Valvoline.com

Safety Tips for Winter Driving

Avoiding slips, slides and other dangers

Winter weather takes many interesting forms. In Southern California, it brings rain; in Florida, it brings tourists. But in the mountains or above the Mason Dixon Line, it means something entirely different. Those who live in severe winter areas usually have familiar tactics to deal with those mornings when another 18 inches of snow has fallen. If you're a deep-snow novice, though, and plan to head due north or into the mountains for a ski vacation, read carefully. That picture postcard of freshly driven snow laying like a pure white comforter over the landscape can be ugly if you're not used to it. Consider the following as an automotive primer on real winter.

Forecast Ahead

First word of caution: Pay close attention to weather forecasts—either on the local news or transportation departments or the Internet. Those headed to the mountains need to identify an accurate weather source for the immediate area. The weather at 8,000 feet is often very different than the weather a short drive down from that altitude.

If you need to get moving the morning following a serious snowstorm, develop a pre-storm strategy. Hopefully you have a snow blower and the time to spend clearing an exit lane for your vehicle. Otherwise, park at the base of the driveway, just out of the path of the snowplow. A good mountain snowfall can nearly obscure your vehicle.

Most vehicles, when properly prepared for the weather, won't suffer. However, one thing to consider is that the bright, sunny day that often follows heavy snows can encase the vehicle in ice as the layer of snow next to the car melts, then freezes back up as the sun drops quickly in the evening. The solution is to dig the vehicle out of its snowy tomb by mid-morning. New, dry snow is a lot lighter per shovel-full than aging wet snow.

Starting the vehicle's engine and defroster, as soon as you've got the snow shoveled away from the doors, will give you a head start on your exit. Just make sure the snow is cleared away from the exhaust pipe.

Get Rolling

Long-time residents of heavy snow areas typically have an entire arsenal of necessary tools—snow shovels, ice scrapers, brooms. Those just visiting snow areas need to come equipped with that array of gear, preferably brought into the house before the storm hits. A supply of sand or cat litter should be another item on your list of winter equipment. If your first effort to move your vehicle fails, sand or litter sprinkled on the snow/ice mixture can provide enough traction to break out of your snow tomb. Snow boots and heavy gloves, even if they're not part of your everyday wardrobe, are also a must.

Also, don't forget to bring chains! An all-too-common myth is that 4WD vehicles can handle any weather condition, but that's simply not the case. In severe conditions, many transportation departments require chains or heavy snow tires on 4WD vehicles. Practice putting the chains on in good, clear, dry weather. For those without 4WD, here's an obvious but sometimes overlooked tip: know if you've got front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. The chains won't do any good on the rear tires if those are not the drive wheels.

Safety Provisions

Now, you've got your vehicle dug out and you're ready to go. Make sure you're also ready for worst-case snow-bound scenarios: roadside flares, bags of sand or cat litter, flashlight, shovel, ice scraper and broom, blankets and/or heavy clothing for both you and your passengers, food and water. This sounds dire, but if you're traveling in a remote area and get stuck, you'll be glad for the extra provisions.

Driving in ice and snow is an acquired talent—and a winter storm is not the time to start acquiring that talent. Most of the rules for bad-weather driving don't apply to snow and ice.

Driving Tips

The best general guideline is to take it slow and avoid quick acceleration and sharp turns. Keep plenty of distance between yourself and other vehicles or any obstacle. Braking on ice is like not braking at all—your vehicle can become a spinning sled. A few taps on the brake pedal far in advance of where you absolutely have to stop will test the road surface and give you time to make necessary adjustments. If you're cruising down the road and see a patch of slush or black ice ahead, slow your speed before you hit the bad patch, then coast over it.

Those with 4WD vehicles may or may not have an advantage. They're great for plowing through new snow, but shift back to 2WD for icy roads. Vehicles in 4WD react differently to icy surfaces than 2WD. If you react in a 4WD-ice skid as you would in a 2WD-slide, you may be in for an unpleasant, sideways surprise.

During heavy snowfall, use your low-beam headlights, not so much to see through the curtain of flakes but to be seen by other vehicles well in advance. And, finally, if you don't absolutely have to drive in bad winter weather, don't. Erring on the side of caution may be the best mistake you ever made.