(NAPSA)—Snow and ice are the last things drivers want to see when they hit the road. But for most of us, winter driving is inevitable. It doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking experience, though. Here are some tips on how to stay in control when the weather turns bad. Be prepared. If you're going to be traveling on icy or snowy roads this winter, it’s best to prepare now by ensuring that your car is tuned, the battery is charged, the defrosters and wipers are in good working condition and that you have emergency supplies such as a flashlight, first aid kit, blankets andfood. Get winter tires. Along with proper driving techniques, using winter tires is one of the easiest and most overlooked ways to improve winter driving. Winter tires like the Michelin Arctic Alpin are built with thousandsof lateral edges that bite into snow and ice to give you better traction. They also use soft rubber compounds that maintain grip even during frigid winter months. “Michelin testing has shown that our winter tires get 30 percent better traction on snow than all-season tires, and they stop four to five car lengths shorter on ice,” said David Jones of Michelin. “That can mean the difference between stopping,or sliding into the middle of an intersection.” Slow down. Thefaster a vehi- offs 6 . a ao Wintertires help provide better control, keeping vehicles noticeably more stable on snowandice. Learn to control a skid. In the event of a rear end skid, turn the steering wheel into the skid in the same direction that the rear end is sliding. If your front wheels are sliding, hold the wheel straight and let the skid correct itself. Maintain pressure. Changes in outside temperature can affect your tires’ pressure. Underinflation can cause your tires to wear cle travels, the more inertia it faster, and alters handling and fuel efficiency. Always maintain tire air pressure at the manufacturer’s recommended level, which can be found in your owner’s manual or inside the doorjamb. Don’t spin your wheels. If you're stuck, avoid spinning your tires which causes excessive heat build-up and may result in personal injury or damage to your vehicle. Carrying a bag of sand or kitty litter in your vehicle may provide the traction you need to tions require more cautious dri- * Use extra caution on bridges and overpasses. Freestanding builds up, making it harder to slow down or steer. Winter condiving. Don’t try to travel at normal fair weather speeds. Avoid sudden braking. Try to apply pressure to your brakes only while your car is going straight, not during a curve. Don’t pump your anti-lock brakes. get you on your way. structures are more proneto ice accumulation due to their exposure to cold air circulation. For more information, or to find a Michelin dealer near you, log onto www.michelin.com orcall 1-800-MICHELIN.
