Following October's fierce winter blast of wind and rain, it's important to remember to keep our cars seasonally ready for the wet, cold and snowy conditions. AAA recommends the following winter driving tips:
• Avoid driving while you're sleepy.
• Never warm up a vehicle in closed in spaces (like a garage)
• Keep your tires properly inflated.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full (it saves money and from your gas freezing up)
• Use your parking brake when possible on slick surfaces.
• Avoid using cruise control. (on icy or wet roads)
• THE NO-BRAINER: Use your seat belt!
For those of us who enjoy seeing the winter wonderland of places like Lake Tahoe and other Sierra locations, it’s best to have all the knowledge you need. Even if you’ve driven before, you might know a less experienced driver or a teen who needs the 4-1-1 of safety. We’ve all heard the tragic stories of people who were killed or hurt in crashes because they didn’t follow a few simple guidelines. Here are some tips for driving in the snow:
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. This is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Allow more time to travel and arrive to your destination. Add 10 to 15 minutes to your total travel time depending on the time of day.
• Increase your following time behind other vehicles to eight to ten seconds. Leaving enough space between yourself and other vehicles will provide more room if you have to suddenly slow down or hit the brakes.
• Know your brakes. Whether you have anti-lock brakes or not, the best way to stop is “threshold breaking”. How to: Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
• Don't stop if you can avoid it. If you can slow down enough to just keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
• Don't power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed down hill as slowly as possible.
• Don't stop going up a hill. There's nothing worse than trying to hit the gas while in half way up a hill on an icy road. Go fast enough on a flat section of road before you take on an incline.
• Stay home. If you can postpone your trip – it’s worth it to wait till the weather clears. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can.
On Road Trips
• Check the weather before leaving the house.
• Stay accountable to someone who knows where you are at all times – In a “must leave scenario” keep in touch with friends or family as to your arrival time and destination. Check in with them when you get there.
• Have your car mechanically inspected at a certified facility.
• Road Trip Kit: Cell phone with preprogrammed emergency numbers, blankets, gloves, hats, non-perishable snacks, water and any needed medication you may need.
• In the case of snow, stay with your vehicle. It provides shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to find you. Don't try to walk in a severe storm or in areas where roads or businesses are snowed out.
• Use common sense when trying to push or dig your vehicle out of the snow. (don’t do anything overly strenuous)
• Signal distress. Tie a brightly colored fabric to the antenna or place at the top of a rolled up window to signal alert any roving crews in the event you get stuck. At night, keep the dome light on if it functions. It makes for an easier rescue.
• Make sure the exhaust pipe isn't clogged with snow, ice or mud. Deadly carbon monoxide gas can leak into the passenger compartment with the engine running. If snow is falling throughout the time you are held up, check the exhaust pipe periodically for blockage.
• Insulate. Use floor mats, newspapers or paper maps to create a buffer between you and the cold.
• If possible run the engine and heater just long enough to remove the chill and to conserve gasoline.