Get Ready for Winter Weather Driving
Before you press the gas pedal and start on your way:
- Make sure you have your winter or all-weather tires on. All season or summer tires can’t handle the snow and ice effectively. You need a more aggressive tread to navigate safely.
- Check the conditions on your route. If the roads are looking a little iffy, call 511 or check NCDOT for the latest conditions.
- Plan for extra travel time. If it’d normally take you 30 minutes to get from Point A to Point B, allow for an hour - at least.
- Clear your vehicle of snow and ice. Keep a snow brush/scraper in your car - and use it! You need all the visibility you can get when battling winter conditions.
If you’ve got some stubborn frost or ice on the windshield, do not pour hot water on it! You don’t want to risk cracking the windshield. You can use a de-icing spray or a simple mixture of 1 part water to 2 parts isopropyl or rubbing alcohol. Spray that on, and let it work its magic.
Don’t turn on your windshield wipers until you clear them of snow and ice. This can cause them to tear. If weather is moving in, turn off your wipers when you shut your car off and then lift them up and away from the windshield. This doesn’t hurt the arm of the wiper - and you won’t have to battle with ice later.
- Stock your car. Expect the best, plan for the worst. If you do go off the road or get stranded due to inclement weather, be prepared. Have a kit with boots, gloves, hats, blankets, toe/hand warmers, jumper cables, shovel, ice scraper, and sand or cat litter for traction if you’re stuck.
It’s not a bad idea to include a few nonperishable food items, like granola bars, jerky, trail mix, or nuts. If you travel with children, make sure they are well-supplied too.
Buckle Up, It Can Get Wild Out There
All right, now you’re out on the road - seat belts buckled. How do you drive in winter conditions safely?
- Take it slow. The posted speed limits are intended for ideal conditions. Reduce your speed; you can be given tickets or found at fault in accidents if you are driving too fast for conditions, even if you were traveling at or below the posted speed limit.
- Put your low beams on. You need to be as visible as possible to other motorists.
- Allow ample following distance. Tailgating is never a great idea, and it’s an even worse one in the snow. When the pavement is dry, you need about 3 to 4 seconds of following distance. In the snow, you need at least 8 to 10.
- Don’t slam on the brakes. For anti-lock brakes, pump them to slow down. If your brakes are not anti-lock, hold the pedal down firmly if you need to stop. Engaging the brakes suddenly and quickly can cause skids.
- No sudden movements! If you’re driving in the snow, you need to keep a cool head. Steer in a smooth way and don’t change lanes quickly. Jerky movements can cause you to skid and lose control.
Stay in the right lane unless it is safe to pass; if you deem it safe, be sure to signal ahead of time.
- Don’t use cruise control. Winter driving isn’t cruising along on a dry interstate. You need to be in full control at all times.
- Watch out for bridges and overpasses. These areas freeze faster; you’ll see signs to this effect, so slow down.
- Be on the lookout for black ice. In winter, pavement should be grey/white. If you see a road that looks shiny and new, it’s a good bet that it’s covered in black ice. Slow down!
- Follow the leader. Now is not the time to blaze your own trail. Driving in tracks helps increase traction.
- Don’t panic. If you start to slide, remain calm. When you panic, you’re likely to overcorrect, and this is when accidents happen. Do not apply the brakes. This will make the situation worse.
You’ve probably heard the advice “steer into the slide.” What does this really mean? It means that if the rear of your vehicle is going in one direction, you turn your front wheels in the same direction. Let’s say that your rear wheels start to slip towards the right side of the road. Turn your steering to the right to counteract the slide.
Sliding is frightening. The best advice is always “stay calm.” We know it’s hard - we’ve been there ourselves! Steer into it, and you should get yourself straightened out in no time.
- Don’t go! Perhaps the best tip: if you don’t have to drive, don’t. Even if you are proficient at driving in the snow, other drivers may not be as prepared.
If you can cancel an appointment, postpone an event, work from home, stock up on food, water, and supplies before a storm… please, do. That way, you can enjoy the quiet and calm without having to wage war with the elements. Your safety is always the #1 priority.
Keep these tips in mind when you drive, and remember: if you don’t have to go, don’t. And if you do, take it slow and easy. Remember to make sure your vehicle is properly maintained. The folks at RetroLube wish you safe travels!