How to Safely Drive in the Winter
For many parts of the world, the temperature is already dropping below zero. For those experts out there that have lived in harsh winter conditions, winter driving tips have come from family and friends, or more than likely from a bad experience. Weather is a beast and can be very unpredictable. On the flip-side, it’s also a main ingredient to many outdoor activities we love: swell to surf, the wind to sail, the snow to ski. Even if you’re not driving to the slopes to ski fresh powder, cold weather can test your car’s mechanical abilities, and road conditions can test your driving abilities. If you’re not prepared, you can hurt something or someone, so let’s get everything in order before hitting the road this winter.
Check it
Batteries weaken in cold weather and might need a check after a few years. To test, turn on the headlights, then crank the engine. If the lights get brighter while running, you may need to replace your battery. Also check your fluids like windshield washer and antifreeze.
Gear up
- Jumper cables
- first-aid kit
- sand or cat litter
- small shovel
- snow brush/ice scraper
- phone charger
- drinking water
- snacks
- headlamp and batteries
- all-season tires for light snow
- snow tires or chains for the heavy stuff.
- Pack stuff to keep warm in case you do break down like blankets and hand warmers
See & Be Seen
Clean the window inside and out, defrost and wipe your headlights/break lights before you drive. Use headlights during the day and carry reflective gear in case you get stuck and need to get out of the car.
Slow and Steady
Even if you’ve got all-wheel drive, don’t punch the gas or you can spin out of control. Same goes for braking, any sudden change in speed can cause the tires to spin. Remember the only connection you have with the roadway is your tires. Most cars these days have antilock brakes (ABS) which pumps the brakes automatically to prevent skidding. Stay on the brakes despite vibrations or kickback (that’s the car doing the work for you) and steer around danger. If you’re driving a classic muscle car, you may not even have power steering so you’ll need to do the pumping to not skid out of control.
How to Skid
Let’s make sure skidding fun practice in a snow covered parking lot and not moment before you hit a guard rail. If the backend looses grip then turn the steering wheel in the same direction the backend is moving. For example, if the backend is tailing to the right, then turn the wheel right. Otherwise, you’ll do what’s famously known as a “donut” or a spin. Donuts are tasty and fun with friends but be sure they are in a controlled environment and not when you least expect it.
In addition, here’s some detailed tips from National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). If you want to read more on the subject here’s the link to their website
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