by Lauren Fix
The first and most important is to be proactive.
Seventy percent of drivers on the road are not prepared for winter. If you have 4-wheel drive and heated seated, that’s not enough. First of all, make sure your car is mechanically sound before the temperature dips, and the streets get icy. Many vehicles are designed for all-season driving, but it is your job to get that vehicle ready for the extreme weather that you will experience.
The snow and ice of winter are here. Being prepared can keep you safe and save you from costly auto-body and towing fees. Even those of us who are winter driving “experts” need a brush-up on the physics of driving in the snow: The science of what happens when we hit the brakes and how to keep tires gripping the road.
Few of us are educated and practiced in driving through heavy rain, snow, or slippery road surfaces.
Adjust Your Speed To The Current Conditions
When driving in challenging conditions, slow down. By decreasing your speed, you will allow yourself more time to respond when a difficult situation occurs.
Anticipate Difficult Situations
Many studies have shown that 80 percent of all accidents could be prevented with only one more second to react. This one-second can be gained by looking far enough ahead to identify problems before you become a part of them.
Use Grip Effectively
When roads are slippery, always brake in a straight line before the curve in the road. Don’t accelerate until the steering wheel is straight. Taking your foot off the brake before you steer into the corner allows you to use the entire grip available for steering.
Drive With Your Head Lights On
Remember to clear taillights, turn signal lights and headlamps regularly when traveling in snowy weather. Whenever daytime visibility is less than clear, turn on your headlights to be seen by other drivers. Remember this rule of thumb, Wipers On–Lights On.
Anti-Lock Brakes Can’t Perform Miracles
Even though ABS braking systems give you the ability to brake and steer, they are still limited by the grip available on the road and the type of tires on your vehicle. If you’re driving too fast into a corner and then try to brake, even ABS won’t keep you on the road.
When Driving at Night
Leave your headlamps on low beam when driving in snow or fog. This will minimize the reflection and glare, improve visibility, and help reduce eye fatigue.
Wear Quality Sunglasses
Good quality sunglasses help highlight changes in the terrain and road surface even in low visibility conditions. Polarized lenses are your best choice.
Electric Vehicles in Winter
If you own an electric vehicle, you should know that cold temperatures can impact battery life. Know that using any accessories like heated seats, audio system or anything on the center screen you are using battery power. If you are heading out for the day, make sure you have a full charge.
If You Slide Off the Road
If you think you can get safely and efficiently back on the road, try stuffing floor mats or branches under the tires–anything that will give you a little extra traction.
Be Prepared More Than Usual
I recommend the following tasks before heading out on that winter drive.
An Extreme Winter Prep Kit should include:
- Jumper cables OR even BETTER – a battery starter
- Ice scraper
- Windshield de-icer fluid
- Tire inflation product and compressor kit
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Aggressive snow brush
- Blankets
- Hand and foot warmers for each passenger
- Extra clothes (hats, winter jacket, scarf, gloves, and winter boots)
- LED light source instead of flares (much safer) and better for the environment
- Bottled water
- Snacks (not sugary ones)
- Necessary medications
- First-aid kit
- Many extra blankets
Be safe out there, and if you have any other ideas for the winter car kit, comment below!
Lauren Fix, The Car Coach®, is a nationally recognized automotive expert, analyst, author, and television host. A trusted car expert, Lauren provides an insider’s perspective on a wide range of automotive topics and aspects, energy, industry, consumer news, and safety issues.
Lauren is the CEO of Automotive Aspects and the Editor-in-Chief of Car Coach Reports, a global automotive news outlet. She is an automotive contributor to national and local television news shows, including Fox News, Fox Business, CNN International, The Weather Channel, Inside Edition, Local Now News, Community Digital News, and more. Lauren also co-hosts a regular show on ABC.com with Paul Brian called “His Turn – Her Turn” and hosts regular radio segments on USA Radio – DayBreak.
Lauren is honored to be inducted into the Women’s Transportation Hall of Fame and a Board Member of the Buffalo Motorcar Museum and Juror / President for the North American Car, Utility & Truck of the Year Awards.
Check her out on Twitter and Instagram @LaurenFix.
