NH Driving Tips By the Season

While Manchester Collision Center is here for all of your auto body repair needs, we know drivers in NH would like to do their best to avoid collisions altogether, or at least minimize the damage. Residents of New Hampshire must drive in a wide variety of conditions, from ice and snow in winter, to slushy conditions in the spring, to blinding sun in the summer. The number one rule to avoid a collision is to give your utmost attention while driving. If your eyes are on the road, and your hands are on the steering wheel, your reaction time will automatically be quicker. Follow our tips for different driving conditions. And if the worst case scenario does happen, and you are in an accident, remember that you can trust our Manchester auto body center to fix your vehicle right the first time, and get it back on the road as soon as possible.

Winter Driving in Manchester

The winter season is one of the trickiest times to be on the road. Conditions can be, not only unpredictable, but also invisible, such as black ice. With all driving conditions the most important tips to driving in the winter is to drive smart. Start out by being alert and focused, and avoid driving while you're fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks. Make sure your vehicle is tuned up, that you have plenty of fluids, such as windshield wiper fluid, and that your tires are properly inflated. The last thing you want on a cold snowy day is to have a breakdown. Also, its best to aim towards keeping your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up. Once all preparations are in place, remember to accelerate and decelerate slowly. The worst possible thing you can do is to slam on your brakes. When approaching a stop, begin slowing down far ahead of the point that you will actually need to stop. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly. The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop. Lastly, if conditions are extreme, then stay home. If you really don't have to go out, don't. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can.

Wet Driving Conditions in the Spring

While many drivers may be relieved that winter seems to be over, slippery conditions can easily continue into the Spring. If you are driving early in the morning, or late at night, when temperatures have dropped, the road could very well be slippery. So, again, use caution and be aware of an icy road. Spring is also often the time of rain. Rain is blamed for thousands of accidents yearly. Many of these accidents are preventable, but are caused by intrepid drivers who don't realize that fair- and foul-weather driving are fundamentally different. During a dry period, engine oil and grease build up on the road over time. When mixed with water from a new rainfall, the road becomes extremely slick. Continued rainfall will eventually wash away the oil, but the first few hours can be the most dangerous. Most of America's roads are crowned in the middle, which means that the water will run off to the sides. If possible, stay toward the middle of the road to avoid deep standing puddles. Turn on your headlights, even when there's a light sprinkle. It helps you see the road, and more importantly, it helps other motorists see you. If you start to hydroplane, don't brake suddenly or turn the wheel, or you might spin into a skid. Release the gas pedal slowly and steer straight until the car regains traction.

NH Summer on the Road

The combination of heat, long trips and heavy loads canplace enormous demands on your car in the summer time. So, the first tip for summer driving is  to make sure that your vehicle is tuned up and in top condition. When it's hot, fluids and lubricants can break down more rapidly, tires are subject to more stress and a vehicle suffers more wear and tear. In weather extremes like these, it's more important than ever to have your car serviced regularly and to use common sense on the road. During the summer, tourists and vacationers add to the usual amount of traffic we face on our everyday routes. The weekends are also busier than usual, with people travelling to local destinations. In the summer vehicles stuffed to the max with supplies for the weekend, as well as sporting and camping equipment. If you're heading out with a loaded car, don't let these extra items block your view of the road. Make sure any loads are securely tied onto your vehicle, and if you are carrying a large load, slow down.

Driving in the NH Fall

New England Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year. But as we are transitioning out of the summer months, its important to think about changing weather and safety on the road. Furthermore Fall holidays such as Thanksgiving and Labor day are some of the most heavily traveled times of the year. From slick roads, to leaf covered roads, to that first icing, just follow the same rules that apply year round, focusing only on driving, and being 100% alert and aware of other drivers and possible road conditions.

Bad weather, mechanical failure and poorly maintained roadways may contribute to collisions. More collisions, however, are caused by driver error than by any other factor. Safe driving habits are simple, but in today's hectic driving world, they are often overlooked, forgotten or simply ignored. Do your best to avoid collisions. However if you do find yourself in need of body repair to return your vehicle to like new conditions, just fill out our online appointment form and we will give you a free estimate!