If you are not used to Driving in the snow and ice it can be very challenging. The following tips are designed to will help prepare your car and you for the trip.
Have your vehicle checked
Snowy conditions may highlight any existing minor faults, especially in the electrical system. It is imperative for you to thoroughly check your vehicle before leaving home. Have your windshield, engine, cooling system, brakes, battery and tires thoroughly checked out before you leave.
Add anti-freeze
Add antifreeze to your engine’s radiator. You’ll need to match the capacity of the coolant system to amount of antifreeze you add. Should you fail to do this and should the coolant freeze, the radiator and engine block, which would leave you stranded with a rather expensive repair bill. Most modern cars use coolant with wide temperature capabilities; however, you’ll need to check with your service provider to determine if special coolant is needed. You should also some add antifreeze to your windshield washer fluid to prevent it from freezing on the windshield while you are driving.
Use cold weather diesel
Some diesel fuel tends to become waxy at very low temperatures which may block the fuel system and immobilizes the vehicle. If you drive a diesel vehicle, ensure you use fuel which is formulated for use in cold conditions. This is type of fuel is usually only available in cold climates, so if you are traveling from a warm climate to a cold one plan your journey to arrive with plenty of room in your fuel tank for this fuel.
Allow enough time for your trip
Be sure you allow enough time for the trip. Weather can change quickly in mountainous areas, with a corresponding effect on travel speeds and the roads. Also, some areas of the country may declare it a snow chain day so there can often be delays in accessing a suitable place where snow chains can be fitted and removed, and the process itself can take a considerable amount of time.
Avoid travel fatigue
Many people travel long distances to get to where they are going. Make sure you take the time to have regular breaks to stop, revive, and survive.
Even allowing for delays and distance to travel, driving in snowy conditions can be more tiring than normal driving with the possible difficult situations that may be encountered such as narrow winding roads that snow country is known for, darkness, and bad weather. You are more likely to become tired because of the amount of activity you pack into a short period of time, especially on weekends. Be aware of the signs of travel fatigue and stop and rest as soon as you feel tired even though you may not have scheduled a break.
Be prepared for emergencies
In case of an emergency you should carry a first aid kit, wheel chocks, a spade, a tow rope, dry clothes, and blankets.
On the road
Be careful of your speed
Always be sure to adjust the speed of your vehicle according to the weather. Proceed with caution in ice, snow, or fog conditions and drive slower as conditions dictate.
The Police
The Police are always on the lookout for drunk drivers, seat belt offenses, and speeders when the conditions are snowy and icy.
Running lights in the daytime
Lighting conditions are often poor in the wintertime. You should drive with your headlights on low beam even during daytime to improve your visibility to other road users. Make sure you turn on your vehicle’s fog or head lights when the weather turns bad.
Take care when overtaking other vehicles
Never over take another vehicle at an intersection, a bend, or on a hill.
Never tailgate
The distance it takes to brake in ice and snows is increased considerably compared to dry conditions. Maintain a safe distance away from the vehicle in front of you.
Accelerate and brake gently
Applying the brakes should be done early and gently. When you accelerate, be sure to do it slowly.
Obey all traffic signs
Signs are there for your convenience and safety. Always obey the posted speed limit and advisory signs and take special notice of wildlife warning signs. Many road accidents which occur in alpine areas involve native animal crossing roads, especially at night. Be aware of variable message signs as these provide up to date information about road conditions, whether snow chains have to be put on, and the road and weather conditions.
Road edges and snow poles
Don’t drive when you can’t see the next snow pole or the road edge. Snow poles are usually tall enough for drivers to get their bearings in heavy snow and are painted orange.
Black ice
Take particular care when driving at night or at dusk or dawn as surface dew and moisture can freeze and may become black ice, which is extremely difficult to detect on the road. Indeed, black ice can remain in low lying or shaded areas even during sunshiny days.
Snow chains
Snow chains are always recommended when driving in poor snow conditions to reduce accidents and assist drivers.
When driving in a snowy region, highway authorities usually identify ice and snow risk sections with signposting and yellow lane line marking.
When directed by an authorized officer or by signs, fit the chains to the vehicles driving wheels. Preferably, this will be at a suitable location along the route.
Be sure you fit the chains only to the back wheels on rear wheel drive cars and front wheels on front wheel drive cars. If in doubt, check in the car user’s manual or your service provider.
Make sure the chains you rent or buy are suitable for the tire size and wheel diameter of your vehicle. If possible, practice fitting the chains in good conditions, so that you understand how to fit the chains and won’t be placed in a difficult situation in bad weather conditions.
To be effective, some part of the chain must be in contact with the road surface at all times. Some varieties of ladder type snow chains should not be used because the spacing between the rungs of the chain can be excessive and allow the bare tire to maintain significant contact with the road surface a large portion of the time.
Tire pressure should be at 25 PSI or higher when using chains. Tire manufactures recommend that cars with radial tires shouldn’t travel faster than 25 MPH when fitted with chains. Stop every few miles for the first fifty miles or so to check on the chain’s tension.
Remove the chains immediately when it is safe to do so.
Random chain inspections may take place when you are in a snowy region and steep fines are issued to drivers who fail to comply with the regulations on the use of snow chains.
4WD vehicles
Although excluded from the requirements to fit and carry chains, most highway authorities recommend that persons driving 4WD vehicles, except those fitted with winter tires, carry snow chains and fit them if and when directed. They will help you in to drive on snow and ice by increasing your vehicle’s traction on a snowy or icy road
Winter tires are specifically designed for driving on roads affected ice and by snow. They provide an equivalent performance as snow chains on 4WD vehicles when driving on snow, and a better performance than standard tires when driving on clear roads in cold conditions. Although they are sometimes known as snow tires, they should not be confused with mud and snow tires that are commonly fitted to off road vehicles.
When you get there
Do not apply the handbrake
Moisture often freezes brake linings and cables. Rather than taking this chance put a chock behind the wheels.
Leave the car in gear
Turn the front wheels away from the slant of the road and leave the car in gear when parking. Remember to remove the wheel chocks before you try to leave.
Apply your chains
Even if chains were not required, it may be advisable to fit them when parking. It is easier to do this early in the day rather than later when weather conditions may have changed.
Clear ice from windows and mirrors
Clear all mirrors and glass of ice before attempting to drive away off. Carry an ice scraper to clear the bulk of the frost, ice, and snow and use the vehicle’s heater and fan in conjunction with the air conditioner.
Protect your windshield wipers
If you happen to be parking for a long period of time, raise your wipers off your windshield or place them in some sort of protective cover, such as a plastic bag, so they don’t freeze to the windshield glass.
Warm your engine
Allow your engine to warm up for a few minutes before driving off.
We hope these tips will help you to be safer the next time you are driving in the snow. However, if you should find yourself injured or with a great deal of property as a result of an accident, we at LedgerLaw.com are here to help you.
