Driving Through A Winter Storm 101 | Albany, NY

Nov 22, 2022

Driving in the snow is inevitable in Upstate New York, there is a greater possibility of doing so than not during the winter months. Yet, every time we have a storm we hear about traffic backups caused by accidents. So, we thought it would be a good idea to give you guys some tips and tricks for driving in some of the worst conditions we might run into this winter. Accidents can be extremely dangerous, and even when no one is injured it is a headache I think we would all like to avoid. So, whether you’re getting prepared for the long drive to grandma’s for Christmas or just trying to make it to work in one piece, we’ve got some tips to help you get there safe. A large number of accidents during the winter are caused by poor tire grip. If your vehicle needs new tires, check out our parts center on our website to purchase tires that are specifically made for your Nissan. If you need help putting your tires on, we suggest scheduling a service appointment with our state of the art service center where our trained professional will be more than happy to switch out your tires for you!

Driving On Ice:

Icy conditions can be treacherous, and black ice can be our worst nightmare. The prime times for black ice to occur are at dawn and late evening when temperatures are coolest. Black ice can form when the air is at 32 degrees or below at the surface and rain is falling
Driving on ice can become very slippery because tires have nothing to grip to. The best way to avoid sliding is to drive very slow and keep an eye on the road! If you find yourself sliding on ice remember these tips
- Don’t panic.
- Don’t slam on the brakes.
- Take your foot off the gas.
- Steer your car in the direction you want to go.
- Wait for the car to slow down and the wheels to catch so you can regain control.
Make sure that you give other drivers plenty of space in case they cannot come to a controlled stop.

Driving In The Snow:

Snow can fall in different ways actually causing different driving issues
- Large, wet snowflakes can pile up quickly and cause slippery road surfaces.
- Small, light snowflakes can obscure visibility and build ice on windshields and other surfaces.
In order to make it to your destination safely, we suggest driving slow. If this means leaving early, plan accordingly. It is better to wake up early and be safe then run late and get hurt.
Secondly, we suggest increasing your following distance. Even in light snow, braking ability can be severely impaired. Your vehicle can take up to double the distance to stop in snow compared to dry conditions.
We also suggest driving with your lights on, making yourself visible is important to both your own safety and other drivers.