Snow Driving Tips

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Snow Driving Tips
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For most drivers, the ability to drive in the
snow will be needed sooner or later. If you don't
live in a climate that requires seasonal snow
driving, a road trip to a colder climate will
require some snow driving skills. Arm yourself
ahead of time with the essentials of driving in
the snow. These basic tips will increase your
ability to keep your vehicle and family safe
during snowy conditions.
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Should you be driving? This is the inconvenient
part where I mention that you should stay off the
road during icy or slippery conditions. If at all
possible, consider staying home or getting a
hotel room until road conditions improve. You may
consider yourself a pretty good winter driver,
but don't forget to consider the skills of other
drivers you will share the road with. If you are
from Alaska and are adept at handling snow, how
much will that help the driver to you who is from
Texas and is following you way too close? Compare
the inconvenience of missed appointments with the
cost of bodywork or a visit to the hospital.
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Snow Driving Basics Get plenty of space. Use
the following distance of 8 to 10 seconds.
Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Get safe
momentum before going up a hill. Let this
momentum aid in getting your vehicle to the
top. Do not stop on uphill slopes if you can
help it. Do not use cruise control in slick
driving conditions. Be wary of ice on bridges
and overpasses. These areas are likely to freeze
before other areas of the road.
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Be prepared. Begin your trip with at least
half a tank of fuel. Try installing and
removing one of your tire chains ahead of time to
be sure they will fit and to get familiar with
how to put them on. Keep an emergency bag in
your vehicle. Include items such as blankets,
flares, energy bars and water. What to do if you
find yourself sliding. Remember that if your
tires are not turning, you are not able to steer
the vehicle. Take your foot off the brake.
Gently steer the direction you want to go. Be
careful not to oversteer. Another way to
remember steering in a slide is to steer the same
direction that the rear tires are sliding. Use
a slower average speed to avoid further sliding.
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What if you become stranded? Stay with your
vehicle. A vehicle is much easier for rescuers to
see than a person. Hang a florescent flag from
your antenna or window to indicate that you need
help. Keep the dome lights on in your vehicle.
This will not require much power and will make
your vehicle more visible. Beware of
potentially fatal exhaust fumes while stuck. Do
not run your vehicle for heat while sleeping.
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Dirty Tricks. If you are stuck in snow, invest
some time in digging a path for all four of your
tires to get them moving. If you own a rear
wheel drive vehicle, add a few sandbags to the
trunk to provide additional weight and
traction. Use sand, branches, floor mats or
kitty litter for traction to get your vehicle
moving. Let a few pounds of pressure out of
your tires to get more traction when stuck in the
snow. Once you are unstuck, use a 12-volt pump to
re-inflate your tires back to the correct
pressure. Do not remove too much air from your
tires when using this trick. What it all boils
down to. Remember to keep calm, slow down and
keep your tires turning. Preparation and patience
are the keys to safe winter travel.
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Thank You

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