With storms sweeping across the country, the time to review cold-weather practices for travel by car is before getting on the road.

Check out these top winter driving tips, from our partners at the Bridgestone Winter Driving School, The Center for Driving Sciences.

Stow Patrol

Winter weather can be unpredictable, so plan for the unexpected. Carry extra winter clothing, including boots, gloves, hats and blankets. Don’t forget a flashlight with extra batteries, tow straps and jumper cables.¹ Use the 2021 Lexus UX 250h double-decker cargo board to help stash these items.

The Right Rubber to Meet the Road

Review whether your car is outfitted for the season by considering switching to winter tires.² In addition, when possible, monitor road conditions before setting out. When on the road look for sections of the road on which ice may have formed. Shadows are a good indicator of where ice could be. Large trees, buildings, overpasses, mountains and even billboards could be a signal of unsafe terrain ahead.³

Stay vigilant. And remember, it takes four to ten times more distance to brake on snow and ice than under normal conditions.⁴

Getting a Grip

Twenty-four percent⁵ of weather-related crashes happen on snowy, slushy or icy pavement, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. All-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles can help provide additional support in winter conditions. AWD systems are designed to improve handling and acceleration, even more so in slick conditions, by automatically directing more power to the tire with the best traction.

AWD vehicle options are available across the Lexus lineup. The 2021 Lexus RX 350 features Active Torque Control AWD, which automatically switches engine power between the front and rear wheel axles to maximize driving efficiency. Hybrid models of the RX are equipped with electronic AWD on the rear wheels to limit losing friction on the road. The 2021 IS 300 and 350 AWD editions allocate engine power to the front and back wheels depending on conditions.

Handling Skids

It’s important in the event of a skid to be prepared and if possible, to remain focused. Knowing what to do can help you keep calm and stay in control.

If you feel the rear wheels skid and the vehicle begin to spin, the cause is likely to be oversteering. To fix it, steer into the skid, according to Bridgestone. Then accelerate smoothly. That should cause a weight transfer to the rear wheels and help regain grip.⁶

When the car refuses to turn on a curve, it’s likely caused by understeering, which creates skid for the front wheels. Bridgestone recommends  correcting this by lifting off the pedal and turning the wheel slightly straight. This allows the front wheels to regain grip and begin rolling again.⁷

Lexus models with the Star Safety System are equipped with the vehicle stability control system. The system is designed to help prevent wheel slippage and loss of traction by reducing engine power and applying brake force to the wheels that need it. Sensors in the steering wheel detect a change in direction and help return the vehicle to its intended route.

Aware and Prepared

Winter driving conditions vary greatly. By paying attention to your surroundings, remaining cautious of other drivers and preparing thoughtfully can help you navigate winter season on the road.

 

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2021 Lexus UX 200 and 250h
2021 Lexus RX 350 and 450h
2021 Lexus IS 300 AWD and 350 AWD