Towing Tips: Winter Holiday Travel with a Tow

The winter is filled with beautiful, cloud-like views, soft snowfall followed by warm evenings by crisp, hot cocoa filled fires. The winter can truly bring out the inner adventurer in you. But don’t let your next road trip come to a halt due to safety issues. Take on the winter equipped with the proper knowledge to make sure you don’t get into any life-threatening situations and your trips run smoothly. When it comes to towing in the winter, it becomes even more important to know these towing safety guidelines. Read below to learn how to travel safely this holiday season with a tow. 

5 Winter Tow Tips, Trailer Safety, & More 

1. Maintenance & Tire Checks: Regular vehicle maintenance checks should be done once a year to multiple times a  year, as well as making sure your tires are maintaining their tread. Your trailer needs to be up to date and maintained, as well as your vehicle. Consider checking the battery more often due to the cold weather. Cold weather decreases the life in batteries at a faster rate, especially when the batteries are older. However, replacement batteries are usually your best bet to avoid a dying battery. Regular maintenance for your trailer and brake repairs, as well as finding replacements for your wheels, tires, bearings, and seal is another way to ensure a safe ride. Safety during the winter is even more critical, so proper maintenance and repairs should on top of your list. 
2. Drive Safe & Slow: Be aware of the amount of weight you are driving and practice, especially if you’re a first-time driver. Icy roads reduce traction, so it’s ideal that you’re extra alert even if you have quality tires. For example, slowly add more and more power to your vehicle when speeding up. Once you are sped up, maintain your vehicle's forward motion and avoid stopping on icy inclines.  
3. No Cruise Control: No matter the distance, cruise control is a no-go when you tow in the winter. Towing in the winter and using cruise control can disengage the driver and potentially cause the trailer to be unstable.
4. Install Trailer Brakes: With the added dangers of driving in the winter, it’s vital to have trailer brakes. After you install your trailer brakes, check to see if they have a brake control. if they come with a brake controller ease up on the braking power if there’s a lot of snow. A trailer brake control is something to consider purchasing when towing during winter travel to avoid sliding or worse, potentially jackknifing. 
5. Stay Equipped: If it’s going to snow during travel, it’s a sign you will need to be more cautious and bring extra equipment. You never know what safety measures you will have to take. Stay equipped and keep the following in your car:

• Extra set of snow tires 
• Emergency kit
• Flares to call for help if you get stuck 
• Food and water 
• Charged batteries
• Flashlight 
• Blankets and extra clothing for warmth 

Stay safe this winter with Terry’s Auto Body & Trailer Sales. If you are driving a trailer this winter in the snow, contact Terry's Auto Body & Trailer Sales for all your trailer needs, repairs, and maintenance. Avoid disaster and keep your family safe while driving. Call 641-985-2536 or visit our website at www.ricevilletrailers.com. 

sources:

http://knowhow.napaonline.com/5-winter-towing-tips-safe-trailering-ice-snow/ https://www.crossroadstrailers.com/blog/index.php/how-to-tips-for-driving-your-trailer-in-the-snow/

Driving During Deer Season? Learn How to Stay Safe

The change in landscape during the fall season is famous for its vibrant colors and incredible scenery.  While you are driving and enjoying the beautiful fall foliage, keep in mind that it is prime deer season. Educate yourself so that you stay safe on the road.

Knowing where deer live will help you know when to be more alert. At times, deer may wander into suburban neighborhoods. They are most frequently found on the outskirts of towns and in heavily wooded areas. They also will be seen near farms that grow fruits and vegetables.

DEER FACTS

• Deer are herd animals and travel together.
• During the fall harvest season, deer will be searching for food and not watching for vehicles.
• It is mating season, bucks will be chasing does across roadways.
• Hunters will be clearing deer out of the woods.
• They are most active at dawn & dusk.
• They are mesmerized by lights.
• They are unpredictable, especially when frightened.
  
  

DRIVER SAFETY

• Always wear your seatbelt.

• Look for Deer Crossing signs.
• Slow down if  you are driving through an area known for high deer populations.
• Use your high beams when there is no oncoming traffic.
• If you see one frozen on the road, slow down and flash your lights.
• One long blast of the horn will scare deer out of the road.
• When you notice a deer, tap on the brakes and slow down to alert drivers behind you that you are slowing down.
• If you do strike a deer, don’t approach it. Stay in your vehicle and call 911.

DID YOU KNOW?

• 60% of fatal animal crashes occurred when the driver was not wearing a seatbelt.
• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), large animal-vehicle collisions resulted in an average of 187 fatalities in recent years.
• Deer whistles that you can mount to your car have not been proven to work.

Accidents can still happen, even though you know about deer and what to look for. If you need body work please call Terry's Auto Body and Trailer Sales at 641-985-2536 or visit us at  413 E Main St in Riceville.

Sources:

www.afgroup.com

www.schaeferinsurance.com

www.geico.com