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(ARA) - Moving during the winter brings extra challenges when driving a rental truck.
Penske Truck Rental offers these tips to help make your winter journey smooth and easy:
* Get oriented. Familiarize yourself with the vehicle. Be sure to adjust the mirrors and know how the heater, defroster and wipers work. Pick up your truck a day early and practice maneuvering it.
* Wait out bad weather. The most difficult time to operate any vehicle is in snow and icy road conditions. If possible, wait out the bad weather until the roads are clear.
* Stopping takes longer. A 16-foot rental truck requires up to three times more distance to stop on a slick road. Larger trucks take even more. Always leave extra stopping space between the vehicles around yours on slick or dry roads.
* Clear snow and ice. Be sure your vehicle is clear of snow and ice before you take to the road. Clear mirrors, windows, headlights, tail lights, and remove any excess snow on the vehicle’s hood and roof.
* Blind spots. Trucks have oversized blind spots, known as the “No Zone” according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Know these spots by visiting www.sharetheroadsafely.org especially when changing lanes or coming to a stop.
* Antilock brakes. The key is to let antilock brakes do its work, and that’s accomplished by applying to the pedal constant and firm pressure. That should prevent brake lockup and loss of steering. There is no need to pump antilock brakes multiple times, as is the case with older cars.
* Speed. Slow down on slick roads. The recommended maximum speed for a loaded rental truck is 45 miles per hour in favorable road conditions and much slower in slick winter road conditions. So, slow down and give yourself plenty of time to safely reach your new home.
* Pack essential items. Be sure to bring along extra drinks and snacks, and especially a cell phone, in the event you are sidelined during prolonged weather delays.
* Rest up. Get a good night’s sleep before you take to the highway to maximize your reaction time.
Get more moving tips from Penske online at www.GoPenske.com.