Winter Weather Driving Tips
It finally got really icy where I live, being from Arizona and having no clue about driving on ice, it can be a challenge for a sunbelt driver. Well I decided to seek out advice from experts, and here is what I’ve concluded on how to drive in the snow.
Winter Weather Driving Tips
- Make sure your car is maintained. This includes brakes, cooling system, fluid levels, windshield wipers and tires.
- Use Winter/All-Season Tires. These tires have unique tread pattern and temperature tolerances. Invest in a set of all-season tires if you experience the “four seasons”. Make sure the tire pressure is set to the PSI that is labeled on the driver’s door. If you are like me, and use aftermarket tires, it should be labeled on the tire itself. If unsure, 35PSI is a safe number until you confirm it with a mechanic.
- Drive Slow. Velocity coupled with your vehicle’s momentum with minimal traction is dangerous. Driving slow will be helpful for everyone. But, if you’re approaching and uphill, keep the vehicle going by slightly speeding up.
- Don’t accelerate or brake suddenly. This behavior will often make your vehicle lose traction instantly, and spin out. Ease into it, just like your driving instructor always told you.
- Let your vehicle warm up. This is often a no-brainer, but if your fluids are cold or near frozen, they can’t circulate. Warming the vehicle up before driving will render a warmer car, and your engine block will love you for it. True, it consumes gas, but it is worth it.
- De-Ice/Snow your entire car. Don’t just do the windshield or your glass. It’s important to brush all the snow off your car. The reason is three parts: it will slide off, into your windshield when you are stopping, and it might slide off into someone else, it might be the law in your state. If you don’t have one already, purchase a decent Ice Scraper with a Brush.
- Be prepared for the worst. You never know what’s going to happen when, even with the best luxury or 4WD vehicle. Keeping a road safety kit in your trunk is helpful. It helps to include flashlights, jumper cables, a tool set, and contact information for your insurance company and towing company.
I hope that information helps. There are numerous other tips and information, but taking driving cautiously will be the underlying tip for all of these. Even if you have a luxury vehicle or a four-wheel-drive, you can’t beat lack of friction. Take a moment to safely understand how your vehicle handles in the snow in an empty parking lot. Hopefully, we’ll be safer drivers in the snow. Take a look at other tips and checklists: here, here and here.
What winter driving tips do you have?
[tags]Snow, Ice, Winter, Tires, Cars, Vehicles, Safety, Cold Weather, Tips, Advice, Blog[/tags]
