Winter has begun, and so has the freezing temperatures and snowy and icy roads. Of course, the best way to avoid driving in it is just to not to leave the house. Unfortunately, most of us do not have that luxury, and so we have to get out there and drive. Therefore, to help ease the stress of driving on snowy and icy roads, here are some winter driving tips to follow to ensure you remain safe when driving on wintry roads.
Driving Tips for Icy Roads
- Keep your windshield and headlights free of snow and ice.
- Use your headlights.
- Use low gears to hep with traction.
- Do not use cruise control or overdrive.
- Slow down and leave plenty of room to stop. Allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
- Brake gently to avoid skidding.
- Remember that overpasses, bridges and less-traveled roads will freeze over first so be especially careful when traveling on these surfaces.
What to Do If You Skid
Feeling your car begin to slip and slide can cause you to panic, and your first reaction is going to be to hit the brakes. Do not do that. What you want to do will depend on if it is your front wheels skidding or your back. If you’ve ever experienced this, then you know it happens very quickly. My best advice is to read this a few times over until you are familiar with what to do.
If Your Rear Wheels Skid:
Again, do not stomp on the brakes. Instead, take your foot off of the accelerator and steer in the direction you want your front wheels to go. So if your rear wheels are sliding to the left, steer left. If they are sliding to the right, steer right.
If you have standard breaks just pump them gently.
If you have anti-lock (ABS) brakes, apply steady pressure. Do not pump them. You will feel the breaks begin to pulse under your foot, its okay, that is what they are supposed to do.
If your rear wheels begin to sliding the other way as you are beginning to recover, gently ease the steering wheel toward that side. You may have to steer left and right a few times in order to get your vehicle back under complete control.
If Your Front Wheels Skid:
If your front wheels skid, immediately take your foot off the gas and shift the car into neutral. Do not try to steer immediately because as the wheels skid sideways, they will slow your car down and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go, then put the transmission back into ‘drive’ or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.
What To Do If You Get Stuck
Getting stuck in snow can be extremely frustrating, but what you do next may determine whether or not you’ll be able to get out on your own. Here are a few things to try before calling the tow truck.
First of all, do not spin your wheels as this will only serve to get you stuck even deeper. Instead, try turning your wheels from side to side a few time to push the snow out of the way. Then give it just a little gas to try to ease your car out.
If that doesn’t work, clear the snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car with a shovel or some other instrument.
Still no success? Pour sand, salt, kitty litter, or gravel in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.
Before attempting this last tip, make sure to check your owner’s manual first as it could possibly damage the transmission on some vehicles. One more thing you can try is rocking the vehicle by shifting from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you’re in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.
Final Thoughts on Winter Driving Tips
Before hitting the road on a wintry day, if possible, to try to wait at least until the roads have been plowed. Plan to leave a few minutes earlier than usual, buckle up, drive slowly and carefully. Also, always leave your smartphone where it belongs – not in your hands.
Last, but not least, before hitting the Pennsylvania roads this winter, bring your car into Reedman-Toll Subaru to make sure your car is ready for winter driving.