Essential Tips for Driving Safely in Snow and Ice

Essential Tips for Driving Safely in Snow and Ice.

When it comes to driving in harsh winter weather, it can be pretty tricky. If the conditions are really bad, it’s often smarter to skip driving altogether unless you absolutely have to go somewhere.

However, if you find yourself needing to hit the road in snow or ice, just make sure you’re fully prepared for it.

What should I always have in the car when driving in snow and ice?

Give yourself some extra time before hitting the road to de-ice your car, and be ready for longer travel times.

Check out traffic updates and try to stick to main roads, as they’re usually treated better for snow and ice. Steer clear of those back roads.

Dress warmly and wear comfy shoes. Bring along a coat, hat, gloves, solid boots, and a blanket to stay cozy if you end up stuck or need to step out of your car.

And don’t forget your sunglasses if it’s sunny out!

Grab some snacks like chocolate and cookies, plus some water and a warm drink if you can swing it.

Make sure your phone is fully charged and don’t forget any meds you might need.

Bring along a shovel for snow removal and some old carpet pieces or cat litter to help with traction if you get stuck.

What’s the best way to get your car ready for driving in snowy and icy conditions?

Think about getting winter tires for better traction, especially if you live in a place that gets a lot of snow.

If you're using regular tires, check that they're properly inflated and have at least 3mm of tread left.

Batteries tend to drain faster in the winter, so try to take longer drives to keep yours in good shape, or you might want to invest in a trickle charger to prevent it from dying.

Always keep your windshield washer fluid full and use the right mix of antifreeze to avoid freezing issues.

If there's a chance your wipers might freeze overnight, slide some cardboard between the blades and the windshield.

Make sure your gas tank is full, so if you get stuck, you have enough fuel to stay warm or make it home.

And if you do find yourself in a jam, ensure that snow isn’t blocking the exhaust, as harmful fumes could seep into the car.

How should you drive in snow and ice?

Make sure to clear all the snow and ice off your windscreen, windows, and the roof of your car before you hit the road.

Avoid using boiling water to melt ice on your windscreen; it can crack the glass, and the water will just freeze again on the screen or on the ground where you're standing.

Check that your lights are free of snow and functioning properly.

If you're driving a manual car, start in second gear and gently lift the clutch to prevent wheel spin. Stick to a higher gear for better control as you gain speed.

Many automatic vehicles have a "snow" or "winter" mode. Take a look at your manual for more info.

Keep your speed in check: going too fast can lead to losing control, while driving too slowly might cause you to lose momentum when you need it.

Brake, steer, and accelerate smoothly, and try not to depend on your brakes to stop.

Keep in mind that stopping distances can be up to 10 times longer in snowy and icy conditions.

Keep a bigger gap between your car and the one ahead than you normally do.

When you're on the highways, stick to the lane that's the least snowy, icy, or slushy, and try to follow the tire tracks if possible.

If your car gets stuck in snow or ice, what steps should you take?

If you find yourself stuck, don’t keep spinning your wheels; that’ll just make things worse.

Grab a shovel and clear the snow from under your tires. You can also toss some cat litter, sand, or gravel in front of the wheels to help them grip.

Try switching between forward and reverse, giving the gas pedal a gentle tap until you start moving again.

If your car won’t budge, you can keep warm by running the engine, but make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t blocked by snow. Otherwise, you could let in dangerous carbon monoxide.

If there’s any chance of fumes getting inside, don’t run the engine. And even when it’s safe, limit it to 10 or 15 minutes each hour.

Stay inside or close to your vehicle.

In heavy snow, it’s easy to lose your bearings or get separated from your car. Consider tying a bright piece of cloth to your vehicle so you or others can spot it easily.

Driving in snow and ice requires preparation and caution. Avoid driving in severe conditions unless necessary. Equip your car with essentials like a shovel, blanket, snacks, and winter gear. Prepare your vehicle with winter tires, a full gas tank, and de-iced windows. Drive cautiously: use second gear to start, maintain low speeds, and avoid sudden braking.

RELATED: Budget-Friendly Ways to Stay Warm This Winter.

Increase stopping distances and follow tire tracks on main roads. If stuck, clear snow around tires, use cat litter for traction, and avoid spinning wheels. Stay close to your vehicle and ensure the exhaust is clear if running the engine for warmth. Safety first!