Does driving in snow intimidate you? If so, then read on to find out how to do it safely.
At Hansma Automotive, we have over 25 years of experience in the automotive repair industry and we'd love to share our expertise with you.
We will take a look at the top 10 tips to keep you safe when you are driving in snow. So let's get started.
Learn tips for driving in snow to keep you safe
Top 10 Tips for Driving in Snow
Here are our top ten pieces of advice to keep you safe while driving in snow this winter.
Tip #1: Slow Down
Probably the number one tip for driving in snow is to slow down. When there is snow or ice on the road, your tires have less traction making it more difficult to stay in control, especially at higher speeds. It is a good idea to adjust your speed to match the current road conditions.
Tip #2: Install Winter Tires
Even though this isn't a driving tip strictly speaking, installing winter tires will make driving in snow much safer. A good set of winter tires will give you much more traction in the snow, slush, and ice than your regular or all-season radials and help you to be more in control in winter conditions. It really is quite incredible, the difference snow tires can make for your winter driving.
Snow tires will give you better traction than all-season radials
Tip #3: Don't Make Jerky Movements
When you are driving in snow, one of the worst things that you can do is make sudden or jerky movements with your steering wheel. When you make a sudden movement on your steering wheel, you are more likely to start to skid as your tires already have a very tenuous grip on the road and they will more likely lose that grip if you jerk your wheel.
Gently steer your vehicle to avoid losing this grip. Stay calm and imagine that you have a hot cup of coffee in your lap that you don't want to spill and steer accordingly.
Tip #4: Accelerate and Decelerate Slowly
Similar to our previous tip of not jerking your steering wheel, you also want to accelerate and decelerate more slowly when you are driving in snow. When you take off, apply the gas gradually so that you avoid skidding.
When you are approaching a traffic light or stop sign, take your foot off the gas ahead of time to begin your stop sooner than you normally would. When you apply your brakes do it gently and gradually. Intersections can be especially messy to cross, so take your time and gradually pull away when the light turns green.
Take your foot off the gas when approaching an intersection to help you slow down
Tip #5: Keep Going on Hills
Never stop your vehicle partway up a hill. It is almost impossible to get going again on an icy or snowy incline. As you are approaching a hill, get a bit of inertia going on the flat road before the hill and then let that momentum carry you up the hill using a slower but steady speed. Then reduce your speed as you come down the hill.
Tip #6: Stay Back from Other Vehicles
It is a good practice to increase your following distances to 5 or 6 seconds. Having a longer distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you will give you the extra time needed to make a stop. If you have to make a stop, having space will allow you to do so without hitting the car in front of you.
While driving in snow stay back from other vehicles
Tip #7: If You Start to Skid, Don't Hit the Brakes
No matter how careful you are, there will probably come a time when your car starts to skid. Your first instinct will probably be to hit the brake, but don't do it. Stay calm and do the following:
Front-wheel skids:
When your front tires lose traction and starts to turn in a wide arc, take your foot off the gas. In a few seconds your tires should regain traction. When they do, steer your vehicle in the direction that you want to go.
Rear-wheel skids:
When your rear wheels lose traction and your vehicle start to spin, ease off on the gas and don't apply the brakes. If your rear wheels are turning to the left then gently turn your steering wheel to the left; if your rear wheels are turning to the right then gently turn your steering wheel to the right. As you regain traction, then you can start steering in your original direction.
The following video will show you how to get out of a skid.
Learn how to correct a skid on an icy road
Tip #8: Use Your Anti-Lock Brakes Effectively
Most newer vehicles come with anti-lock brakes. This type of braking system uses an onboard computer that will help you brake in extreme weather conditions. If you need to stop as quickly as possible to avoid a collision or if you are in a skid from which you can't steer out of then apply your brakes and keep the pedal pressed down.
You might notice a shudder from your ABS brakes when you active them, but this is normal. Don't lift off the pedal when it starts to vibrate. The great thing about ABS systems is that you can keep steering around objects while you are still braking. Your vehicle's computer will automatically adjust the braking force on each of your wheels so that you can slow down and steer at the same time.
The following video will demonstrate how ABS brakes work.
ABS brakes allow you to maneuver while still braking
Tip #9: If the Snow Is Really Bad, Stay Home
There are times when the weather is so bad that it simply makes sense to stay at home. Even if you are an excellent driver, there are certain weather conditions such as white-outs, drifting snow, and freezing rain that make it impossible to stay safe on the roads.
In addition, you may be able to handle those conditions, but there may be others trying to drive who aren't as experienced and could cause an accident. During extremely bad winter weather, only go out if it is absolutely necessary.
Tip #10: Keep Your Vehicle Well-Maintained
Our final tip for driving in snow is to make sure that you keep your vehicle well-maintained. You should make sure you vehicle is in good repair, especially during the winter months when being stranded is particularly dangerous. Make sure that:
Your tires are properly inflated
That you have kept up with the regular maintenance on your vehicle
That your snow tires have plenty of tread on them
You have a winter survival kit in your car
Trust Hansma to Get Your Car Ready for Driving in Snow
If you live in the Kitchener-Waterloo region and you want to get your vehicle ready for driving in snow, Hansma Automotive can help. You can trust Hansma with all of your car’s maintenance and repairs.
As a Tech-Net professional auto repair facility, Hansma Automotive is committed to serving you, our customer, with professional auto service repair at a reasonable cost.
We use quality CARQUEST auto parts, guaranteed coast to coast. We stand on sound business principles and uphold high ethical standards. Our goal is to make your automotive repair experience friendly and successful.
By providing good, old-fashioned customer service over the years, Hansma Automotive has gained a loyal following in the community.
Hundreds of area residents have come to depend on our team, rely on the technical expertise of our friendly staff to keep their family vehicles in peak running condition. Book an appointment now.
"Great place, friendly staff and the only place I trust my car with now. I highly recommend this place. Trustworthy" - Arash Tehrani
"Great service and prices! Thanks guys" - Michael Vang