Whether you're traveling hundreds of miles across state lines or just right around the corner to your local supermarket, snow and/or icy conditions creates a serious hazard for anyone on the roads. Earlier this week, a family of six spent two days in the sub-zero temperatures of the Nevada Mountains when their vehicle overturned. The couple and their four children survived by burning a tire to warm rocks which were later loaded into the vehicle. Here, we're going to reveal some helpful tips on how to safely drive in snow and ice.
One of the golden rules of driving in snowy/icy conditions is to keep your gas tank at least halfway full at all times. If your car breaks down but still cranks, you can leave it running to stay warm. Some people constantly drive around with a quarter of a tank or less, but this is just asking for trouble in harsh winter weather.
Of course, you'll want to check your tires before hitting the roads when it's snowing or sleeting outside. Check the air pressure with a PSI tire gauge and tread with the 'penny' method. Most auto shops have special tools for measuring tire tread, but the penny test works just as well -- take a penny and stick it head-first down into the tread. If you can see the top of Abe's head, you need new tires.
Hammering the brakes on an icy road can send your vehicle fishtailing into nearby structures or other motorists, which is why it's important to maintain a low speed while leaving plenty of room between your vehicle and the one in front of you. When you need to brake, gently press down on the brakes to maintain control of your vehicle.
As you may already know, bridges and overpasses tend to freeze over first during a winter storm. There are a couple of reasons for this, one of which is the simple fact that they are exposed to cold air from both the top and bottom. Standard highways and roads have the soil to protect and warm them from underneath, but bridges and overpasses don't have luxury. The materials used in their construction are also known to encourage cooler core temperatures.
I know what you're thinking -- why in the world should I carry a bag of kitty litter around in my car? If you find yourself stuck at the bottom of a hill or trapped in a slick parking lot, you can sprinkle some kitty litter around your tires to gain better traction.
Tip #1) Don't Go Below Half a Tank
One of the golden rules of driving in snowy/icy conditions is to keep your gas tank at least halfway full at all times. If your car breaks down but still cranks, you can leave it running to stay warm. Some people constantly drive around with a quarter of a tank or less, but this is just asking for trouble in harsh winter weather.
Tip #2) Check Your Tires
Of course, you'll want to check your tires before hitting the roads when it's snowing or sleeting outside. Check the air pressure with a PSI tire gauge and tread with the 'penny' method. Most auto shops have special tools for measuring tire tread, but the penny test works just as well -- take a penny and stick it head-first down into the tread. If you can see the top of Abe's head, you need new tires.
Tip #3) Brake Gently
Hammering the brakes on an icy road can send your vehicle fishtailing into nearby structures or other motorists, which is why it's important to maintain a low speed while leaving plenty of room between your vehicle and the one in front of you. When you need to brake, gently press down on the brakes to maintain control of your vehicle.
Tip #4) Beware of Bridges and Overpasses
As you may already know, bridges and overpasses tend to freeze over first during a winter storm. There are a couple of reasons for this, one of which is the simple fact that they are exposed to cold air from both the top and bottom. Standard highways and roads have the soil to protect and warm them from underneath, but bridges and overpasses don't have luxury. The materials used in their construction are also known to encourage cooler core temperatures.
Tip #5) Pack Some Kitty Litter
I know what you're thinking -- why in the world should I carry a bag of kitty litter around in my car? If you find yourself stuck at the bottom of a hill or trapped in a slick parking lot, you can sprinkle some kitty litter around your tires to gain better traction.
