WINTER DRIVING GUIDE pt. 3

By: Aleksandar Rakocevic
Falls Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC

Driving in Snow/Ice or: Wheeeeee!!!

Driving basics

-clear the ice and snow off your windows, mirrors and lights. Don't get lazy. These areas severely affect visibility. I do however do things the slightly lazier way. I have remote start on my vehicle, so I pre-heat it before going out. That lets the ice just brush off the windshields. It's amazing. If you have the luxury of heated side view mirrors, awesome. I don't, so I make sure to scrape them off every time. Same goes with head and tail lights.

-Lights: On the topic of lights, turn them on. I keep my headlights on all winter. Anytime I'm driving I turn them on. Visibility helps.

-4x4: A good 4x4 with high clearance will get you moving through snow where many smaller vehicles will get stuck. 4x4 does not make you invincible. It will get you moving just fine, but it does not help you stop. Decent brakes and good winter tires help you stop. Don't drive like an idiot just because you have 4x4.

-Low gear: Putting an automatic transmission vehicle into low/first gear will give you more torque and more traction at low speeds and may help you get moving. It not as good as 4x4, but it helps.

-Ice: In winter conditions, bridges, overpasses, on ramps, and dips freeze early. Also be careful on seldom used roads. These are the places where ice will develop. You can't' always see it.

-Speed: Accelerate slowly. Drive slower. Leave some following distance. Everything will take more time in snowy conditions so plan accordingly. In summer I am a 3 minute drive from work. In winter I allow 15.

-Brakes: ABS is helpful in that it prevents your brakes from locking up.

-Plows: None shall pass! When it comes to snow plows and salt trucks, just give them a wide berth. If you're behind them, stay well behind. If you're in front, your best bet is to get out of their way. Never try and pass a snow plow. They probably can't' see you.

-Music: Keep your radio down to hear emergency vehicles. Get out of their way. Your dubstep "My Little Pony" remix may be awesome, but it's no good to you if you get in a crash.

Getting stuck in snow and ice:

This usually happens when parked, but can happen at other times.

1. Spinning your wheels: Don't' do it. Rarely will brute force get you out of snow, it will just dig you deeper. Turn your wheels side to side to force any snow away from them, then lightly give it some gas to ease your way out. If your tires don't' spin at all, you may have electronic traction control on. Read your owners manual about this.

2. Digging: If this does not work, grab your handy folding snow shovel and dig out the snow in front of your tires. Try again. If this does not work you can then try some of the kitty litter, sand or road salt you have in the trunk poured in front of your tires to give you some grip. I've seen people have success with a piece of plywood too. You could try a blanket or tarp, but it will probably end up wadded under your tires and destroyed.

3. Rock and roll. You might wish to try rocking the vehicle. (Check your manual first - some vehicles can sustain transmission damage from shifting in this manner.) Shift from reverse, give it some gas, then shift to forward and hit it again, repeat as necessary to rock your car out of the snow. Don't do this unless you're confident in your ability to do it without screwing up your car. It can work, but it can also cause big damage and destroy your transmission if you do it wrong.


Use these tips and tricks at your own risk.Obviously the best thing to do is to get proper winter driver training.