Winter roads can be dangerous and having to drive somewhere during a winter storm can be a real burden. Whether you’re driving in snow for the first time or a seasoned driver looking for a quick refresher, here are some useful winter driving tips for everyone.
There are a few things you can do to get your car ready for an impending winter season. Winterizing your car can take time and money, so plan ahead accordingly with this winter checklist for vehicles.
1. Check your tire tread
When getting your car ready for winter, be sure to inspect your tires for tread wear and rotate them during every oil change. To check your tire’s tread, use the “Penny Test”. You do this by taking a penny and placing it in the tread groove of your tire. Place the penny with Lincoln’s head facing you, and stick the penny in the tread so that the top of Lincoln’s head is no longer visible. If his entire head is visible while in the groove, it’s time to replace your tires.
2. Fill up your tires.
Low air pressure in your tires can be potentially dangerous on winter roads. Take your car to a mechanic to check your tire pressure and fill your tires if necessary. If you have prior knowledge on checking tire pressure, you can easily do it yourself at a free tire air pump found at your local gas station or car shop.
3. Clean your car
Clean all windows and the wing mirrors with lukewarm water to get rid of ice or snow and ensure good visibility. Do not pour hot water directly as the sudden temperature difference can cause them to crack. Clean the headlamps and tail-lamps too. If there’s snow on the roof, then remove to prevent it from rolling down the front windscreen under hard braking.
4. Fix your heater
Short drives aren’t too burdensome when you don’t have heat in your car, but consider what would happen if you were stuck in your car for an extended period of time-- all the while not having heat. Having a working heater can help prevent daily discomfort, but it can also be a great preventative measure.
5. Inspect your battery.
You r vehicle’s battery capacity lessens in cold weather. Be sure your car is prepared for the winter and have a professional inspect your battery’s fluid and cables.
When there’s a snowstorm outside, it’s best to avoid the roads at all costs. However, if you live in an area where winter weather is constantly covered by snow and ice, staying completely off the roads isn’t realistic.
Never slam on the brakes when it's snowy or icy. If you need to stop quickly, pumping the brakes will help you stop faster without sliding. While operating a vehicle on snow- and ice-covered roads, never brake hard or accelerate while turning a corner. If you start sliding as you are braking into a corner, ease off the brakes and point your steering wheel in the direction that you want to go. If you’re on a backroad or a street that hasn’t been sanded or salted, remember that there’s always a potential to skid. Brake lightly and keep your steering wheel as straight as possible.
A big hazard when driving in a snowstorm is other drivers who are either inexperienced on snowy roads or don’t have the appropriate tires installed. Drive slowly. Distance between vehicles is key when driving in a snowstorm as you need a reasonable amount of space and time to brake safely. You can easily lose traction if you slam on the brakes, so keep your speed down and if other drivers choose to tailgate or drive faster, let them pass you.
