Learn about the important Things You Must Do When Driving to Snowy Areas. Winter is in full swing, and cold and snowy everywhere. Driving in snowy weather is an adventure but it is also challenging and dangerous. Winter driving might be a little riskier because many places become slick and wet from rain, snow, and ice.
It means that there is no grip on wet and snowy roads and the car can easily slide so careful driving is advised. The best advice is not to travel in a blizzard, but, if necessary, you need to know which precautions to take and what things you must do when driving to snowy areas that will greatly improve the chances of reaching the destination comfortably and safely.
Things You Must Do When Driving to Snowy Areas:
Table of Contents
Ensure Car is Well Maintained:
During inclement weather, you should check your vehicle thoroughly before your trip to make sure your car is ready to drive in today’s winter weather. First, you should check your tires, brakes, windshield wipers, and lights regularly, and make sure they are all working properly, the engine should be in good condition and the battery has enough power. The alternator and other electronics are also working fine. In addition, during the winter, always keep your gas tank at least halfway full.
Drive Slowly and Smoothly:
If you are traveling on wet, snowy, or icy roads, you must reduce your speed. Speed limits are based on conditions, and if you’re driving through heavy snow, you won’t be able to go as fast as you would on a clear day. You should also be smooth with the steering wheel, accelerator, and brakes. Drivers must slow down to navigate poor visibility and grip surfaces because sudden braking, throttle application, and steering input can cause the vehicle to lose traction and crash.
Pack a winter weather kit:
If you’re driving in the snow, always carry an emergency kit in your car including items like a shovel, ice scraper, jumper cables, flares, flashlight, extra batteries, a blanket, warm clothes, and a first aid kit. That way you’ll be ready for anything that comes your way while driving in the snow and If you get stranded in a snowy area, these items will aid you to stay safe and warm until help arrives.
Install skid chains or snow tires:
If you’re traveling to a snowy area, one of the most suggested things is installing skid chains or a set of snow tires. Roads covered with snow are extremely slippery, thus it’s crucial to have a car with snow tires or chains. Both of these things can increase the vehicle’s grip to prevent skidding, but snow tires have much better skid resistance than chains because winter tires are specially designed to provide better traction and handling, especially in cold weather and on snowy or icy roads.
Know How to Deal with the Skids:
When driving on snowy and icy roads, there is a possibility that you will slip at some point. If you feel your car is skidding, don’t panic, just keep a few important guidelines in mind. First, depress the gas pedal, this will cause the car to slow down and make steering easier. Don’t apply the brakes hard. Instead, lightly yet repeatedly hit the brake pedal. This should help the car lose some traction and slow down. Then, to aid the car move in that direction, turn the wheel in the swerve’s direction. This will stop the car from spinning out.
Read more about Best Car Gadgets
