Winter Driving Tips

Although most of the country has enjoyed unseasonably mild temperatures, we can all take solace that winter’s icy grip will soon return with a vengeance. With that in mind, AutoExtra.com offers some suggestions on safe driving in snow, sleet, and ice. You may have read our earlier article about Winter Vehicle Preparation – let’s call this installment Winter Driver Preparation. You can find even more tips on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Web site.

Planning

If you must travel in wintry conditions make sure you choose the best time to do so. Check the forecast before venturing out onto frozen or snowy roads – is there a warming trend or another blizzard on the way? Be sure to know precisely where you’re going before leaving and have a travel route firmly in mind. This allows you to focus on driving and not on which exit you’re supposed to take. If you will be driving in more rural or mountainous areas, it may be a good idea to have an alternate route planned in case a road is impassable. Finally, if another storm is coming make sure you have a full tank of gas so you aren’t stranded with an empty fuel tank.

Driving style

Driving on snow and ice is drastically different than driving under normal conditions. That’s why extra caution is required from you, the driver, when traveling in such hazardous circumstances. The most important thing you can do to stay safe this winter is slow down. Although most vehicles today are equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), extra stopping distance is always needed when driving on snow and ice. Increase the distance between your vehicle and the car in front of you.

Should you need to stop suddenly and own an older vehicle without anti-lock brakes, “pump” the brake pedal to safely bring your vehicle to a halt. This prevents your tires from locking and going into a skid on icy roads. If your vehicle has ABS, they will do the pumping electronically so you simply should apply the brakes as you would in normal conditions.

Traction

You should always inspect your tires and make sure they are properly inflated. The manufacturer-recommended inflation level will be located inside your door’s frame or in your vehicle owner’s manual. Also make sure your tires have sufficient tread to provide adequate traction given the possibility of slippery conditions. You should have at least 1/16 of an inch of traction on all four tires – a good way to check is with the penny test. Take a normal penny and insert the top into your tread. If you can see any space above Lincoln’s head, your tread has worn down and the tire needs replacing.

Items on hand

Every vehicle should have a roadside emergency kit containing jumper cables, tow rope, a flashlight, extra batteries, and first aid essentials. Comprehensive kits are affordable and easy to transport – for more information, check out our recommended auto gifts. The perils of winter driving, though, demand additional safety items. If necessary, keep a snow shovel, broom and ice scraper on hand to remove any snow that has accumulated on your automobile. Sand, kitty litter or bird seed are excellent in gaining traction on slick roads. It’s also a good idea to keep a blanket or old jacket on hand in case your vehicle gets stuck and you need extra protection from the cold. Finally, make sure you’re dressed for the conditions before leaving the cozy indoors.

Winter can be a beautiful and delightful season, especially after a freshly fallen snow. However, this beauty can be dangerous when behind the wheel of an automobile. Please drive safely this winter and reach your destination without incident. AutoExtra.com: We’re all you need.

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