To be a safe driver, you must be able to handle your vehicle in all conditions. This article explains some of the best winter driving tips to help you stay safe on snowy and icy roads.
Tips for Safe Winter Driving
Maintain Distance
In normal driving conditions, you should maintain at least three seconds of distance from the car in front of you. In winter driving conditions you should expand this to least eight to 10 seconds of distance. This will help ensure that you can brake in time to avoid any collisions if other cars stop or slow down abruptly.
Drive for the Conditions
Speed limits are based on perfect road conditions. In winter driving conditions, going 65 mph on the highway can be fatal. Use your judgment and reduce speed to what you think is safe. Also, don’t feel pressured by a driver behind you who is tailgating or flashing their lights. You know what’s safest for you. If necessary, pull to the side of the road to let the driver pass.
Respect Snowplows
Keep a distance of at least 70 feet (four car lengths) behind a snowplow. This will help ensure that you are not in one of the plow’s blind spots. It can also help keep the sand spraying from the back of the plow from damaging your vehicle. Also, never pass a plow. It is frustrating when they drive under 35 mph, but parts of the road they have not yet cleared may be unsafe.
Don’t Use Cruise Control
Cruise control can help improve your fuel economy but it’s dangerous to use in snowy conditions. Cruise control keeps your car traveling at a consistent speed. If your vehicle loses traction on a patch of ice, cruise control will accelerate to try to maintain speed.
Know When to Stay Off the Road
Aside from a travel ban, there is no specific rule to determine when you should and shouldn’t drive in the snow. A recommendation, though, is to check the forecast for all the areas that you’ll be driving through. Be sure to check the weather for the time you’re expecting to be on the road. Winter snow conditions can change very quickly. You don’t want to get caught in heavy snows during a long commute.
You should also make sure that your vehicle is ready for the winter weather. The following section will help you learn how to maintain your vehicle in the winter months.
Vehicle Maintenance Tips for Better Winter Driving
Check Your Tire PSI
Your tires will deflate one PSI for every 10° drop in temperature. Under inflated tires can decrease vehicle handling and brake response time. Check your tires’ PSI using a digital tire pressure gauge and keep them inflated to the correct PSI during the cold winter months. You can find the correct PSI for your vehicle’s tires in your owner’s manual. There should also be a sticker that states your vehicle’s correct tire PSI in the driver’s side door jam or glove compartment.
Clean Your Car After Snowfall
In some states you may get a ticket for driving a vehicle without clearing the snow off first. Failing to do so is not only dangerous for you but for other drivers on the road. Uncleared snow can fly off your car while driving and hit another vehicle. Always clear all parts of the car before driving. This includes the roof and hood but also all the windows, lights and mirrors.
Keep Your Gas Tank at Least Half-Full
It’s possible for condensation to form in the empty part of your gas tank. In cold winter months this condensation can freeze. The frozen condensation can then block your fuel line. This blockage can prevent your vehicle from starting or running properly. Be sure to keep your gas tank at least half-full during the winter.
Mix the Correct Antifreeze
The right mixture of antifreeze can keep your car running in the wintertime. It can also increase the lifespan of your engine block. A 50/50 water/antifreeze mix is often recommended, but check the labeling on the antifreeze bottle first. Using more antifreeze will not help protect your car in the colder months. Instead, it can destroy your engine block. Also, make sure that your windshield wiper fluid is treated to handle the winter months as well. You may need to add anti-freeze fluid based on the temperatures you are expecting.
Check Your Tire Treads
You’ll need all the traction you can get to handle your car in winter driving conditions. Check your tires by placing a penny with Lincoln’s head, upside down and facing you, in the tread. If you can see Lincoln’s entire head then there isn’t enough tread on your tires and you should replace them.
Stay Warm if Your Vehicle Breaks Down in the Winter
Immediately bundle up with as many layers as possible. You can run the heater but only if you know the tailpipe of your car is not obstructed by snow. If it’s safe for you to get out of your vehicle, you can do so to check the tailpipe and clear snow out of the way if needed.
It’s best to stay off the roads during a snowstorm. But if you must travel, be sure to follow the winter driving tips outlined in this article. Additionally, maintain your vehicle so that it can handle the winter months. If you don’t feel comfortable making these adjustments, ask a mechanic. You should also make sure that your vehicle is has the right type of car insurance and towing insurance. Following these tips will keep you and others safe while driving in the winter.
Do you have any other tips for safe winter driving? Share them in the comments.
Now that your car is ready for all winter has to offer, make sure your home is equally prepared. Read 12 Tips to Ice Out Ice This Winter.
View Comments (48)
Thanks for all the helpful winter driving information especially the one on checking tire pressure during the cold months.
Good information about leaving your gas tank half full.
no job is worth getting into an accident for! if you leave early in the morning i would wait too leave two hours later because roads were usually plowed and sanded by then. a 4-wheel drive auto also helps. if snow is too deep- stay home!!
It's always iciest on bridges and at stop signs and traffic lights, use caution in these areas.
Thank you for this information....very helpful.
I keep supplies in my trunk year round.
Blanket
Scarf
Gloves
Water
Granola Bars - replace a couple of times a year
A large container (in case you're stuck in the car for a loooong time)
Just in case something happens you have this equipment readily available.
When coming to a red light or any stop at an intersection where it tends to ice up, I always pop my car into neutral to take the pull off the engine and make it easier on the brakes. Also for emergency quick stops. Also, when taking off when the light turns green, I put it in low to start out to eliminate spinning tires, and tail spinning. Once you've started moving put it back in Drive.
Yes I liked that you sent that to us. I always clear my roof of car and the tail lights windows before driving. That way good for me and other drivers.
My thing is if the weather is real bad don't drive it's not worth your life. A car you can replace a life no or injurys s
If you go into a skid, look at where you want to go -- not at the obstacles you need to avoid.
Advice for electric vehicles (EVs)?