Winter Weather Driving - Tips for Driving in Snow & Staying Safe
Driving in snow and staying safe in the winter months of Washington has a lot of different variables, including speed, snowy or icy weather conditions, road-surface conditions, and how well-maintained your vehicle is. In order to help you be safer driving in snow and on the roads of SPOKANE and Post Falls this winter, we’ve gathered these handy winter weather driving safety tips and tricks.
PREVENTION IS THE BEST MEDICINE
Everyone should start readying for winter and snow before it ever gets here. Our laundry-list of good winter preparations include:
- Checking the fluids in the engine, and changing oil weight in the next oil change if need be
- Checking the health of your battery
- Changing your tires to winter tires, OR
- Checking the tread on your All-Season tires
- Installing fresh, heavy-duty windshield wipers to handle snow and sleet
- Checking the pressure in the tires regularly, as cold weather can reduce air pressure
- Never letting your car run below half a tank of gas. That way if you’re stranded you can stay warm
- Prior to driving, clearing all of the snow and ice from your car. Even if you can see through your windows and mirrors, snow can fall off of your car and endanger other drivers.
If you don’t have time or are unable to perform these checks yourself, then the local SPOKANE Service Center at AutoNation Chevrolet Spokane Valley would be more than happy to help you ensure your car is drive the snow covered roads of Washington this winter season.
WORST CASE SCENARIO TIPS & TRICKS FOR DRIVING IN SNOW
So, it happened: you’re stuck on a dark, snowy road at night in the dead of winter. First things first - stay calm. Getting frustrated or stressed is only going to make the situation worse, as stress and anxiety can cloud your judgment.
Secondly, call for help. The sooner you’ve notified the authorities or your family that you’re in trouble, the more swiftly they can respond. Give them details such as, geographical location (near the city of…), the local location (I’m in a ditch/in a pull-out/in the road), what the problem is, and your phone number (so they can call you back if need be).
In the meantime, ensure that you are safe by setting out your road flares or reflectors. A vehicle with the hood up is the universal sign of vehicular distress, so if you don’t have someone coming by to help you pop the hood and leave it open. You can also tie a piece of white cloth (like a sock or rag) onto the antenna for extra visibility.
If you’re stuck in the snow, use the shovel to clear a path in front of the driving tires and then litter the top with the traction items you have in your car. To use tire chains, install them as directed in the instructions and don’t drive over 25 miles per hour as tire chains weren’t designed for moderate speeds.
Don’t overexert yourself. Remember that sweating (from shoveling or installing chains) will cause heat loss through moist clothing. As much as possible, stay in your vehicle and warm up with the blankets in your kit. Keep it warm with a car heater every once in a while, but don’t run your engine if the snow is piling up to the point it blocks your intake or tail pipe.
It won’t be comfortable, but if you have some of the items in our Emergency and Winter car kits, you’ll survive until someone can get there to help you.
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