We all know it sucks the big one, regardless of your driving experience, new or old.
When the snow falls, it seems like everybody looses their heads and forgets that the steering wheel controls your direction, and the pedals your speed.
So, as most of us have or are experiencing our first major snow falls, let's share a few tips, to remind eachother how to safely make it through the winter.
Here are a few I can think of right now.
Tip #1: Probably the one I stress the most, stay in low gear! Regardless if you drive a manual or automatic, you can and should stay in a lower gear as much as you can. Automatic drivers, you know those gear options under the D that you probably never use? Thats what Im talking about! I usually keep my car in "2". Check your vehicle to see what option would be suitable.
This helps a lot not only with traction and preventing spinouts, but when you let go of the gas, the car will automatically slow itself down, avoiding any dangers slides from touching the breaks.
This will also help you power through any accumulated snow that may be yet uncleared.
I usually only ever put it into D when Im on the highway. Otherwise, it would put too much strain on the engine to rev that high.
Tip #2: PUMP YOUR BREAKS. If it still happens that you need to stop quickly, pump your breaks. Fight the urge to slam down on your breaks to come to quick stop. It wont happen. Chances are, youll make it harder to stop, as your wheels will lock and you'll be sent on a sliding spree to God knows where.
Anti lock breaks on newer vehicles are great, as they automatically pump the breaks for you, but I tend to not rely on them to bring me to a safe stop.
Your safest bet is to pump your breaks with even pressure, gradually allowing you to push the break down completely and come to a safe stop. This prevents sliding and loosing control. It may take a little more distance to come to a complete stop, but at least you will retain control of your vehicle. Which brings me to my next point...
Tip #3: Keep your distance! This one seems obvious, but a lot of seem to forget this after a long day at work. Were drowsy in the car, and riding a little too close to the guy in front, and with a seconds lapse in concentration, wham!
It's a simple tip, but can help keep you out of all kinds of nasty situations.
Tip#4: If the last one seemed dumb, this one will probably seem completely ridiculous. But again, so many of us in the rush of our lives forget to brush off our cars. Take the time, whether or not it makes you late and completely brush off you car! Roof, windows, hood, trunk.
No matter what you drive, any snow on your vehicle is a danger to other vehicles on the road. It can come flying off at any second, creating a dangerous situation for everyone behind you. Too many times Ive witnessed a bunch of snow fly off the roof of a van or car in front of me and completely cover my widnshield.
It's dangerous and just plain stupid. We know what we have to deal with in the winter, start your morning routine 15 minutes earlier and while your car is warming up, brush off ALL of the snow!
And dont be the jerk that leaves their license plate covered and then drives like a tool. We want to be able to report you
Tip#5 Were getting a bit more specific now, but this is a simple thing that many forget. When youre taking your turns onto the smaller streets that may not have been plowed as well or at all, make your turn as close to square 90 degree turn as you can.
The straighter your vehicle is when you attack that snow bank, the better chance you have of getting through it period. It also helps prevent fishtailing around corners.
Tip#6 An important part that people tend to forget, is that they need to look in the direction they want to go in. It's very hard to make a proper turn, if youre staring straight ahead, or in the opposite direction.
If you want to make a turn, or start loosing control, first look in the direction you want to go. From then you will to make whatever maneuver necessary to bring your vehicle on the desired path.
One thing you have to remember is that if your wheels are not turning, you will not be able to make your car move in the direction you want them to. This is why slamming on the breaks is dangerous, as your wheels will be locked and it will be virtually impossible to regain control.
Do not over steer either, if you are sliding in one direction, the last thing you want to do is to turn your wheel in the complete opposite direction, as you will only end up spinning yourself back out of control.
Smooth, easy movements are the key to staying under control.
Tip#7 Take it slow! The roads are dangerous and slippery, no need to make them any more dangerous for yourself or anyone around you. Be aware of your surroundings, and be able to avoid dangerous situations completely, instead of having to get yourself out of them.
That being said, going TOO slow can be just as dangerous. There is still a general flow of traffic on better cleared streets, and for the safety of others you should keep up with it. You dont want to be the one that gets rammed from behind because youre being over cautious.
Also, youre going to have to give a little gas to get through snow banks from time to time. If you attack a snow bank at turtle speed, you will most likely end up stuck.
Please, always remember to be aware and use your judgement. Hopefully no one gets the wrong idea from this tip.
Tip #8 Carry all necessary emergency gear with you in your vehicle. Booster cables, snow brush, small shovel, extra gloves, hats, blankets. You never know when you harsh cold will prevent your car from starting, or when you'll break down or get stuck. All of these things can be lifesavers in those situations.
I cant really think of anything else at the moment... But if anyone else has anything, feel free to throw it in. If you can refine my points with technical or mechanical details to better explain them, by all means do it!
Most importantly be aware of your surroundings. The best way to get yourself out of a dangerous driving situation is to avoid it completely!
Be safe
