Winter Driving & Four Wheeled Drive

[HeroicJayneCobb]

If you hadn't noticed winter is in full swing, and with the cold weather comes snow and ice. However as a professional driver it has occurred to me that many of you do not know how to operate a motor vehicle in these type of winter conditions. Good news is, in the following Advice Article, I will be providing you with information, tips, and other helpful points about how to navigate the next few months.

Cold weather, most of us don't care for the cold air, and we aren't the only ones. Our vehicles require a "warm up" time. When the weather gets below freezing, 32°F (0°C), It is beneficial to allow your car to warm up for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Anything more than a minute is wasting fuel. Warming your vehicle provides the coolant enough time to circulate and your oil to thin out, as cold weather causes oil to thicken up, making it harder for your engine to function properly. While you are warming your car up this is an excellent opportunity to brush the snow off your vehicle, and let the interior warm up before traveling. While on the subject of cleaning off the snow; it's a tedious process, however its a nessicary one. Not only can you get a hefty fine, in most states, for not cleaning your car; it also is a hazzard to other drivers. How would you like a large sheet of snow landing on your windsheild while driving down the highway?

Ice, the ninja of hazardous conditions. When the temperature goes below freezing (see above), anything that is wet, has the possibility of turning into ice. ie: melted snow from the previous day's weather. More importantly, bridges freeze before road surface due to the air passing underneath the road surface becomes colder than that on solid ground. Use extra caution when traveling on routes that include bridges (even overpasses). Black Ice, as it is known, is where the road surface appears to just be wet, but in reality is a slick icy area. If it looks wet, and the temp is below freezing, slow down.

Snow, the worst part of winter travel. Snow, when compacted becomes a slick surface to drive on. Everyone knows this, however there are still thousands of accidents every winter. When the roads are covered with snow you need to slow down. If you are driving 10mph slower than the posted speed limit, use your hazard lights aka "four-ways" to indicate to other drivers you are traveling slower. Fresh snow provides slightly more traction than packed snow. Another thing to remember is snow covered roads often require more distance to stop, so begin slowing down sooner for that stop sign or stop light; When slowing to a stop, gently press on the brakes for several seconds, let off, and repeat. As long as the wheels are rolling you have greater control over where the vehicle will go rather than if the vehicle is slidng with the wheels locked up. Even with "Anti-Lock Brakes" or ABS, you can still lock up your wheels. So use 'Snub Braking" techniques as previously mentioned. Putting on a little weight isn't always a bad thing either. I'm talking about the car. Often putting a couple bags of kitty litter, or sand, in the truck or interior cargo space of your vehicle near the wheel wells provides more weight to that area, which provides added traction to your braking, and/or drive wheels. Do not over correct when sliding, turn the wheel slowly until the vehicle begins to return to the direction you wish to travel; turning the wheel sharply, when sliding, will only cause you to spin out.

Four Wheeled Drive aka 4x4 and All-Wheeled Drive aka AWD equipped vehicles are helpful during this time of year! However, you are not invincible!! Most people think that little 4x4 button somehow causes spikes to extend from their wheels like the Mach 5 (Speed Racer). However it does not work like that. Four wheel drive and all wheel drive, is just as the name suggests. All of your wheels have power being provided to it as opposed to just two wheels as most vehicles have. Just because all four wheels have power, does not mean you are somehow immune from slick conditions. It helps provide more traction at slow speeds which is helpful for getting started on a slick surface, such as at a stop sign. Fact is, four tires can slide just as easily as two can. The most common phrase uttered by a motorist pulled from a ditch next to a snow covered road is "but i have four wheel drive"; guess what? the snow does not care.

Tips for Winter Driving
[*]Warm your car up for 30-60 seconds when below freezing (32°F - 0°C) [*]Beware of icy conditions when the road looks wet [*]Bridges freeze before road surface. [*]Add weight to the cargo area of your vehicle for added traction [*]Four Wheel Drive / All Wheel Drive does not make you immune to snow and ice [*]Provide more following distance [*]Use Snub Braking (Press the brake pedal for several seconds, let off, and repeat) [*]Don't over-correct your steering, when sliding, turn the wheel carefully [*]Most importantly: SLOW DOWN.

So be safe out there, use these tips to help make winter driving safer. Beware of other drivers, and if you see another vehicle having trouble, slow down as not to be involved. Be Safe, and Be Aware!

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[[mXm] andy19]

The thing about 4x4 is that it increases handling/traction when turning and accelerating. It's braking where it does nothing for you.
Unless all 4 wheels are on ice and you're trying to gun it, 4x4 is a wonderful thing. I realize it's not a completely accident-proof option for the car/truck, but it definitely decreases the chances.

The biggest thing people need to realize when driving in snow is to take your time and not drive like you normally do, no matter how good of a driver you think you are.

[[mXm] Deucedeuse]

Thanks for the heads up on winter driving advice. I've only driven a matter of 1 week in the snow in my entire life! You northerners might get a chuckle out of that one. Thanks again fellas.

[HeroicJayneCobb]

@Andy: I dont mean to imply four wheel drive is somehow bad; the problem is that too many people have it in thier head that it means they can drive 80mph on a snow covered interstate. I felt it important that people who have this feature realize, that because it "helps" in the snow, it doesnt make them snow/ice proof.

[[mXm] BalzOnYer4Head]

I'm a Finnish Championship Rally Driver. This does not apply to me. Jah.