Last updated 4 months ago
Rain, ice, and snow are not going to stop people from driving this winter. Though safety experts recommend staying at home during fierce storms, there are likely going to be a few times this winter when you absolutely have to drive somewhere. When those times come, you should keep these essential tips in mind:
Slow Down
During heavy rain or snow storms, driving the speed limit can actually be dangerous. In order to maintain control of your vehicle, you should slow way down whenever the road is icy or wet. It’s also a good idea to follow cars in front of you at a greater distance in order to prevent a collision.
Brake and Steer Gently
Ice and rain can greatly compromise traction and braking. If you brake sharply, the momentum of your vehicle may cause you to lose control. That’s why it’s important to give yourself plenty of time and space to come to a gentle stop. You should also take turns slow and ease up on the steering wheel.
Carry Chains
If you don’t have snow tires on your vehicle, you should buy a set of chains and carry them in your trunk at all times. You might ask a tire specialist to help you find the appropriate type of chains for your tires. You should also consider packing an emergency kit in case you become stranded in the snow.
Keep up with Maintenance
Some vehicles have trouble starting in cold weather because of old engine oil. If you haven’t changed your oil in a while, now is a good time to do it. When you take your vehicle in for a checkup, you should also make sure the headlights, furnace, and windshield wipers are all operating properly.
Enrolling in a driver’s education course is your best defense against the dangers of the road. To learn more about staying safe during the winter or at any other time of year, contact Greg’s Driving School at (301) 703-9075. With 25 locations throughout Maryland, you can find one of our driving schools near you.
Last updated 4 months ago
Winter often comes with snow or freezing rainstorms. If you do not have a garage or covered parking space for your car, you might wake up one winter morning to find your windshield covered in ice.
To prevent ice from forming on your windshield, spread a tarp across the glass or spray it with an ice-prevention product. To remove ice crystals that have already formed, use a de-icing spray to make scraping easier. Watch this video to learn how to make your own de-icing and ice prevention products at home.
Once you’ve removed ice from your windshield, you will need to drive carefully on wet and slippery winter roads. Greg’s Driving School can teach new drivers the skills they need to safely operate motor vehicles in any road conditions. For more information on our driver’s education classes, call us today at (301) 703-9075.
Last updated 4 months ago
Good driving habits not only keep you, your passengers, fellow motorists, and pedestrians safe, but they can also save you money by helping you conserve expensive gasoline. Greg’s Driving School of Maryland provides classes to drivers of all skills. Visit the websites below for more driving resources:
To find out more about our classes, call us at (301) 703-9075.
Last updated 5 months ago
With the rising costs of gasoline, it’s no wonder that many drivers are investing in hybrid cars. However, you don’t have to buy a new vehicle in order to get better fuel economy—as you will learn in driving school, there are several things you can do to keep your car at peak performance levels. Here are five tips for maximizing your car’s fuel economy:
Check Your Tire Pressure
Keep a pressure gauge in your vehicle at all times, and if you notice a difference in your car’s handling, check the tire pressure. Remember that cold weather causes air to contract, and you may need to fill your tires frequently in the wintertime.
Don’t Haul Too Much Weight
Your owner’s manual may tell you that your vehicle can safely carry a certain amount of weight, but driving around with the maximum load burns gasoline very quickly. Clean out your trunk and cargo space and remove unnecessary items to maximize fuel efficiency.
Get Regular Oil and Filter Changes
Old motor oil can turn to sludge, which causes your engine to operate less efficiently and eventually seize up. A dirty air filter can also decrease your car’s fuel economy. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations to keep your car in tip-top shape.
Buy the Correct Gas
Check your manual to see what kind of gasoline your car requires. Higher octane gas won’t perform better in cars designed to burn economy-grade, and economy-grade gas will perform poorly in cars that require premium fuel.
Ease Up on the Pedals
Accelerate and brake slowly and evenly. This habit doesn’t just improve your fuel economy, but it’s also a safe driving technique. Slamming on the brakes or suddenly stepping on the gas pedal can cause accidents, because other drivers may not have enough time to react to your actions.
If you are a new driver, Greg’s Driving School can teach you good driving habits so that you pass the MVA tests, drive safely, and conserve fuel. Call us at (301) 703-9075 for more information about our driver’s education courses.
Last updated 5 months ago
If you ever find yourself driving in the wrong direction, you may need to make three-point, or “K,” turn. Sometimes, this technique is called a “broken U-turn,” because it helps you turn around on a narrow street where a simple U-turn is impossible.
To see a good three-point turn technique, check out this video. Always check your mirrors and blind spots to make sure that you have room and time to safely execute this turn, and use your signals to warn other drivers of your intentions.
The best way to practice your three-point turns before your driving test is to enroll in certified driver’s education classes, such as those offered at Greg’s Driving School of Maryland. Call us at (301) 703-9075 for more information on our driving courses.
