How do you drive in the snow?

Question

I have an '03 Eclipse with front wheel drive, new brakes, and new tires. The tires have helped a lot, but people here in Michigan swear that I still don't know how to drive in the snow (I moved from suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where anything over 2 inches generally means no one goes to work). Some tips?

Getting another vehicle isn't an option, and I do not live far from work so sometimes I can get a ride...but I would like to know how to drive in the snow. For example, I'd love to go get groceries right now...!

Answer 1

well you generally drive considerably slower (especially if you aren't used to driving in those conditions), and unless you have ABS brakes (anti-lock braking system), then you should pump (press lightly on your breaks many times quickly) if you begin to slide at all. This will ensure that you don't wear out your brake pads by overusing/overexerting them and it will be easier to control your car and stop sooner. (ABS brakes does this for you when you are beginning to slide).
Drive confidently and be calm while driving, yet aware of the obvious dangers (white outs from snow, not enough traction, reduced visibility) and the hidden ones (like black ice or icy conditions hidden underneath the snow)....these tips should help! good luck and happy holidays (Now, go get those groceries! :))

AND...you Do Not need Chains on your tires in 2 inches of snow! have some conficence and improve your abilities :)

Answer 2

Biker77 has the right idea. Go someplace closed, and out of the way, get in your car, and drive. Accelerate, break, turn your wheels sharply, let the car get away from you. Learn to sense when the vehicle is about to go loose, turn into the direction of the slide. Observe the way your car behaves in different situations. Take the time, loose control, recover, start again. I did this when i was 14 (legal driving age at the time) and i have never once been stuck or stranded nor lost control in ice. Its much better to loose control in an empty parking lot going 20 mph than on the freeway doing 60.

Answer 3

Everyone can give you their "expert" opinions on this, but really the only way to do it, is find a empty lot that you can practice in. You need to learn the capabilities of YOUR car. Being front wheel drive you have alot going for you w/ the weight of the engine on your front tires. Just remember its generally not going thats the problem its stopping. Snow chains or studded snow tires would help you greatly. Good luck.

Answer 4

If you start to skid, take your foot off the gas, DON'T hit the brakes, if you have a clutch, don't push the clutch pedal in--the clutch will help slow you down--turn your steering wheel very slowly--most people tend to overcorrect in a skid.
In Arkansas, where my parents live, they just go home and wait for the snow to melt. If I did that, I wouldn't leave the house from Dec.-March. Hmmm, maybe that's a good idea!
Mostly, just give yourself extra time. Another good idea is to find a large empty parking lot and practice skidding.
Some driving schools offer classes for driving in snow.
Finally, keep the rubber side (the tires) down!

Answer 5

I drive a full-size Dodge pickup, so it's quite a bit bigger than most of the othe vehicles on the road. I didn't buy it for the gas mileage... In the snowI try to leave extra room around me at all times, but it seems that if there's room for another vehicle, some idiot will try to wedge his car in. Then, because I am suddenly on his bumper, I get rude gestures and swearing. What's with you people and your little cars? Do you all have a Napoleon complex? Please try to learn that driving is serious business and use some common sense.

Back to your question:
Take it easy on the starts and leave extra space with you're stopping. Remember that if your tires spin when you're starting, they will most likely slide when you're stopping. Pay extra attention to the traffic around you and do your best to blend into it. Don't drive so slow that you become a hazard.

Answer 6

Hello from Canada!! Ok, the easiest way is to drive very sloooow. Don't ever slam on the brakes. Just ease your way into a very sloooowly stop!!
If you always do this. You should never have a problem.
Look out for the rest of the cars on the road. Biggest problem is that they drive fast in snow. So be careful of the other cars.

Answer 7

The only answer I can really give is experience. Maybe if you move to Canada for a winter: then you'll be able to go over the speed limit in six inches of snow without chains, snow tires, or accidents.

Answer 8

Best answer is buy chains. Alternatively, you should consider trading in the Eclipse for an SUV or truck with 4-wheel drive.

I was driving back from Bend, OR last Thanksgiving when my truck hit an ice patch on the highway and slid left (sideways) into the other lane. I got control, switched to four-wheel drive and was able to make it out of Bend without sliding again.

Answer 9

Here's a tip. DO THIS IN AN EMPTY PARKING LOT.
Get a glass with a small bottom, fill it 3/4. Place the glass with water on top of the dash. Drive, make turns, stops and starts without spilling the water.
If you can do this you can drive in snow with no problems. Just drive like the glass of water is on the dash.

Answer 10

One important thing to remember is that your car will not steer if your front wheels aren't turning. Sometimes it is better to let go of the brakes and hit the snowbank, than to go sliding through a busy intersection.