long Island Preowned Car Dealer will help you find a vehicle you can trust in the harsh winter conditions.