Any advice for a first-time winter driver?

Question

So, today was our first big snowstorm in Wisconsin, and I don't think I did so hot. Almost went into a ditch 3 times and nearly rear ended our high school janitor at a stop sign.

Does anyone have any hints, tips, or tricks that I can do to help me out with these snowy conditions?

Answer 1

Driving during the winter months can be intimidating, especially if one grew up in an area that rarely received snow. Contrary to a popular opinion, it is possible to drive anywhere in the snow safely, so long as the roads are passable.


There is a general rule when it comes to driving in the snow. Everything slows down, and I don’t mean only vehicle speeds. To drive successfully in any winter weather condition that results in slippery roads, such as snow or sleet, every driver needs to keep a few key safety tips in mind.

First, a vehicle cannot slow down and stop rapidly. Remember, everything slows down. On dry roads, automobiles depend upon their brakes to reduce their speed and fiction between the tires and the road to reduce their momentum and stop. On snow-covered roads there is significantly less fiction between the tires and the road, and therefore it takes longer for the vehicle to lose its momentum and come to a complete stop. So, if a driver rapidly applied his brakes on a snow-covered road, his vehicle is very likely to go into a slide. The severity of the vehicle’s slide would depend upon the amount of forward momentum present when the vehicle’s tires broke free from the little remaining friction between them and the road. There is a method for slowing a vehicle safely in the snow. This requires the driver to apply the brakes with a pumping fashion. By pumping the brakes, this action reduces the vehicle’s momentum without giving the vehicle’s tires ample time to break free of the friction between them and the road. Also, remember that since everything slows down, coming to a complete stop will take a greater distance than during dry road conditions.


Next, if a vehicle cannot stop rapidly, a vehicle cannot start rapidly. Any attempts to accelerate suddenly on snow will always result in the vehicle’s tires spinning freely. Rapid acceleration while on a snow-covered highway, such as an attempt to pass, is equally bad and can result in the vehicle spinning out of control. Remember, since everything slows down, take it easy on the accelerator pedal and only increase the vehicle’s speed slowly.


One other driving technique that needs to slow down is swerving, or sudden lane changes. Swerving on a snow-covered road is a one-way ticket to either an accident or the ditch. When driving on a snow-covered road, especially a highway, the only safe way to change lanes is nice and slow. It is very common for a mound of snow to build up between the traffic lanes before the plows have had time to totally clear the road. Any vehicle that swerves into one of these snow mounds has an increased chance of spinning out of control. This has to do with the angle between the tires and the snow mound plus the vehicle’s forward momentum. Slowly changing lanes reduces this angle and therefore increases the odds of successfully making the lane change.


The last and most important rule has to do with driving on snow and ice-covered roads. Any changing of direction, such as changing lanes or turning corners, must be done without acceleration. This requires the driver to allow their vehicle’s momentum to carry it through the direction change. In the case of changing lanes on the highway, simply let off the gas pedal and let the vehicle slowly coast to the other lane. A similar principle goes with turning corners in town. Ease off the gas and let the vehicle turn powered by its momentum. If turning a corner for a complete stop, use as little acceleration as possible. In some extremely snowy cases, rolling through a stop sign is necessary if there is a possibility of not getting the vehicle rolling again. This is not recommended, however, if attempted, this should be done with the utmost of caution. Using momentum to power a vehicle through a direction change on a snow-covered road is to minimize the chances of having the vehicle’s tires break free of the friction between them and the road. By turning the vehicle’s front wheels away from the direction parallel to the vehicle’s forward momentum, the chances of the vehicle’s tires breaking free and sending itself sliding out of control increase greatly.

Answer 2

Slow down! You don't have the traction or the control of your vehicle while driving on snow or ice that you did on dry pavement.

I used to teach winter driving classes for new drivers at my military base in the northern USA. The first thing I told drivers that had no experience in driving in winter conditions, is to do everything in slow motion... slow acceleration, gentle turns, gentle braking. Leave more space between your car and the one in front of you... Pump your brakes when coming to a stop (not required if your car has ABS)

If your car is rear-wheel drive and has an automatic transmission, it's a good practice to shift into neutral when approaching a stop sign (less than 5 MPH.) If the road is icy, your front wheels may lock up and skid, while your rear wheels will continue to push you past the stop sign and into the intersection.

Answer 3

If your car is rear-wheel-drive (RWD)....
1) Full tank of gas, depending on your tank's positioning. Mine is right behind the rear axle, and that extra 200lbs (35 gallons of gasoline) helps a lot in traction
2) Aggressive tires. Touring tires are a deathwish, you need the more aggressive tires, or winter tires. I just put a set of Trail Mark Radial APR's on mine two weeks ago, and they do a good job.
3) Don't rely solely on ABS -- it doesn't help in every situation. If you can tell your tires are skidding, pump the brakes.
4) At an intersection, leave about a car's length ahead of you, so you can slowly roll forward to get moving.
5) Make sure you have jumper cables and a tow rope, as well as an extra coat/gloves in your trunk, just in case.
6) Take turns without accelerating, and as wide as you can reasonably allow. Remember, your front wheels are leaning and not facing quite the same direction in a turn.
7) Especially on a RWD vehicle in turns, your rear tires are trying to push your straight forward, and your front tires are trying to change that. Take it carefully.

Overall.... drive slower, and leave a LOT of space for stopping -- I drove my mom's fullsize van, and it took over a block to come to a complete stop from 30mph. We can't change the brakes because Explorer Conversion put fancy-*** rims on that don't work with our tire iron.

Answer 4

You can actually take a class in winter driving.

I'd highly recommend it. They'll teach you all the tricks, and you'll be able to actually practice getting yourself out of a slide. The class only takes a couple of weeks, and could be well worth it if you live in a snowy area.

Answer 5

Slow down, that is a plus. Always be prepared to brake. Don't follow too closely to others. If they have to stop, you don't want to rear end them! And, as in any weather........don't talk on a cell phone, or text message while driving.

Answer 6

What tires do you have on your car? If you have summer touring tires, not winter or all-season with the M&S logo, you need new tires, fast.
Otherwise, slow down, make all decisions regarding stops, starts, and turns earlier, if possible, book a lesson or two with an experienced winter driver.
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/winterdrive/winterdrive.htm
http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/popular-topics/driver_info/winter/winrd1.htm

Answer 7

hey brother! me too! (I live in Manitowoc county) and this was my first time today also! I would say you should load up your trunk (if its a rear wheel drive car) with sandbags, to make your tires grip better. You could also put snow tires on your car. Personally, I like sliding around in the snow... lol

good luck!

Answer 8

be real careful and stay alert. slow down. it is one of the most dangersous conditions to drive in. you can slide with your brakes. so careful. go to an empty parking lot and practice.

Answer 9

go to a parking and practice stopping, first slow down and second dont get in a hurry and if it get realy bad out stay home