Top Winter Driving Tips for Safe Travels
Top Winter Driving Tips for Safe Travels
Posted on November 15, 2024
Those long Alberta winters can be tough to get through for drivers, but with a little pre-planning and using the right techniques on the road, you'll be able to stay safe through snow, ice, or anything else the winter weather can throw at you. In this guide, you’ll find handy driving techniques, as well as practical advice on tire selection, safe braking, skid handling, and more to ensure you’re well-prepared for the colder months.
Key Takeaways
- Equip your car with winter tires for better traction and control in cold and snowy conditions.
- Avoid using cruise control to maintain control on slippery roads, and use safe braking and steering techniques to manage skids.
- Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like blankets, non-perishable food, and a flashlight to stay safe if you’re stranded.
- Drive at or below posted speed limits and give plenty of space to other cars to increase stopping distance and maintain safety when changing lanes.
- Make sure your car's exhaust pipe is clear of snow and debris to avoid poisonous carbon monoxide leaking into your vehicle while idling.
Plan Ahead and Stay Informed
Adverse weather conditions significantly contribute to traffic accidents, so planning ahead and staying informed about winter weather and road conditions is very important for safe winter driving. Check the local weather forecast before heading out and listen for traffic updates and alternate routes. Using trusted resources like AMA Road Reports to plan your route and assess driving conditions is also helpful for avoiding dangerous situations and ensuring a safer journey.
Equip Your Car with Winter Tires
Deep tire treads help grip onto packed snow.
Unlike all-season tires, winter tires are specifically engineered for cold weather and snowy conditions, providing better traction and control on snow-covered roads. They remain flexible in temperatures below 7°C, which enhances their grip on icy surfaces. This flexibility helps maintain control in rapidly changing winter conditions.
Installing winter tires in sets of four ensures stability and effective handling on icy surfaces. The right tires make all the difference, whether you’re navigating ice-covered roads or winter storms. Before the first snowfall, swap out all-season tires for reliable winter tires to enjoy better traction and peace of mind on slippery roads.
Safe Braking Techniques
Be wary of your braking distance, especially right after snowfall.
Braking on icy or snowy roads requires a different approach than braking on dry pavement. Stopping on slippery roads takes longer, so using the right techniques is key to maintaining control and safety. Threshold braking, which involves gently squeezing the brake pedal to avoid locking the wheels, is an effective method.
For vehicles equipped with anti lock brakes, apply firm, consistent pressure to the brake pedal. ABS prevents the wheels from locking, allowing you to steer while braking.
Experienced drivers often use the heel-and-toe method to manage skids. Using the heel to stabilize the foot while pumping the brakes with the toes helps regain control without slamming on the brakes. Panic braking can lead to loss of control; always brake gently and steadily.
Handling Skids
Drifting - only fun when you're expecting it to happen.
Skids are almost inevitable on icy roads, but knowing how to handle them can prevent minor slips from becoming major mishaps. The key is to remain calm and avoid any sudden movements, focusing instead on gentle acceleration and smooth steering to regain and maintain control over your vehicle.
When your car understeers, the front tires lose grip, and it just keeps going straight even if you're trying to turn. If this happens, simply ease off the gas and gently steer in the direction you want to go.
Oversteer is when the back of your car decides to swing out, usually because you turned too fast on snow or ice. To fix this, steer into the skid and give it a little gas to regain traction. It's all about staying calm and keeping control!
If you're driving a manual transmission vehicle, shifting to a lower gear will help you reduce your speed without relying solely on the brakes, lowering the chances of skidding.
In addition, gradually engaging the clutch after acceleration prevents wheelspin on slippery surfaces. These methods are particularly useful for rear-wheel drive vehicles, where steering slightly in the opposite direction of the skid can prevent spinning out.
Try practicing these techniques in an empty parking lot to get a feel for your car’s behaviour on slippery roads.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
Keeping warm both inside and outside your vehicle is key to safe winter driving.
Driving safely in the winter means preparing for the unexpected. Travel with a full tank of gas to ensure warmth and mobility if you get stuck. Keep your cell phone charged and have a charging cable in the vehicle to stay connected. Having a well-stocked emergency kit can also be a lifesaver if you find yourself stranded in a snowstorm or icy conditions, allowing you to handle winter weather with confidence. This kit should include essential items like:
- Gloves and hats to keep warm in cold weather.
- Blankets for added warmth and comfort.
- A first aid kit for handling minor injuries.
- A small shovel for digging out of snow.
- Booster cables for jump-starting your vehicle.
- A flashlight with extra batteries for visibility.
- Non-perishable food items like energy bars.
- Water bottles designed to withstand freezing temperatures.
- A fire extinguisher for fire emergencies.
- A whistle for signaling for help.
Monitor Tire Pressure
Whether you have all-season or snow tires, keeping them properly inflated ensures better performance and safer driving.
Regularly check your tire pressure, especially in the winter months, as part of your routine maintenance. Tire pressure decreases as temperatures drop, losing approximately 0.1 bar for every 10°C, so keeping a close eye on your tires will be a massive help in maintaining optimal traction on snowy and icy roads.
Maintain Visibility
A clear windshield will help you see any potential road hazards quicker and easier.
It is very important to have clear visibility when driving in bad weather. Before hitting the road, ensure all ice and snow are cleared from your windshield, windows, and lights.
In addition, make sure to replace wiper blades that leave streaks and choose a windshield washer fluid that is rated for extreme cold to prevent freezing. Finally, turn on your car lights, even during the daytime, to improve visibility and help other drivers see you.
Adjust Speed and Following Distance
Leaving more than two cars' worth of space between you and another vehicle will give you more time to react to sudden stops.
Driving at reduced speeds and giving ample space for passing vehicles prevents loss of control on slippery roads, allowing you more time to react and reducing the risk of accidents. Increasing the distance between your vehicle and others is also important, as braking distances on icy surfaces can more than double those on dry roads. Leaving more space allows ample time to stop safely, minimizing the risk of collisions.
Avoid Using Cruise Control
While handy, cruise control can be dangerous in winter conditions. Encountering black ice or other slippery conditions while using cruise control can lead to loss of control if hydroplaning occurs. To avoid this, ensure that you are using manual control when driving in bad weather and focus on maintaining a safe speed.
Understand Your Vehicle's Drivetrain
Your vehicle's ability to handle winter conditions can depend largely on its drivetrain. Front-wheel drive vehicles generally offer superior traction in snowy and icy conditions due to better weight distribution. Rear-wheel drive vehicles can be more challenging to control, but placing heavy items in the trunk helps enhance traction.
Furthermore, with rear-wheel drive vehicles, take things slow to prevent fishtailing. Practicing in empty parking lots helps understand your car’s behaviour on slippery roads and prepares you for real conditions.
Use Proper Gear and Techniques
Driving in a lower gear will help your car grip the road more effectively.
Modern vehicles with automatic transmission often include a manual mode to adapt to low traction and provide better control. Driving in the proper gear and using safe driving techniques is key for safe winter driving. Shifting to a lower gear greatly improves traction and control during extreme weather.
In addition, shifting to a lower gear when driving downhill in snow or ice also helps to maintain slower speeds without relying solely on braking. These techniques are essential for maintaining control and ensuring safe driving in challenging conditions.
Keep Exhaust Pipe Clear
A blocked exhaust pipe can be a severely dangerous hazard when driving in extreme weather, as an exhaust pipe that is clogged with snow while idling can allow carbon monoxide to enter the vehicle. You can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by keeping the exhaust pipe clear of snow and slightly opening a window for fresh air if the car is idling.
Before starting your engine, ensure that snow is cleared away from the car and the exhaust pipe. These simple precautions can prevent deadly carbon monoxide buildup and ensure your safety while idling in winter conditions.
Know When to Stay Off the Road
The weather has no consideration for your plans, sometimes it's better to stay inside.
While ensuring that your car is properly equipped for winter weather and using proper driving techniques can help you stay safe in low temperatures, sometimes the best decision is not to drive at all. Refrain from driving during severe winter storms and extreme weather unless absolutely necessary. Driving in such conditions significantly increases accident risk and should be avoided if possible.
If weather conditions worsen while you are already on the road, find a rest area or safe place to stop rather than continuing to drive. Postpone travel plans during inclement weather to enhance road safety. Knowing when to stay off the road is the first step for safe winter driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I avoid black ice?
Make sure your tires have good grip on the road. Black ice often appears on roads near water bodies such as lakes and rivers, as well as in tunnels, shady spots, or rural areas. It is also commonly found on bridges and overpasses.
How do I drive uphill in the winter?
Adding more gas on snow-covered roads will only cause your wheels to spin. Instead, build up some momentum before you approach the hill and let that momentum help you reach the top. Once you're at the hill's peak, decrease your speed and descend slowly.
How do I move a car that's stuck in the snow?
If your car gets stuck in the snow, you can use items like sandbags, salt, dirt, or even kitty litter to help. Scatter a few handfuls beneath your tires to enhance traction, then try accelerating again. Additionally, remember to disable traction control when you're stuck in snow.
How slow should I drive on ice?
As a general guideline, it's advisable to reduce your speed when driving, particularly if you're not accustomed to navigating black ice. Keeping your speed below 45 mph is recommended for safety, though the exact speed should be adjusted based on the road's ice coverage and traction conditions.