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Road Warrior Tips for Surviving Bad Weather Driving

When the weather takes a turn for the worse, being prepared can make all the difference between a safe journey and a stressful one. From navigating slippery roads to maintaining visibility in heavy rain or snow, driving in bad weather demands extra caution and the right strategies. Whether you’re facing icy highways, foggy mornings, or downpours that limit your view, knowing how to prepare your vehicle and adjust your driving habits is key. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to stay safe and confident on the road, no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.

SNAKE CHARMER

If there is such a thing as an ’03 Cobra sleeper, and we’re not sure there is, this car could easily fill that vacancy. For those who know their Mustangs, the front fascia, hood and rear spoiler are all signs that this is not a car to underestimate. But the ’03 Cobra, mighty as it is, isn’t invincible. So, if you’re prowling the streets or the track in some modded Mach or souped SS, you might see this car and assume you’ve got something for it. You don’t—Ford Racing made sure of that, throwing practically its entire catalog at this car. But if you bought the best Mustang available, and it still isn’t enough for you, Ford Racing has something for you—and this car is living proof.

ELECTRIFYING TWIN-TURBO 5.0-LITER

“From the very beginning, I’ve always raced this car,” Iida says. “In the past 11 years, I’ve put 10,000 miles on the odometer a quarter mile at a time.” Like most weekend warriors, Iida’s 5.0-liter Mustang started out life 100 percent bone stock. But with help from friends such as Honolulu Ford’s performance advisor Henry Tabios (a well-known island 5.0-liter racer in his own right), members of the Hawaii Ford Performance Club, Dillingham Automotive’s Glenn Aarake and Alan “Naka” Nakamura, Iida’s ghost-flamed Mustang GT has been transformed into a 9-second, street-legal twin-turbo terror, recording a best of 9.94 seconds at nearby Hawaii Raceway Park.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: The Accusump by Canton Racing Products

Here’s the deal: if you’ve got a V-8 or a high-horsepower V-6 or 4-banger and you’re not running an Accusump, you’re gambling with your engine’s life. The 24-006 Accusump 3 Qt No Valve is one of those pieces of gear you slap on and immediately wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. It’s been saving engines—and wallets—for over 30 years. Let’s break it down.

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