Winter Driving Tips

Are you one of those people who checks the weather each night or every morning so you can plan how to dress the next day for conditions and how to plan your day? It’s a good idea, especially in winter when road conditions can deteriorate quickly. Obviously, it’s best not to drive in bad weather if you don't have to, but it’s also a good idea to review these winter driving tips. Let’s hope you don’t need to use them a lot this winter!

First Things First
Before the first snowfall, there are a few things you need to make sure your car is ready for winter:

• Keep your tires are properly inflated throughout the winter and heed the tire pressure light. If tires are over- or under-inflated, they won't grip the road properly. It can also affect your gas mileage.
• Keep a winter emergency kit in your car.
• Make sure your car has enough anti-freeze.
• Make sure your windshield washer reservoir is always full, and be sure to use the kind that contains de-icer—do NOT use plain water.
• Make sure your wiper blades are in excellent condition.
• If you have 4WD, know how and when to use it.

Slippery Conditions
Ice, snow, slush or rain on roads mean special precautions need to be taken when driving. When you get to your car, start it and turn the defrosters on. If you have remote start, take advantage of that to make scraping snow and ice off all the windows, headlights, taillights and side mirrors go faster. Don’t forget to remove snow from the roof of your car and the hood as well. Otherwise chunks of snow will blow off your car onto the windshield of the car behind you, reducing their visibility. Visibility is extremely important—this is an important time for all cars on the road to see and be seen.

Keep Your Distance
It’s never a good idea to tailgate someone, so staying a safe distance behind the car in front of you is always a good idea. During wintery road conditions, it’s imperative. It's highly likely that when you brake, your car might keep sliding. The extra distance will help prevent an accident.

Stop It!
Speaking of brakes, know what type your car has. If it doesn't have an anti-lock brake system (ABS), you need to pump the brakes to stop on snow or ice. If you do have ABS, use the brakes the same way you normally would. If you pump the brakes when you have ABS, it will disengage the ABS system. Always try to avoid slamming on the brakes, especially if the weather is bad.

Slip Slidin' Away
Hitting a patch of black ice or driving too fast for conditions can send your car spinning. Although it's counterintuitive, if you find yourself in a skid, turn your steering wheel the opposite direction of the skid. For instance, if your back wheels are sliding to the left, turn your steering wheel to the left.

Don’t Cruise
Finally, don't use cruise control. Using cruise control in snow, ice or even rain is dangerous because if your car hydroplanes or skids, it will accelerate and rapidly spin the wheels since it will be trying to maintain a constant speed. If this happens, you will be more likely to lose control of your vehicle.

What to Do if You Get Stuck
Nobody wants to get stuck in the snow, but if you do, don't hit the gas—it will only get you in deeper and spin your tires, which can damage them. Instead, use the shovel from your emergency kit to remove the snow in the front and back of your tires away from the vehicle, and make sure the tailpipe is clear of snow as well. Next, put some traction (tire traction mats, carpet squares, floor mats, kitty litter, sand or rock salt, for instance) in front of and behind your tires for traction, the put your car in a low gear and pull forward.

When winter weather strikes, it can change your plans and be inconvenient. It’s best not to drive if you don’t have to, but if you do have to go out, allow adequate time to arrive and know how to navigate the roads safely. We hope these tips will help you out.