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We got a snap of fog around here this week, and needless to say, it was difficult to drive. It got me thinking: How do you drive in bad winter weather?
Here are a few tips I’ve learned from my local DMV and my local auto club to keep you safe during the winter.
Make sure your tires are inflated
Use a tire pressure gauge to find out if your tires are properly inflated. The proper inflation numbers (aka pounds per square inch, or PSI) is located in the door well of the driver’s seat. You can fill up on air at your local gas station.
And they have enough grip
If you’re iffy on how much life your tires have left, try the penny test. Take a clean penny and set it upside down between one of the treads of your tire. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head while the penny is in the tread, then you need new tires. If you only see some of his head, then your tires are fine.
Check your windshield wipers
Old and poor-fitting windshield wipers will hinder your ability to see when you use them to wipe off rain or snow. Get them replaced and in working order.
Accelerate and decelerate slowly
Especially in snowy or wet conditions, accelerating slowly will ensure your tires won’t lose grip with the road and send you skidding.
Learn what to do in a skid
If you do skid, ease of the gas a bit and slowly steer the car slowly in the direction you want to go until your out of the skid.
Keep further
When trailing a vehicle,increase your following distance to 8 to 10 seconds. This increased following time will make it easier to stop on slippery roads.
Don’t speed up winter hills
Stepping hard on the gas while going up a snowy hill may make your car more likely to skid. Instead, accelerate slowly before the hill and coast to the crest of the hill, and descent slowly once you pass the crest.
Stay home when possible
Avoid any unnecessary trips and stay home when you can. The least dangerous trip is the one you don’t take.
What do you do during a bad weather day? Leave a comment below!
