As winter weather moves in and blankets the roads, conditions can get very slippery, visibility can be poor, and travel becomes dangerous. To ensure your safety and that of others, it is crucial to prepare your vehicle and yourself for winter driving. Here are a few great tips:
Preparing Your Car for Winter Roads
Winter Tires: Get a good set of winter tires with sufficient tread depth for better traction on snow and ice.
Battery Test: Ensure your battery is in good condition to face the cold weather.
Coolant Test: Ensure it has the right amount of antifreeze to prevent freezing.
Wiper Blades: Replace old wiper blades with winter-specific ones so that you can clear the snow and ice from the windshield perfectly.
Windshield Washer Fluid: Use the winter-grade washer fluid, and it won’t freeze.
In the car, have an emergency kit with blankets, water, snacks, a flashlight, jumper cables, and a first aid kit.
Winter Driving Essentials to Keep in Your Vehicle
Ice Scraper and Snow Brush: You’ll need these no matter what to clear snow off your vehicle.
Shovel: Just in case your vehicle becomes buried in snow and you can’t back it out, having a shovel to dig out enough space to get moving can be really helpful.
Sand or Cat Litter: If your wheels are spinning on ice, sand or cat litter may provide enough traction to get going again.
Woolen Sweater or Dress: Carrying some warm extra clothing, such as a woolen sweater or dress, can save your life if you are stuck in the cold.
Phone Charger: With a fully charged phone, you will have ample time to call for help.
How to Check Your Tires for Winter Safety
Tread Depth: Take out your tread depth gauge and measure how deep the tire’s tread is. You should have at least 4/32 of an inch.
Tire Pressure: Always check your tire pressure and keep your tires at the recommended level.
Tire Age: Old tires tend to get harder and less effective in cold weather. If they are a few years old, perhaps the perfect time to replace them.
Best Practices for Safe Winter Driving
Plan Your Route: Before setting out, inspect the weather conditions and road reports.
Allow Extra Time: Winter driving requires you to add extra time, as in most cases, your trip takes more time.
Drive Slowly: Reduce your speed to factor in the slippery road conditions.
Accelerate and Brake Easy: Don’t jerk the vehicle forward through sudden acceleration, and don’t brake sharply as this will cause your vehicle to skid.
Low Gear: It may be more advantageous to use lower gear as this will allow greater grip on slippery roads.
Adjusting Your Speed and Following Distance in Snow
Leave enough space between your car and the one in front of you so that you have time for stopping.
Brake sooner than usual, depending on road conditions when visibility is poor.
How to Handle Skidding on Ice and Snow
Stay Calm: Panic will only make things worse.
Easy Off the Gas Pedal: Take your foot off the gas pedal to recover traction.
Steer Gently in the Direction of the Skid: Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the car to go.
Don’t Slam on Brakes: That can cause your wheels to lock up and increase the skid.
Managing Visibility in Snowy and Foggy Conditions
Make Sure Headlights are Set on Low Beam: Low-beam headlights may improve your visibility in fog.
De-Ice Your Windows: Clear the windshield, side windows, and back window of frost and snow
Windshield Wiper Fluid: Spray windshield wiper fluid on your windshield to clear it of snow and ice.
Do Not Travel When It’s Snowing Heavy: If you cannot see clearly, try to postpone your trip.
Tips for Driving on Black Ice
A black ice is a transparent and invisible layer of ice that makes it look exactly the same while on the road.
Drive Slowly and Cautiously: Slow down your speed and become over-cautious.
Do Not Take Sudden Turns: You never want your car to skid at sudden turns.
Safe Braking Techniques for Icy Roads
Brake Gently: Do not brake hard to prevent locking up your vehicle’s wheels.
Use ABS: If the car is fitted with an Anti-lock Braking System, allow it to control the braking.
Downshift: Downshifting enables you to slow your vehicle down gradually and avoid braking lockup.
Using Lights and Signals Effectively in Low Visibility
Use Headlights: Engage the headlights to enhance illumination around.
Signal Lights: Use signal lights to send signals to other drivers about your intention.
Fog Lamps: In case you have a fog lamp, turn it on in case of fog to make the road transparent.
What to Do if You Get Stuck in Snow
- Don’t Panic as it is not going to help
- Clear snow from your tire rubbers for better traction.
- Gently Rock Your Car back and forth to get a push.
- Pour sand or cat litter in front of your tires to have some friction.
- Try not to spin your wheels, as it will dig you further into the snow.
- Call a tow truck or roadside assistance if you are unable to pull your car out.
Some of these tips can be followed to increase the chances of safe arrival at your destination in winter. Always remember: err on the side of caution and wait until the winter weather subsides before heading out if you can.
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