Driving can get a little tricky in the winter. It doesn't take much snow to make the roads slick, but if you drive a GMC Terrain or GMC Acadia, the suite of safety features in either model is sure to keep you as safe as possible. Sometimes Mother Nature can prove challenging to even the safest vehicles out there. That said, GMC has some tips to help prevent a dangerous situation, and some in case the worst should happen.

According to GMC, a smooth, dry, paved road is considered a 100-percent traction situation. The same road with fresh or packed snow has 50-percent traction, 25-percent if the road is covered in ice, and even less in watery or slushy situations. Gravel, dirt and broken pavement, on dry, warm days, offer less traction, so even more caution is needed in wintery conditions. Surprisingly, some of the most dangerous road conditions can occur at temperatures higher than thirty degrees, when a layer of water could be covering the ice on the road.

The most obvious place to start then, is the part of your car that meets the road: your tires. Are they properly inflated? And how's the tread? If you're not sure, bring your car into the Vaden of Beaufort GMC Service department, located at 2811 Boundary Street in Beaufort, SC, and one of our GM-Trained Certified Service Technicians can check, rotate, align or change your tires if needed. All-season tires are safe in most weather conditions, summer tires are never appropriate in the winter, and winter tires are your safest bet.

To prevent the worst, it's best to be prepared. Simply following normal safe-driving procedures can prevent an accident: adjust your mirrors and seat so you're in a comfortable driving position and the brake pedal can be depressed completely. Once on the road, keep an eye out for other drivers and road conditions ahead of you and make smooth, well-planned moves to prevent unexpected and dangerous vehicle movement.

There are also a few things you can keep in your car and on your person just in case: your cell phone, an ice scraper, and jumper cables in case of a dead battery (which is more likely in cold weather). In case you get stuck or you come across somebody who is stuck, a shovel, a tow-strap, and an extra floor mat to provide traction are handy. Extreme winter conditions can sneak up on even the most prepared and experienced drivers. In case of an emergency, keep extra warm clothes or a blanket, a flashlight and extra batteries, food and water and a small first aid kit in your vehicle.

Following these simple safety tips could make all the difference this season. If you have any questions about preparing your GMC for the winter months, don't hesitate to contact us via our website anytime, we're always happy to help.