10 Tips for Safe Winter Driving

By January 27, 2016Blog Posts
Winter Check

Looks like winter is bringing with it the moisture and snow that we’ve been craving for the past few years, so that means it’s time to bone up with these Winter Weather Safe Driving Tips.

Check Tire Tread and Pressure

Make sure that they are properly inflated, and have traction adapted to the season. Snow tires have special tread for enhanced traction, and are identitied as “mud and snow or M/S” on the sidewall.  Medium traction for mud and snow tires is 3/16”. Remember that tire pressure drops as temperatures drop.  Check pressure when tires haven’t been driven on for three hours or more.

Horizontal detail shot of some new snow chains on a car's tire.Carry Chains

If you encounter chain requirements, note that these apply to your trailer as well as your vehicle. Carry chains for both, even 4-wheel drive vehicles, from November 1 through March 31. Make sure that you have enough, and the right sizes!

Adjust Brakes

Your brakes are essential in icy conditions, so make sure that they are properly adjusted.  Check your owner’s manual for information regarding brake adjustment. Also, conduct a test with your brake controller prior to departure. Be familiar with the kind of brakes your vehicle has, and how to properly apply them. Antilock brakes require firm, continuous pressure.  Conventional brakes call for gentle pumping.

Slow Down!

Winter weather requires additional braking distance which increases as weather worsensBe vigilant about sudden lane changes as well, and always respect weather conditions. “Rain, Ice and Snow – Take It Slow”.

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Image Courtesy of Les Schwab

Skids – Go With the Flow

When in a skid, the first rule is Stay Calm!  Then steer into the skid, which will bring the back end of your rig back in line with your front. Ease your foot off of the gas while cautiously steering in the direction of the skid. Stay off gas and brake pedals until you have regained control of your vehicle.

See and Be Seen

ALWAYS drive with your headlights on – day and night – in calm or storm. Your washer fluid reservoir should be kept full, so carry an extra container as backup.

Keep Powered Up

When temperatures drop, so does battery power, and it takes more battery power to start your vehicle in cold weather. Make sure that your battery is properly charged and ready to roll.

illustration of a motor gas gauge, eps 10 vectorMaintain Fuel Level

Keep the fuel gauge above halfway point for a few reasons. It will help prevent gas line freeze, which can happen as the tank is depleted. Longer drive times can result in greater use of fuel on normal routes. Should you become stranded or locked in traffic, you have plenty of fuel to keep running and warm.

 

Cars and trucks driving on snow packed roads taken through a windshield covered with snowflakes.Be Prepared!

Call 511 for Weather Conditions and Road Closures that can affect your route. And make sure that you know where you’re headed! In the event that you have to chain up, you want to be sure to have:

  • Bungees
  • Anti-Gel (for Diesel vehicles)
  • Waterproof Gloves
  • Reflective Vest
  • Flashlight
  • Kneeling Pad

For your own protection, have on hand:

  • Sturdy, warm boots with good traction
  • Hats, gloves and scarves
  • Extra warm bedding
  • Drinking water and energy bars

Keep Help On Call

Make sure that you have with you current contact information for Roadside Assistance!