Drive Safely in Winter Weather

Winter weather driving conditions can be dangerous and a bit scary for car travel. Even experienced drivers need to be cautious while driving in unfavorable weather. If you live where you get snow and ice, you want to be prepared to drive in these conditions. Preventative maintenance and planning for your vehicle are important year round, but especially when it comes to driving in the winter.

Here are some driving tips to review this winter:

Winter Driving Checklist

Switch to a low gear to sustain traction, particularly on steep roads.
Do not push your gas pedal all the way to the floor, keep pressure steady on the pedal.
Do no pass sanding trucks or snow plows as their visibility is limited and they may not see you.
Be aware of bridges and overpasses as they are first to freeze.
Keep your windshield and your headlights clean and clear of snow.
Keepy our headlights on even during the day so that other drivers can see you better.
Reduce your normal speed and give plenty of space to stop.
Brake gently to avoid slipping or skidding.
Do not use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.

What To Do If…

My rear tires skid:

Take your foot off of the gas pedal.
Steer in the direction you want your front tires to go.
If the back tires are skidding to the left, steer left to attain control.
If your brakes are standard, pump them lightly.
If your brakes are anti-lock, use steady pressure.
Do not worry if you feel your anti-lock brakes pulse, this is common.

My front tires skid:

Take your foot off of the gas pedal and shift to neutral.
Do not try to steer right away.
As the tires skid and your car slows, steer in the direction you want to go.
At this point, you can put the car back into drive and gently press the gas pedal.
If your brakes are anti-lock, use steady pressure.
Do not worry if you feel your anti-lock brakes pulse, this is common.

You get stuck in the snow:

Do not allow your tires to spin as this only digs you in deeper.
Clear away the snow from your wheels and underneath your car using a shovel.
Turn your tires from right to left to push the snow out of the way.
Touch lightly on your gas to ease your vehicle out.
Pour kitty litter, gravel, salt or sand in the path of the wheels.
It may help to put your car in a lower gear.

You become stranded:

Do not panic. Use common sense. If you have a cell phone with reception, try calling for help. If you remember, use the last mile marker as a point of reference when telling someone where you are.
Do not venture out by yourself unless you are sure where you are and how long it will take to find help.
Light two flares and put them 5 to 10 feet behind and in front of your car. Hang a piece of brightly colored fabric from your antenna.
Make sure that your car’s exhaust pipe is not blocked, and then run your car’s engine and heater for about ten minutes every hour, unless you are low on gas.
Stay warm. Frostbite can set in fast if you leave your car or do not cover your skin.
Keep a window open a crack. Otherwise, ice and snow may seal your car shut.

If you have an older vehicle that may not last another winter, consider donating your car to Kidney Cars and help someone affected by kidney disease.

Help improve lives and donate your vehicle today.
We accept vehicles even if they no longer are running, as long as they have a title.
There is no cost to you, simply call us at 800.488.CARS (2277) or complete our online form.
Then schedule a pick up time that fits your schedule. You can make a difference in the lives of millions with kidney disease.