Ok we admit: this is late in the season and there isn’t a lot of snow on the ground right now. But there are a series of storms moving in this week and being prepared for winter driving conditions in the mountains can save you a lot of time and trouble. It can even save your life. Be prepared.
- Avoid driving while you’re fatigued.
Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks. - Carbon Monoxide kills.
Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage. - Check your tires, check your car.
Make certain your tires are properly inflated. Check your antifreeze level. Make sure your washer fluid is made for cold weather. - Use common sense.
Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand). - Steer into a slide.
If your steering wheel is turning but your car isn’t, you’re in a slide. Always look and steer where you want to go. - Buckle up.
Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle. - Accelerate and decelerate slowly.
Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads. - Drive slowly. Speed limit is 25mph on snow and ice.
Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning – nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly. - Increase following distance.
The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds or more. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop. - Know your brakes.
Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold breaking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. - Don’t stop if you can avoid it.
There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling, especially on hills. - Don’t power up hills.
Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed down hill as slowly as possible. - Don’t stop going up a hill.
There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill. - Stay home.
If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don’t tempt fate: If you don’t have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors. - Carry chains, even with 4wd.
Even though your chances of using them are small, chains can save you. 4wd and Awd units can and do fail. Many people don’t think about servicing their 4wd power train. Don’t get stuck. - Make up a Winter Driving Kit
Plastic carry-all totes are inexpensive and can hold just about everything you need. If you frequently drive in winter conditions, consider the following for your kit:- Some sand in a large coffee or paint can
- A tow strap
- Jumper cables
- A bright flashlight / Road flares
- Sturdy gloves / Rain & snow suit
- Camp shovel
- Ice scraper / De-icing fluid /Squee-Gee
- First Aid Kit / Emergency blanket
- Chains and snubbers
Driving with chains. What you should know.