Tips & Tricks

Back to Tips & Tricks list

Driving in Snow

Having a vehicle equipped to handle snow will lower your anxiety and/or stress level while driving. Here are the things you should consider.

• Proper tires
• What makes a tire a good snow tire?
• Why studs on all 4 wheels can make improve stopping
• Studded snows are cheaper than insurance deductibles, tow charges, and doctor visits.
• Clean the car off fully for better visibility.
• Carry a shovel in the trunk to assist in digging out if you ever get stuck. A warm blanket and some bottled water are also a good idea.
• Carry a set of tire chains; this is really important for “rear wheel drive” vehicles.
• Carry a set of insulated rubber gloves.
• Have a flashlight and road flares in the trunk or glove box.
• Make sure windshield wipers and defrosters are operational and be sure the washer fluid is full, it’s a good idea to keep an extra gallon in the trunk.
• Make sure all lights are in good working order and the headlamps are aimed properly. Fog lamps are a big help in snow and fog.
• Have a full tank of gas 1 gallon = about 8 pounds.  This means an extra 100 pounds of traction.
• Carry sand in trunk for weight, even front wheel drive vehicles will notice an improvement in braking traction. You could also use this in the event you do get stuck. The bag of sand can be opened and the sand can be spread out for better traction.
• If you own a pickup, shovel the bed full of snow from your driveway for traction, it will unload itself after the snow storm.
• Always leave extra room in front of you when you stop in case the car behind you cant stop, it will allow you to roll forward or pull to the side in the event the vehicle behind you can’t sop.
• Keep the flow of traffic moving, a vehicle moving too slowly can be as much of a hazard as one traveling too fast.
• When approaching a hill don’t speed up but also don’t slow down. You need the momentum to get up the hill. If you do start to slip, let off the gas until you stop slipping and then give it gas again.
• Watch all your mirrors for the actions of those around you and always leave yourself a path to avoid trouble.
• Take your foot of the gas pedal when going over a bridge or overpass – coast through it.
• Always drive in a higher gear than needed to reduce torque to the drive axle.
• Leave very early on a snow day.  Being at work an hour early is always more productive and less stressful than sitting in traffic for hours.