Winter Weather Driving Tips
Whether you’re driving in snowy, icy, or wet conditions, here are some tips to help keep you safe on the roads.
- Keep your car well maintained.
- Make sure you have enough gas.
- Check tire pressure regularly.
- Don’t speed.
- Have emergency supplies ready.
- Know how to change a flat tire.
Driving in Winter Weather
The winter season brings many challenges to drivers, including slippery roads, icy weather, and hazardous driving conditions. If you’re heading out into snowy or icy conditions, make sure you know how best to handle it safely. Here are some tips to keep in mind while driving during the winter months.
Don’t crowd a snow plow or travel beside the truck. Snow plows travel slowly, make wide turns, stop often, overlap lanes, and exit the road frequently. If you find yourself behind a snow plow, stay far enough behind it and use caution if you pass the plow.
Prepare Your Car for Winter
Winterizing your vehicle isn’t just about making sure it starts up again next spring. Here are some things you can do now to make sure your car runs smoothly during the cold months ahead.
Prepare Your Car for Winter
- In addition to annual maintenance, here are some tips to winterize your car:
- Test your battery; battery power drops as the temperature drops
- Make sure the cooling system is in good working order
- Have winter tires with a deeper, more flexible tread put on your car
- If using all-season tires, check the tread on your tires and replace if less than 2/32 of an inch
- Check the tire pressure; tire pressure drops as the temperature drops
- Check your wiper blades and replace if needed
- Add wiper fluid rated for -30 degrees
- Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze
- Remember to keep your car’s emergency preparedness kit fully stocked, too.
How to Avoid a Crash
- The best way to avoid a crash is to slow down and maintain control. AAA suggests drivers follow these guidelines:
- • Don’t use cruise control in wintery conditions.
- • Be aware of the road ahead, especially when it’s slippery.
- • Keep your speed under 40 mph.
- • Use your brakes lightly and gradually apply pressure.
- • When accelerating or braking, steer into the skid rather than away from it. This will help keep you centered in your lane.
- • Stay behind the vehicle in front of you.
- • Follow another car eight to ten seconds behind it.
- • Slow down when approaching curves.
- • Reduce your following distance to about one second or less.