Winter Driving Tips

From freezing temperatures to icy roads, from high winds obscuring visibility to heavy snow trapping even the heartiest vehicles, driving in winter in Alaska can often feel like a dangerous sport. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help ensure your safety and the safety of everyone else on the roads of North Pole, Fort Wainwright, and beyond. Explore Chevrolet Of Fairbanks’s winter driving tips below to more effectively prioritize safety whenever you’re at the wheel.

Winter Driving Tips in Alaska: Before You Leave

Proper winter-driving preparation begins before you even leave home. Start by checking with the National Weather Service for severe weather advisories, watches, warnings, and other important updates. If extreme weather conditions are expected, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, so you might want to wait until the threat of inclement weather has passed.

Also, before heading out, your vehicle should be properly winterized. This includes checking the condition of your tires, their tread depth, and their air pressure; checking and changing the oil and other vehicle fluids as needed; and testing the battery and brakes. Also, fill your gas tank to at least the halfway point; this will help minimize the risk of your fuel lines freezing up and leaving you stranded.

Winter Driving Tips in Alaska: On the Road

One of the most crucial things to remember when driving in winter in Alaska is to proceed with caution, as even major thoroughfares like the Denali Highway and the Taylor Highway are not actively maintained during the winter months. Here are some other winter driving tips to keep in mind on Eielson Airforce Base roads and beyond:

• Drive mindfully and defensively at all times. If you’re traveling slowly, stay in the right lane as much as possible.
• Give snowplows plenty of room.
• Increase your following distance from three seconds to at least six.
• Use studded tires for maximum traction, but remember that these types of tires are only permitted on Alaska roads between October 1 and April 14.
• Watch out for moose, caribou, deer, and other wildlife that may be crossing the road.

Learn More Winter Driving Tips at Chevrolet Of Fairbanks

For more winter driving tips in Alaska, don’t hesitate to contact us. If your vehicle is due for winterization or any other service or repairs, our team is on hand to help–schedule your next appointment conveniently online and check out our latest specials for ways to save. With the help of Chevrolet Of Fairbanks, driving in winter in Alaska just got a lot easier!