Any tips for driving in the snow?

Question

We got about 2 inches of snow yesterday morning, and while the roads look pretty clear I assume there's a reason that most of the schools in the area are closed today. I've lived in California since I was 11, so while I've seen plenty of snow before, I've never had to drive in it. Anything I should know before driving in snow for the first time?

Answer 1

just go slow and you'll be fine. stay off the highways if they have snow on them. keep your lights on and wipers, too. stay a good distance away (1 car length=10 mph.) and brake ahead of time. It's really not that difficult, especially in light snow, but if you have a RWD car it can be harder.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

The city lacks the infrastructure to properly deal with snowy roads (salt, plows, etc). The same amount of snow would barely cause a delay in PA.

Now that the afternoon sun has been out the snow and ice may have melted away.

Hopefully your car has 4-wheel drive and good all-terrain tires with good tread. Take your time and don't rush. (Stay at the speed limit or below). If you feel yourself starting to fishtail (the back end is trying to come forward) turn into it (ie: if the back end is swinging right, turn the steering wheel right).

Watch out for black ice (you can't really see it, but you may run into a suddenly slick patch)

Mostly, watch out for other drivers. They will seem to have suddenly forgotten how to drive.

Be careful out there

Answer 4

Rule number one: NEVER go out on the roadway unless you absolutely have to.

Rule number two: Check Cal Trans for any ice/snow advisory--some areas may require chains.

Rule number three: drive with your headlights on

Rule number four: ADJUST YOUR SPEED TO THE CONDITIONS OF THE ROADWAY. Just because the speed limit says 55 doesn't mean it's safe to drive 55, and this number represents clear weather & road conditions. Drive your car in the lowest possible gear.

Rule number five: if you hit ice, don't panic and hit your brakes--it will only make things worse. steer the car the direction it is headed---honk your horn so motorists know you are in trouble & they can take steps to avoid you...be sure to take your foot off the gas.

Rule number six: if it starts snowing be sure to use your wipers--if it snows hard, pull over to a safe place and wait it out.

Rule number seven: NEVER go out on the roadway unless you absolutely have to.

Answer 5

the key to driving in the snow in momentum.

if you have to get up a snow covered hill you cant creep up it, you should get as much speed as you can and try to coast up it and maintain a constant speed. acceleration and stoping are the hardist things to do. if you start sliding get off the brakes and use the stearing as "skis" till tou regain traction.

its easy as long as your not scared. the best thing to do esp. since the schools are closed is go to a large parking lot, try to find one you are familar with and drive at various speeds and try to turn learn the limits of the car in the snow prectis stoping and pulling out. all cars/trucks act diffrent in the snow, its all about knowing the car you are driving.

good luck be safe

Answer 6

preparation. carry a safety kit: emergency blanket, flares ,flashlight,bottled water kitty litter(4 traction if u r stuck)
4 driving: quadruple your stopping distance,keep a full gas tank
keep windows free of ice,accelerate smoothly & slowly. do not pump abs brakes,if the temp is below freezing watch out 4
black ice. black ice is clear so even though the road looks clear
it is still very slick .most of all if ,if you don't have to drive
STAY HOME.

Answer 7

go slow steady speed ,give yourself plenty of room .tap your brakes don't hold down the pedal.if you go into a slide turn the opposite way your car is going.when going over a bridge if roads are frozen do not touch your brakes, unless you absolutely have to or you could go into a deadly spin. other than that go slow and steady .

Answer 8

real simple: drive slower, stay in lane, make predictable moves and always use blinker, and decelerate earlier than normal when slowing or coming to stop, try to use breaks only to stop slow roll.
Always remember people in 4X4 think then can drive like normal, it can't be further from the truth, 4 moving wheels help with traction, but do nothing when jamming on the breaks.

Answer 9

go to an empty parking lot, see how your car handles & practice.

you need to get used to the way your particular car handles in the snow/ice. practice drivng, stopping & turning & you will begin to know your cars limits

hope this helps,

ss

Answer 10

these ******* with 4X4 think they can do anything drive over the speed limit in the snow DUMB *** PEOPLE 4X4 gives you a bit of help and in ice 1,000,000 wheel drive wont do **** drive carefully and slowly