It’s no secret that sprinter vans are pretty big. With many sprinter vans weighing between 9,000 and 12,000lbs, there is a lot of responsibility when driving these vehicles. Since they are a lot wIder, taller, and heavier than your average car, they drive a little differently in certain conditions. Check out these tips for driving sprinters in all seasons and weather!
Driving in Spring
Spring can be a beautiful time of year as flowers bloom and the sun comes out again. You may experience spring showers during this time. To drive safely in spring showers, be sure to slow down, increase the distance between yourself and other vehicles, and use your windshield wipers. While spring may have less weather concerns than other times of year, you should also be aware of increased pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists on the road with the weather getting nicer and more people opting to head outside. During this time of year, wildlife may be crossing the road in higher numbers than in other times of year. Slow down and be vigilant when driving to be aware of these hazards. In spring, you may also have to look out for any road conditions that have resulted because of harsh winters. Potholes from winter and leftover patches of ice in areas with higher elevations may all be road hazards that can cause problems in the Spring.
Driving in Summer
Summer is another season you may have your guard down a little bit more because there are less obvious weather-related hazards this time of year. Whenever on the road, it is always important to be vigilant. During really sunny days, you may experience a lot of glare and sun in your eyes. Wearing sunglasses can help you maintain your visibility even in these sunny months. On longer road trips, consider packing an emergency kit. During the warm summer months, traveling with extra water on hand is never a bad idea in case the trip takes longer than expected or you have to pull over due to a flat tire or other hazard. During summer, there may be an increased number of distracted drivers due to people being on vacations and out enjoying the warm weekends.
Driving in Fall
Fall brings darker days. The morning and evenings get darker a lot earlier in this time of year. Be very attentive in your driving and ensure your lights are working and on when necessary. Fall leaves in abundance are beautiful, but they can also be a driving hazard. Clear your windshield of any leaves to maximize visibility and drive slowly and carefully over fall leaves. Not only can the leaves be slippery, but they can also cover potholes and bumps that you may be able to more easily avoid if you could see them without any leaves on the road.Â
Driving in Winter
Depending on where your sprinter van takes you, winter can bring a lot of hazards to the journey. Ice, sleet, snow, and hail all need to be accounted for and expected. During the winter, there is also lower visibility due to shorter hours of daylight. If your trip and climate warrants it, use chains on your tires and get winter tires. Check road conditions ahead of time before taking off. In winter, it is best to drive slower and more cautiously than normal to account for ice or snow on the road. Even if you are a vigilant driver and you are looking very closely at the road and your surroundings, you can run right into black ice and slide because you simply don’t see it. Driving slower and leaving more space between your vehicle and other vehicles in winter can help decrease any accidents from any run-ins with black ice. Don’t slam on the brakes because you may hit ice and lock up; instead, give short little taps to the brakes to slowly come to a stop.Â
Driving the Sprinter
Sprinter vans are very safe and reliable vehicles. For the most part, when driving a sprinter, you will want to follow the same best practices for driving in the different seasons as you would when driving any vehicle. While sprinter vans are very safe, they are bigger than the average vehicle. Because of this, it is advised to give yourself a little extra time to make turns, stop, and even accelerate. Following these tips for driving safely in all weather can help you drive your sprinter safely in all seasons and weathers! At Luxury Sprinters, our sprinter vans are a great option for all kinds of events going on any time of the year! Contact us today to try out Luxury Sprinters and experience your favorite season on the road in comfort and luxury.Â
