![]() Ease onto the gas when you speed up and ease back off it when it's time to slow down. What we mean here is that you should avoid any abrupt actions when speeding up, slowing down, or going around turns. That's excellent advice in general and particularly good advice for how to drive in snow. There's an old saying in the car racing world that applies to pretty much everything you do when driving in snow: "Don't do anything to scare the car, and the car won't do anything to scare you." Step 1: Understand braking, turning, and accelerating. There are no well-kept secrets or expert-level skills here: It's all about taking it slow, planning ahead, and keeping your cool. Now that your vehicle is properly prepared for a snow day, it's time to learn the basics of driving in snow. If you want to learn how to put a proper kit together, check out our article on winter roadside emergency kits. This kit should include everything from emergency food and water to tools and gear to get your car back on the road should you slide off or experience a breakdown. You should put together a roadside emergency kit specifically for driving in snow and keep it in your car until spring rolls around. Step 4: Put together a winter roadside emergency kit.ĭon't leave it up to AAA or your local tow truck driver to make life and death decisions on your behalf. As an added bonus, having a full tank of gas also helps prevent your fuel lines from freezing, which is important if you want your car to start in the first place. Increasing the weight of your vehicle puts more weight on your tires, which in turn helps keep them from spinning and losing traction on snow and ice. Gasoline is heavy, and the more you've got in your tank, the more your car weighs. Running out of gas in bad weather can be particularly dangerous, but there's actually another reason you should keep it topped off if you'll be driving in snow. Step 3: Keep your tank at least half full. Here’s how to survive a road trip breakdown in the dead of winterĬold weather hacks: The winter driving tips you need How to change windshield wipers - a complete guide You'll also want to keep a close eye on your tire pressure, as falling temperatures have a habit of stealing a few PSI while you're not paying attention. The depth and quality of your tire tread determine how well your vehicle can grip and shed snow, so if they're nearing the end of their life or have any observable cracking or damage, replace them (ideally with winter tires, more on that below). Check the tread of your tires and ensure they've got plenty of life left to give. Your vehicle's ability to maintain traction in snowy conditions depends on several factors, but the first and most pressing is always where the rubber meets the road. Step 2: Be particularly mindful of your tires. If you don't have the time or the inclination, schedule a routine maintenance appointment with your local mechanic. If you're mechanically inclined, start by checking all your routine maintenance items, from brakes to fluids, and make sure your car isn't overdue for anything potentially catastrophic. During the warmer months, a breakdown is a minor inconvenience, but if your car fails on a snowy backroad after dark, the stakes are considerably higher. Step 1: Make sure your maintenance is up to date.Īll the driving skills in the world won't do you a bit of good if your car can't reliably get you from A to B. Every winter driving checklist should follow the steps below for a successful season behind the wheel. We're talking about two things here: maintenance and preparation. If you want to learn how to drive in the snow like a pro, the best place to start is at home in your driveway, before the first flurries ever hit the ground. 15 minutes Prepare your car for winter conditions
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