With so many safety features nowadays, driving your vehicle can seem like the easiest task. However, when the rain starts to fall, these safety features still rely on your vigilance.

When it comes to driving ;under the summer sun, not only are the roads better for driving but the conditions are clear, making it easy to both control your vehicle and be aware of what is happening around you. When the roads become wet or icy and when it starts to get dark and dreary outdoors, it���s a different story.

Safe Driving Tips for Bad Weather

Bill Rigdon knows the importance of being alert to the changes which need to be made when driving through bad weather and has prepared the following post with tips to help.

Be Alert

It’s called defensive driving, and bad weather is the perfect time to use it. Defensive driving is essentially the idea of driving with the anticipation that something is about to happen. Of course, you don’t want to drive looking around you always wondering who is going to crash into you, it’s more about awareness. As an example, if you can see the motorist in front of you brakes late at lights, adjust your driving style to follow them at a greater distance so you have more time to stop and take the slippery roads into account. If the same motorist doesn’t use their indicators, keep an eye on the movements their vehicle makes to gauge where they may be turning. Being extra aware during instances of bad weather and remaining alert is the first step to reducing the chances of a collision during bad weather.

Is Your Vehicle Alerting Other Drivers?

It only takes something as simple as one of your brake lights ;not working to cause somebody to crash into the back of your vehicle, so imagine what impact multiple failures can have during your drive. If you are entering a season of bad weather, it’s the perfect time to take a tour of your vehicle and ensure that all of your lights are working. This includes your headlamps, indicators, brake lights, and any other visual aids your vehicle has which alert other motorists on the road as to your driving intentions. Click here to buy Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil and help improve the health and performance of your engine with a simple and easy synthetic oil change in Portland, OR. To find out more about the benefits of a synthetic oil change or to speak with a friendly expert, contact Bill Rigdon today at (503) 329-9004. Of course, if you prefer, check out the online store for information about the range of high-quality AMSOIL products available.

Anticipate Your Braking

How dry the road is determines just how quickly you can bring your vehicle to a safe and controlled stop. Even if your car has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), how well your tires can grip the road underneath them plays a large role in how quickly you can stop. With this in mind, as you are driving through bad weather, don’t just look at the car in front of you to gauge your braking, but also look to the car in front of them to help you know when to brake. By doing this, you can look to apply your brakes earlier, improving your chances of bringing your car to a safe and complete stop in time.

What’s the Rush?

Similar to the tip above, how well your car starts from a standing stop depends on how much your tires are able to grip the road underneath. During dry weather, you barely notice any delay in pressing your foot on the gas pedal and your vehicle beginning to move forward. However, if the roads are slippery or, even worse, icy, then trying to start too quickly can cause your wheels to spin. The biggest problem this can cause is for your vehicle to start moving as your wheels spin, causing the rear-end of your car to slide out. The natural response most motorists have is, unfortunately, to put more pressure on the gas pedal, causing even more problems. When the road conditions are bad, instead of rushing to get to the next red light quicker than the driver beside you, take it slow. If you are worried that you will be late, or you are planning your trip, take this and the above tips into consideration and adjust the time you leave or the time that you expect to arrive.

A Quick Synthetic Oil Change in Portland, OR Can Do Wonders for Your Vehicle Performance

If your vehicle feels like it isn’t running at its full potential or feels sluggish, a synthetic oil change in Portland, OR can help. From improved performance to reduced wear, this simple piece of engine maintenance can do wonders for your driving experience. To find out more about the benefits of a synthetic oil change in Portland, OR, speak with an expert at Bill Rigdon by calling (503) 329-9004 today.