4 Tips for Safe Driving on Ice

It's a good idea to follow defensive driving tips each time you get behind the wheel. While every situation is different, defensive driving is a great way to keep yourself safe on the road and to reduce the chance of an accident. That's why we've put together this list of five fundamental tips for defensive driving. Keep Your Eyes Up Ahead Many drivers, both new and experienced, get into the bad habit of looking only at the car that's right in front of them. Maintaining this laser-sharp focus on that one car leaves you unprepared for what might lay ahead. To avoid potential hazards, keep your eyes as far ahead as you can see — for miles if the visibility is good. When you've got an expansive view of the road, you'll have plenty of time to react to potentially dangerous situations, such as a broken down more vehicle on the shoulder. Take In the Big Picture Many accidents happen when drivers lack situational awareness. People often become fixated on things, like the radio, and that driving habit could be deadly. Most people don't realize they're doing it, and they lose track of other vehicles around them. Have an Exit Strategy Formulating an exit strategy is a skill that's learned over time and with experience. While you might be the best driver on the planet, you can't control or predict what others on the road might do. Other factors, such as construction or emergency vehicles, may change a routine day on the road into a problematic situation quite quickly. What do you do if a dog runs into the street up ahead? What if the car in front of you slams on their brakes to avoid him? You need an escape plan — and fast. Maintain a Safe Distance If you decide to follow just one of our handy tips, this is it. Maintaining a cautious distance from the car in front of you is not only the safest habit you can practice, it's the one defensive driving tip that's broken the most. A safe following distance comes with its partner: a safe driving speed. If you're zooming down the highway at 100 mph, you're not going to have the same reaction time as you would if you were cruising at the posted speed limit. Reduce Distractions Today's modern cars and SUVs are loaded with all the conveniences. From an in-dash infotainment system to stereo speakers mounted in your headrest, there are a ton of distractions just sitting in the pilot's chair. Add in a quick drive-thru lunch, and a back seat loaded with half the soccer team, and who blames you for not keeping an eye on the road? Some distractions we can control, and others we just can't. Learning how to deal with driving distractions will help keep you and your passengers safe along the way. We've all made mistakes behind the wheel. Let's work to reduce them with these five fundamental tips for defensive driving. Image via TireZoo | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

Here in Western Washington, we're used to the rain. We have to learn to play, work, and drive in the rain because life can't stop when we get some (more) of that liquid sunshine. But it's important not to become complacent while driving in the rain and to remember a few important key tips to keep you driving safely on your way. Here are 5 things you can do to driver more safely in our rainiest seasons: Prepare Your Vehicle Make sure your windshield wipers work or replace them if needed. Make sure you are able to defrost your vehicle so you can see clearly out all the windows. Replace any head or tail lights as necessary and keep plenty of gasoline in your tank. If you aren't 100% confident in your vehicle, give us a call to make an appointment with our service department! Don't Drive Through Standing Water You see the signs and hear the warnings: don't drown, turn around. Already this rainy season we have been hit with a couple serious rain storms that have left many roads underwater. Do NOT try to drive through water on the road or go around signs blocking roads. It isn't worth the risk to your life or your vehicle. It seems that no matter how many times we read/hear the warnings, there are always people who ignore them and require rescuing by first responders. Slow Down If you've been driving for any length of time, you know the terror that comes from hydroplaning, which occurs when your car is driving a high rate of speed and goes on top of standing road water...and results in you losing control of your vehicle. Sometimes it is difficult to see where there might be standing water on the road, so it's a good idea to slow down no matter what. Driving slower also makes it so your vehicle can slow down without sliding/skidding on the wet road, which has less traction. Don't Use Cruise Control It's tempting to use your vehicle's cruise control option whenever you can, but it is important NOT to use it when driving in the rain. Why? The cruise control will keep your wheels turning at the same speed no matter what is happening...even if you hit standing water. Instinctually, we can feel when our vehicle goes over standing water and, hopefully, can slow down quickly enough that the vehicle stops hydroplaning and we regain control. Or if we feel the water is suddenly slippery, we can instantly slow down by taking our foot off the gas a little. When we use cruise control, it is always full-steam ahead. Use Headlights Even in the middle of the day, using your headlights makes your vehicle easier to see in the rain. Those dark rain clouds and reflections off the rain/wet road can make it difficult for you to see...and for people to see you! Help prevent someone from turning out in front of you at the last minute or stepping off the curb in front of you by turning on your headlights any time it starts raining.

What We’re Doing Right Now… Service & Parts Departments are OPEN 8am - 5pm Monday – Friday and Saturday 9am – 2pm (closed Sunday). As a Chevrolet dealer in the Seattle area, we are maintaining a heightened awareness of  Covid-19 mitigation response. Make your appointment as usual by calling us at 206.243.5800 or online, the easy way - click here!  We offer low contact service! Our Service Technicians are here for you to wipe, swipe and sanitize your vehicle before and after service. Concierge Service: we'll pick up your vehicle, service it and return it to your home or office. Please arrange for our Concierge by phoning 206.243.5800. Geographic restrictions apply (complimentary within 10-miles). Sales... Virtual Vehicle Appointments - Schedule a virtual meeting and get a video tour of the vehicle you're looking at on our Website. And then, visit our Shop Click Drive Store, where you can get excellent pricing, calculate payments & downpayments, get a value on your trade in and more! Complimentary test drive at home - Try a no-commitment, no-strings test drive at home. Car will be dropped off (within 10 miles of the dealership) so you can safely test drive on your own. Dealership Appointments - If you fall into a specific consumer category, per the Governor's Order, we are practicing social distancing and setting a specific time for you to visit Burien Chevrolet to enjoy a solo test drive and personal buying experience. Contact us for a list of the Governor's Consumer Categories. No Contact Purchase - Pay or finance a vehicle remotely—either by phone or email. You'll just have to sign a few quick docs in a private room at the dealership. Done in a jiffy, lickety-split! (Governor's Order applies) No-Charge Home Drop-off - Ready to buy? We'll drop your new car off at your home, no charge! (Geographic 10-mile limits & Governor's Order apply) General 10-mile complimentary pickup and delivery area for auto service. Please ask your advisor for details. 206.243.5800