What do I need for driving in snow and to get ready for winter?

Question

We moved from Vegas to Denver, as some of you know.. and before that we lived in Southern California. We have never had to deal with snow.

I woke up this morning to about 1 1/2 inches on my car and it doesn't look too bad. However I just realized I am not ready for winter...

What do I need to get for driving in the snow as well as what is important for car care during snowy winter months?

Any insight would be great!

Answer 1

New antifreeze. Winter grade oil. Sand/cat litter. Make sure you always have gas in the tank to keep the lines from freezing. Good snow tires, perhaps chains depending on accumulation. A scraper, brush and a remote car starter is a huge bonus. The car is warm and easy to scrape when you come out in the morning.

Answer 2

I would suggest that you purchase a good set of snow tires, and have them installed, also purchase a set of snow chains or two sets if you have a four whell drive and have them show you how they are installed and used.
I would also reccomend the purchase of a set of Blue fog lights mounted under the bumper for snow driving, regular headlights just make it a bright white blur while driving in the snow, but blue lights make the snow real easy to see in and allot easier to drive in, Also you should have a saftey kit in the car with spare food, canned, can opener, blankets, jumper cables, tow strap, first aid kit, matches, flares, and flashlight at a minimum. In the event that you should become stranded on the road or in a ditch you don't freeze to death or starve. Or if the car won't start, or you need to stop and render first aid.
For the most part driving in denver is not to bad, they keep the road pretty clean and will post advisory's when they are not able to keep up. You should slow down and take your time, always remember that there could be ice under the snow pack or black ice on the road way even though it looks clear.
Keep a safe 4 seconds behind other cars, if and when possible in denver traffic, and just use common sense.
It's a beautiful place to live, I spent many years there.
Best Regards

Answer 3

I have lived in Iowa my whole life, and we have snow and ice every year. Snow really isn't too bad, as long as you just go slow and don't make any sudden starts, stops, or turns. Its ice you have to look out for, cause there's really nothing you can do to stay steady on ice.

For the cold winter months, just make sure your car has the proper level of fluids. Perhaps check them monthly (or more often if they have a history of leaking at all). Also, make sure your tire pressure and tire tread is in good condition so you can get the best traction.

Answer 4

Most of the places you will drive will have the snow plowed or worn off by the time you get to them, unless you absolutely can not delay driving.
If you will be driving in snow a bunch, you need to buy a set of 4 snow tires (not for the spare), and to avoid damage taking them on and off the rims - a set of wheels for them. If you have a front wheel drive car, you only need 2. At some point in the fall, you change to the snow tires and change back in the spring. These are not studded tires, just a more aggressive tread.
You need to buy chains or equivalent and learn how to put them on and take them off. In part because there are places in Colorado you can't go unless you have a set and in part because it is just common sense. I prefer a set of full chains, but there are clamp on devices - ask your neighbors or auto supply stores in the area to show you choices.
You need to put blankets and a supply of chewy, high calorie rescue food in the car in case you still get caught along with a small shovel and a bag of sand.
If you are used to punching the gas to get out of problems, you need to practice moderation, first in a snowy parking lot and then on a short packed snow hill. You can dig yourself in with spinning tires and get out of a similar situation by simply letting the gas idle and the wheels slowy turn.

Answer 5

A good set of winter tires is a **** idea and make sure you have your antifreeze tested as it may need to be stronger since you have moved from such warm climates and just take your time and slow down and drive to your ability and the road conditions until you feel more comfortable driving in snow

Answer 6

I hate driving in snow, so I can see where you are concerned. Try keeping a check on your antifreeze level and temperature it can tolerate. Chains for the tires may help as well for good traction. A really good scraper, maybe one with a wide blade and maybe a hand warmer as well, nothing like scraping ice and snow and trying to keep your hands warm as well. Just keep an eye on your car maintenance wise. Good luck!!

Answer 7

See what the neighbours do. I had a spare set of wheels with studded winter tyres which I could put on when it was bad. When you are at 6000 feet you will have a hard winter.
Also up the concentration of anti-freeze & get a winter grade of oil in there.

Answer 8

Snow tires or chains
Salt for melting show and ice
kitty litter for traction if you get stuck
Anti freeze is needed
depending on your altitude your car may need adjusting
go slow, don't rush

Answer 9

driving in the snow is fine.. usually you need to get all of the snow off of your car before you start to drive. also don't drive in TO deep of snow. one and a half is OK , but if it gets any deeper make sure to shovel out your driveway! :D