Driving in winter comes with its own set of challenges: icy or snowy roads, reduced visibility, and longer stopping distances among the few. This article will prepare you to drive safely no matter the weather conditions, so keep reading! (For any questions or help with auto insurance this winter, call Insure On The Spot at 773-202-5060.)
How Can I Prepare My Car for Safe Winter Driving?
You should start by checking the weather forecast and planning your travel around major storms – if a blizzard or ice storm is expected, consider postponing non-essential trips until roads are clear.
Next, get your car winter-ready with some basic maintenance and equipment:
- Tires: Make sure your tires have good tread depth and are properly inflated. The adequate tread is at least 4/32 inch and it’s critical for traction on snow. If you live in an area with heavy snow or ice, consider switching to winter tires for the season, as they provide better grip in cold conditions. At minimum, ensure your all-season tires are in top shape; worn tires are dangerous on slick roads.
- Battery and Fluids: Cold weather can strain your battery, so have it tested or replaced if it’s older or weak. Top off your antifreeze (engine coolant) and use winter-grade oil if recommended for your vehicle. Also fill up on washer fluid with antifreeze properties so your windshield spray won’t freeze.
- Wipers, Defrosters and Lights: Check that your windshield wipers are in good condition or install winter wiper blades that resist ice buildup. Verify your defroster and heater work well – you’ll need them for visibility and comfort. Ensure all your lights (headlights, tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, hazard lights) are functioning and clear of debris. In snowy weather, use low-beam headlights during the day so you can see and be seen by others.
- Gas and Exhaust: Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times in winter. A fuller tank helps prevent the fuel lines from freezing and ensures you have enough fuel if you get stuck in traffic or snow. Also, before starting out, check that your exhaust pipe is clear of snow or ice – a blocked tailpipe can cause dangerous carbon monoxide to leak into the car when the engine is running.
- Clear All Snow and Ice: Before driving, fully clear your vehicle of snow and ice, including the windshield, windows, mirrors, roof, hood, and lights. This isn’t just for your visibility; it prevents large chunks of snow/ice from flying off and hitting other cars or obscuring your windshield while driving. Use a good scraper/brush and take the time to do it right. Also clear snow from your shoes to avoid them slipping off the pedals.
Winter Emergency Kit Essentials
Even if you’re just commuting in the city, carry an emergency kit in case you get stranded or stuck. Include a snow shovel and ice scraper, jumper cables, a flashlight (and extra batteries), road flares or reflective triangles, a bag of sand or kitty litter for tire traction, a warm blanket, extra winter clothing (coat, gloves, hat), a first-aid kit, a phone charger or battery pack, and some high-energy snacks and water. These supplies can keep you safe and help you get back on the road (or stay warm until help arrives) if you encounter car trouble or severe weather.
Finally, do not warm up your car in an enclosed garage. If you need to let the engine idle for a minute on cold mornings (to warm the engine and defrost windows), make sure the area is well-ventilated. Warming a car in a closed space can fill it with toxic carbon monoxide gas. Instead, back out of the garage first, or open the garage door fully. Generally, modern cars only need a short warm-up (30 seconds to a couple minutes) before driving in cold weather – just enough to get fluids moving and the interior a bit warm.
How Should I Adjust My Driving on Snowy or Icy Roads?
On winter roads, everything you do should be slower and gentler than in normal conditions. Here are the most important adjustments for safe winter driving:
Slow Down and Leave Extra Space
Since speed limits are designed for ideal conditions, in snow or ice, they often become too fast. That’s why it’s advised to reduce your speed significantly on snowy/icy roads. This gives you more time to react and reduces the chance of skids. In addition, increase your following distance to at least 5-6 seconds behind the car in front (more if possible). On dry roads you might leave a few car lengths; on slick roads, aim for much more. In fact, forget the normal “3-second rule” – you may need 120 feet to stop on wet pavement, 180 feet on snow, and up to 600 feet on ice. That’s 3-10 times more distance than usual! By slowing down and backing off, you’ll have a buffer if you or others start to lose control.
Smooth, Gentle Movements
Avoid any sudden acceleration, braking, or sharp steering because jerky motions can easily cause your tires to lose grip. Instead, accelerate gradually from stops to avoid wheel spin. When turning, do so slowly and deliberately. Brake early and gently well before an intersection or curve – slamming the brakes can induce a skid. As one tip: when slowing down, keep your heel on the floor and press the brake with the ball of your foot gradually, so you don’t lock up the wheels. Give yourself plenty of time to come to a stop.
Anticipate and Look Ahead
Always try to read the road far ahead. Look out for glossy dark patches on the pavement – that could be black ice (transparent ice that’s nearly invisible) – and assume it’s there on bridges, overpasses, or shaded areas when temperatures are below freezing.
Approach stops or turns by first slowing down in a straight line. Do your braking before you turn the wheel, if possible, to avoid sliding through the turn. Also, watch other vehicles. If you see cars up ahead swerving or braking, it could indicate ice. Be extra defensive, as not everyone on the road will drive cautiously in snow.
Use Lower Gears on Hills
If you’re going up or down a steep snowy hill, using a lower gear can help. When climbing, get a little momentum on the flat leading up to it, then maintain a steady, slow speed going up. Do not stop mid-hill if you can avoid it – you might not be able to regain traction. If you feel the wheels slipping, ease off the accelerator a bit. When descending a hill, shift to a low gear before you start down. This lets engine braking slow you, reducing the need to brake. Go very slowly, and gently press the brakes as needed. Again, no sudden moves – a skid on a downhill can be especially dangerous.
Be Extra Careful on Bridges and Intersections
Remember that bridges and overpasses freeze before regular roads (cold air circulates above and below them). So even when the highway is just wet, a bridge could be icy. Ensure that you avoid quick acceleration. At intersections, start braking earlier than normal, since polished snow can be very slick where cars frequently stop. Expect that it will take longer to get going from a stop as well – don’t rush it.
SUV or all-wheel drivers tend to be overconfident during winters, but it’s wrong. AWD/4WD can help you accelerate and not get stuck as easily, but it does not help you stop faster or turn better on ice. Many 4×4 vehicles are heavier and can take even longer to stop on slick pavement. So regardless of your vehicle type, use caution and gentle driving.
Is It Safe to Use Cruise Control in Winter Conditions?
In rain, snow, or ice, cruise control can actually make you lose control. If cruise is on and your tires start to slip, the system might suddenly accelerate or maintain speed when you need to slow down, causing a skid. You’re safer with your foot on the pedal so you can instantly respond to changing traction. In wintry conditions, always drive manually so you can ease off the accelerator the moment you hit a slick spot. (As a general rule, never use cruise control when the road surface is wet, icy, or slushy.)
What Should I Do if I Lose Control on Black Ice?
Hitting black ice can be scary. Your car will suddenly start sliding with almost zero traction. This is what you can do:
- Do not slam on the brakes. Sudden braking can make a skid worse. Instead, take your foot off the accelerator and the brake. This may feel counterintuitive, but it lets your tires slow down naturally and begin re-gripping the road.
- Steer gently in the direction of the skid. This means look and steer where you want to go. For example, if the rear of your car is sliding to the right, gently turn the wheel to the right. This helps realign the car and regain traction. Do not overcorrect or yank the wheel, just steer smoothly.
- Wait for your tires to reconnect with the road. On black ice, there’s not much you can do until you pass over it. Keep steering in the intended direction. As your wheels regain grip, you’ll feel the vehicle starting to respond again.
- Correct gently as you recover. Once traction returns, you may need to steer the opposite way a bit to straighten out. Be prepared for a slight zigzag as the car aligns back. Again, no sudden movements, only small corrections.
- Avoid using the brakes until you have traction. If you must brake and your car has anti-lock brakes (ABS), press the pedal firmly and steadily. ABS will pulse the brakes for you to prevent lockup. If you don’t have ABS, you can pump the brakes lightly only after traction starts to return. But if the wheels are locked and sliding, pressing harder won’t help.
The best thing you can do is remain calm and not overreacting. A skid on ice usually lasts only a couple of seconds, though it feels longer. Panicking by jerking the wheel or pounding the brakes can send your car into a spin. Instead, focus on where you want to go, keep your hands steady, and ride it out. Often, the patch of ice will be small and your tires will find grip on the other side. Once you’re back in control, take a breather – slow down even more, and understand that if there’s one black ice patch, there may be more in that area (especially on cold mornings or near bridges).
How to prevent black ice encounters?
Black ice is most common at around 32°F (0°C) or slightly below, and usually in the early morning or at night. It often forms in shaded areas, on bridges, or on roads that appear just wet. To avoid it, stay alert to the road surface and temperature. If your car has an outside thermometer and it’s near freezing, assume slick spots are ice. By driving slowly and cautiously, you’ll minimize the chances of losing control – and if you do hit unseen ice, you’ll hopefully be going slow enough to recover.
What Should I Do If My Car Gets Stuck in Snow?
Despite all precautions, it’s possible to get stuck in deep snow or a snowbank – for example, sliding off the road or getting plowed in. If your vehicle is stuck and the wheels are spinning, here’s how to handle it safely:
Stay calm and assess the situation
Panicking or flooring the gas will only dig you in deeper. As soon as you realize you’re stuck, step out (if it’s safe to do so) and check how the car is situated.
Clear snow away from the tires
Take that small shovel from your emergency kit (or use your hands or an ice scraper) to dig out snow from around the drive wheels (front wheels for FWD, back wheels for RWD, or all if AWD). Clear a few feet of space in front of and behind each tire, creating a path.
Turn off traction control (if your vehicle allows) temporarily
This might sound odd, but when you’re stuck, a little wheel spin can help rock the car free. Traction control can limit power to the wheels, so turning it off might allow the tires to gain momentum (just remember to turn it back on once you’re moving).
Try the “rocking” technique
Get back in and gently accelerate forward a bit, then let off and shift to reverse, and gently try backing up. Alternate between drive and reverse in a rhythmic way, easing on the gas each time. This rocking motion can build enough momentum to escape the rut. Avoid spinning the tires wildly – if they just spin in place, ease off. You want just enough power to move the car without polishing the snow into ice.
Use traction aids under the tires
If rocking alone isn’t working, put something gritty under the drive tires for grip. Use sand, kitty litter, gravel, or even car floor mats placed right in front of the tires. These can help the wheels gain traction on the slippery surface.
Straighten your wheels and try to drive out slowly
It’s often easier to crawl out in a straight line rather than with wheels turned, which can plow more snow.
Don’t rev too high or overheat the engine/transmission
Give the car a break if you’ve been trying for a while. Spinning tires excessively can overheat your transmission or wear your tires.
If you still can’t get free, call for help. Do not abandon your vehicle in deep snow unless you can literally walk to a heated shelter nearby. Staying with your car is usually safer – it provides shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to find you. Turn on your hazard lights. If you have a bright colored cloth, tie it to your antenna or door handle as a signal for help. You can also raise the hood once snowfall stops to indicate you need assistance.
While waiting, run the engine for about 10 minutes each hour to provide heat. Keep a downwind window cracked open slightly for fresh air, and make sure the exhaust pipe stays clear of snow so that carbon monoxide doesn’t build up inside the car. Bundle up in your extra clothes and blanket, and if you have water or snacks, ration them. Avoid overexertion (like pushing the car hard) in the bitter cold, as it can lead to injury or exhaustion. Stay patient and use your cell phone to call roadside assistance or 911 if it’s a dangerous situation.
Tip: If you’re stuck but can still drive, and you happen to have some snow chains or tire cables in the car, you might install them to get moving. Just be sure to pull well off the road before doing so. Chains can greatly increase traction in deep snow or ice, but you must remove them once you’re back on clear pavement to avoid damaging the road and your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Driving
What gear should I drive in on snowy roads?
Use a lower gear when driving through snow and ice. Lower gears (such as “L” or second gear in an automatic, or keeping a manual in a lower gear) provide better torque and traction at lower speeds, helping prevent wheel slip. This is especially useful when climbing or descending hills in winter conditions.
How can I prevent my car from sliding on icy roads?
The best prevention is to drive slowly, avoid sudden movements, and increase your following distance. Make all inputs (steering, braking, accelerating) gentle and gradual. Keeping your speed down and looking ahead for potential ice will greatly reduce the chance of a slide. Good tires and maintaining a safe distance from others are also key to preventing slides.
Should I let my car warm up before driving in winter?
It’s a good idea to let your car idle for a minute or two in cold weather – mainly to let the engine oil circulate and to start defrosting the windshield. However, it doesn’t need a long warm-up in most cases. Never warm up your car in a closed garage due to carbon monoxide risk. Just clear the windows, start the car, give it a minute, and then drive gently. The car will warm up faster as you drive.
What are the best tires for winter driving?
Winter tires (snow tires) are specifically designed for snow and ice and will give you the best traction. They use special rubber compounds and tread patterns for cold conditions. If you live in an area with harsh winters or frequent snow, winter tires are highly recommended. All-season tires can work in light winter conditions, but they won’t grip as well once the roads get very slick or temperatures drop below freezing. In extreme ice or snow (or mountainous areas), consider carrying tire chains and using them when required.
How do I safely stop my car on icy roads?
Stopping on ice takes much longer than on dry pavement. Start braking far before where you need to stop, and do it gently. If your car has ABS (anti-lock braking system), apply steady pressure to the brake pedal and let the ABS pulsate the brakes to prevent lock-up. You’ll feel a vibration in the pedal – that’s normal. If you don’t have ABS, pump the brakes lightly to avoid locking the wheels. Either way, do not slam the brakes on ice. And remember to keep your distance – even with good technique, you need plenty of room to stop on slick roads.
Can you drive safely without snow tires?
It’s possible to drive in winter without dedicated snow tires, especially in areas that only get occasional light snow. All-season tires provide some winter capability, and many people get by with them. However, your traction and margin for error will be lower. On snow and ice, a car with regular tires will slide more easily and take longer to stop. So while you can drive without snow tires, you should do so with extra caution – slow speeds, big following distances, and avoidance of steep or untreated roads. If you frequently face winter conditions, investing in snow tires is the safest bet for reliable grip.