Tips and Tricks to Help You and Your Honda Survive Winter

Well, it’s after Christmas and there’s snow on the ground. We are officially in the thick of winter. If you’re lucky enough to get snow as we do here in St. Louis, then you know the trials and tribulations of traveling by Honda in the winter. From the winter storms and sloppy road conditions to finding time to get your snow tires on while holiday shopping. We’re here to help you conquer winter. Here are some tips and care for driving your Honda this year!

Cold-Weather Driving Tips

1. Stay home

Only go out if necessary. Even if you can drive well in bad weather, it’s better to avoid taking unnecessary risks by venturing out!

2. Wash your Honda this Winter

It’s no secret that the winter months come with slush, ice, salt, and sand on the roads. It’s important to wash your Honda often in the winter. It’s usually best to plan and get a good wax and wash from Mungenast St. Louis Honda before all the buildup begins. This will prevent rust from occurring. Though a one-and-done won’t do it, you need to monitor the area around your tires and front grille for any build-up and bring your car back in for a wash if it becomes too much.

3. Keep Extra Supplies in your Honda

It’s always helpful to keep a bundle of cold-weather gear in your car. This could include extra food and water, warm clothing, a flashlight, a glass scraper, and blankets. You never know when you may need them!

4. Make certain your tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread

Ensuring your Honda has snow tires or all-season tires with plenty of tread to stick to the ground and gain traction when needed is essential! If you’re unsure about your tires, bring them in to Mungenast St. Louis Honda service department and one of our trained technicians can give you a hand!

5. Remove snow and ice from your windshield

Before you clear off the windows, start your Honda, set the airflow to defrost, and fan speed to the max to help clear your windshield before you head out. Use a scraper/brush to clear snow from the roof, hood, trunk lid, and windows.

6. Always keep at least half a tank of fuel in your Honda.

Running your Honda with low fuel can put a strain on the fuel pump as well as put yourself in danger should you get stuck on the road for an extended amount of time.

7. Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area

Be sure to never warm up your car in an enclosed area. Doing so could expose yourself or your family to harmful gases.

8. Do not use cruise control when navigating on any slippery surface, such as on ice and snow. Instead, decrease your speed.

Using cruise control could cause your Honda to hydroplane or skid. Your vehicle will try to maintain speed while driving. By decreasing, your speed will account for poorer traction. Any vehicle’s tires will slide on snow and ice, so gently press down on the brake pedal to stop. Your tires will spin when accelerating, so gently press down on the accelerator to go. Remember, bridges and overpasses freeze first! Unfortunately, accidents can happen. Bring your Honda into Dave Mungenast Collision Center and one of our technicians can get you back on the road in no time!

9. Fill Up Windshield Wash Fluid and Invest in New Wiper Blades

Streaky and dull wiper blades need to be replaced. Vision through your windshield is imperative! Come on into Mungenast St. Louis Honda to grab some before the next snow! When filling up your washer fluid, use a liquid that does not freeze. It might be helpful to keep an extra bottle in the car with you just in case you run out!

10. Increase your following distance

Leave at least 5 – 6 Honda’s between you and the vehicle in front of you. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you must stop. Though we understand that accidents to happen. Bring your Honda into Dave Mungenast Collision Center and we can help get your Honda back on the road!

Remember, you are your car’s best safety feature. Make sure you are taking precautions to ensure you arrive safely at your destination. Remember if the weather or roads are too bad, it’s safer to stay at home. If you become stranded in an unfamiliar area, do not leave your car. Wishing you all safe travels in your Honda’s. Mungenast St. Louis Honda is always here to help!