Lexus Winter Driving Trips with F1 Champ Alan Jones
Winter is well and truly upon us, particularly those of us who live in the southern states where over the past week overnight temperatures have dipped below 0 degrees. With this in mind it is time for us to consider the dangers that this winter weather can have when considering that driving journey and who better to provide us with driving tips that 1980 Formula One world champion and current Lexus Ambassador Alan Jones.
Alan’s tips to winter driving which will help us all deal with problems on the road are:
- Maintain your vehicle. Make sure you have a pre-trip safety inspection through your local Lexus dealer. Older batteries, poorly serviced vehicles and worn out items – such as windscreen wipers, can stop you in your tracks or make driving more difficult.
- Look ahead. While this is important all year round, roads in some parts of the country may include additional hazards such as ice or snow that can be driven through safely if recognised early enough.
- Keep it clean. Dirty cars are harder to see, and can be harder to see out of if the windows are dirty and fogged up on the inside.
- Understand vehicle safety systems. Safety systems such as ABS brakes and vehicle stability control are more likely to engage in slippery winter conditions, yet many drivers will be unfamiliar with the sensations of these safety systems when they operate. ABS can cause the brake pedal to pulsate when it activates – don’t be startled into lifting your foot off the brake as this is perfectly normal.
- Know your vehicle. When driving alpine regions some people get into trouble by fitting snow chains to the wrong wheels, leaving them with insufficient grip. While it’s usually the case that the drive wheels should wear the snow chains, reading the owner’s manual will tell you everything you need to best operate your vehicle.
- Pay attention to tyres. This is important all year round, but especially in potentially slippery winter conditions. Make sure your tyres are inflated correctly, balanced and aligned correctly, not worn out (no less than 1.5mm tread depth), and not too old – a tyre may be past its best at five years of age.
- Be conscious with a load. Packing the car for a winter holiday with luggage and extra people can affect your car’s weight distribution, cornering and braking ability – so take care. And be careful of overloading your car, as it can cause premature wear and further deteriorate your car’s handling.
- Enjoy your trip. Whether you’re driving to the snow or going across town to visit friends, take regular breaks.
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Category: Driving Journeys
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