Auto Trends

Well the snow is finally upon us and now would be a really good time to know exactly how to drive the dangerous terrain before you learn it the hard way… stuck, frozen, hungry, and worse case, injured.

The first thing that should be addressed here, as it is the cause of hundreds of deaths a year, is that 4X4 does not stand for impenetrable to bad roads. Every year people are under the false delusion that just because they have a 4-wheel drive SUV, that they can drive like normal even in the worse conditions and be fine. This is NOT true…

Know Your Vehicle-

• A four-wheel drive vehicle is designed to get you out of tough areas, or get you going from a dead stop where other vehicles would only spin out. But once these vehicles get going, they are just as vulnerable as any other car (some top heavy SUV’s even more so) to skidding out of control, rolling, or falling victim to not being able to stop in time to avoid a collision.
• The next thing you must keep in mind (especially if you have been driving awhile), is that anti-lock brakes are much more the rule today than the exception. The old technique of pumping the brakes in snowy weather that we were taught in drivers ed. once upon a time, is no longer is used. Vehicles with anti-lock breaks now do that for us and quite frankly a much better job of it too!
• The best way to really get to know your vehicle is to take it out to a parking lot (deserted, of course), and practice driving, turning, braking, and sliding while you are in a semi-controlled environment. Much can be learned from hands on experience and it is always best to learn here than on an open highway filled with other drivers.

The Fundamentals of Bad Weather Driving-

• Be prepared; both you and your vehicle. This means that not only should you have your Brakes, battery, belts, filters, lights, tires, windshield wipers and fluids checked on a regular basis to make sure that they are in good working order, but you should have a stash of warm blankets, snacks, de-icer, hazard cones, flares, sand bags, jumper cables, emergency belt, flashlight, and duct tape.
• Take your time when you are driving in bad weather, too many people don’t realize that most winter accidents are caused by not taking the initiative to slow their speed 5-10 mph during unfavorable road conditions. Be especially on alert for ice in the areas of bridges and shady spots. “Gradual” is the keyword to live by (quite literally), when accelerating, braking, and turning. Your car is less likely to slide when you stay away from any sudden moves.
• Allow plenty of space in between vehicles to give you a little extra time to stop and/or maneuver around trouble. The standard space to give most vehicles time to respond in at least five car lengths. Add in icy conditions on the road and you would be best to triple that.
• Don’t forget to turn on your lights during bad weather days, this makes other drivers much more likely to take notice of you. Many cars have the daylight running lights, but a lot of the cars being made today do not. During this time of the year it is especially important to keep your lights just as clean as your windows. This means that when you stop for gas and squeegee your windows, don’t forget to get both your front and rear lights. A dirty light housing can dim your lights by as much as 90% if you let them collect enough road grim.
  • Two more light warnings: Use your low beams in fog and snow. Your brights will reflect back into your eyes and only reduce visibility. And last but certainly not least, turn your lights off when you arrive at your destinations, car batteries are much more unforgiving during this time of the year.

Operating Your Vehicle in Bad Weather-

• Driving in a lower gear (such as second), can reduce your speed and limit the necessity for using your breaks. Using your brakes too often can cause unnecessary skidding.
• If you ever become stuck in a patch of snow, such as if you slide into a snow bank, or simply get snow plowed into a parking space, there are a few standard steps that can be taken to free your vehicle from the area.
  • Ever the heard the phrase, “I feel like I’m spinning my wheels and going nowhere.” Well when this happens, you need to recognize this quickly and stop spinning those wheels before you dig yourself into an even bigger heap of trouble.
  • One trick to resist over spinning is to apply your parking brake to keep the wheels at a steady pulling pace. This has been said to simulate a sort of traction control. Just remember to undo the brake once you are back on the road.
  • Rocking your vehicle out of a slick spot is another well known method. You just simply shift your vehicle from drive to reverse, while gently pressing on the accelerator until you have a gentle swaying motion in the works.
  • Resist the temptation to continue spinning your wheel (literally and philosophically) if all the above do not work within the first few tries. It may be cold out there, but you stand a better chance of getting out if you are dealing with packed snow rather than icy canyons created by your spinning wheels.
  • Spreading cat liter, sand or rock salt under your tires can help gain a little extra traction.
• Avoid using your parking brakes as much as possible in sub zero weather conditions. It is common for them to freeze up and become impossible to switch off. Don’t panic if this does happen however, as all you often need to do is start driving (slowly) with them engaged and the friction should create enough heat to eventually release them.