Extreme weather conditions can make a difference in your normal driving. That mostly affects your ability to see, which is very limited in adverse weather conditions such as rain, fog, ice, snow, and dust. Among all weather conditions, extreme cold and for that matter SNOW is probably one of the most dangerous conditions. Streets and highways covered with snow, snow pack, or ice are extremely hazardous. They are most hazardous when the snow or ice begins to melt. The slush or wet surface acts as a lubricant and traction is reduced. Snow with drifting winds poses added danger.(Learn about danger of driving on wet roads https://www.pakwheels.com/forums/news-articles-driver-education-safety/211982-hydroplaning-hidden-danger-have-you-ever-experienced )
I know this topic will not apply to many members on this forum ( reason no snow in their area). I tried to share safety tips about driving in fog previously. Again as always I am collecting all these tips from various online resources and compiling these together here so that it's beneficial to everyone. Like you prepare yourself in form of buying new sweaters and jackets or open your stored clothing, before the winter season arrives if you have a vehicle you should prepare that too. Some preparation tips and not limited to as under
- Checking the ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses and fan belts.
- Changing and adjusting the spark plugs.
- Checking the air, fuel and emission filters, and the PCV valve.
- Inspecting the distributor.
- The most important ,Checking the battery,. If your battery is old or weak, replace it.
- Checking the tires for air, sidewalls wears and tread depth.
- Checking antifreeze levels and the freeze line. It?s better to replace regular water in the car with antifreeze as it can freeze in lines. If possible replace the washer bottle liquid as well with non- freezing washer liquid.
- Your car should be properly tuned. If it?s not get it tuned as soon as possible.
- Properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and car jack.
- All lights should be in working condition. Getting it rechecked will not be a waste of time.
Driving in Snow and Ice
The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it. Here are some guidelines for driving in snow or icy conditions.
- Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you. In case you are driving a SUV, increase this distance by 8 to 10 times.
- Put another way, for every 10 mph (16 kph) you're traveling, you should give yourself four car lengths of space. So if you're traveling at 30 mph (48 kph), you should have 12 car lengths between you and the vehicle ahead of you.
- While vehicles with four-wheel drive typically do perform better in snowy and icy driving conditions, the technology can backfire by giving drivers a false sense of safety.Four-wheel drive is used to send the specific amount of needed torque to each of your car's four tires to give it added traction to move forward through snowy roads. That doesn't mean, however, that you can race down the road at top speed in the snow and bring yourself to a quick stop. Four-wheel or all-wheel drive isn't going to give you the traction you need to brake. It can help you get through some difficult conditions, but it doesn't make you vehicle a Super machine.
- Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.Once you've lost traction and your wheels are locked up, slamming your brakes won't change the situation. What you should do when you feel yourself begin to skid is ease off the accelerator and let the car slow down on its own. A moving tire means that there is still some traction, which is what you need to steer yourself out of a collision. If braking is required and your vehicle comes with an anti-lock brake system, brake with steady, even pressure. you will feel a pulse in brake paddle. Its as sign that ABS is working. If your car doesn't have ABS, then you should pump the brakes by quickly braking again and again.
- When handling snow-covered corners, you should begin a steady braking as you approach the turn. Once in the corner, ease off the brakes and use the car's remaining traction to steer through the turn. Avoid fast turns.Avoid quick stops.
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Shift to low gear before going down a steep hill, but do not downshift at too fast a speed.If you drive in snowy areas, carry chains in case you find yourself in conditions where you can't drive without them. Learn how to put the chains on BEFORE you need to use them. Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
- If your rear wheels skid... Take your foot off the accelerator. Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right. If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
- If your front wheels skid...Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don't try to steer immediately. As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.
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If you get stuck...Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper. Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way. Use a light touch on the gas paddle, to ease your car out. Use a shovel to clear the way. Keep a shovel in your car in you planning a trip in snow.
Be prepared for SNOW jam
There had been numerous times people get stuck in snow due to land slide or due to an accident. It will take much longer to clear your way and there is major possibility you remain confined to your car. You must be prepared for such situations.
- if you are stranded; Do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to possible help, and are certain you will improve your situation.
- If you are sure the car's exhaust pipe is not blocked, run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour or so depending upon the amount of gas in the tank.
- Never ever run your car engine if the exhaust pipe in buried under snow. You can become victim of carbon monoxide inhalation.
- To protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia use the woolen items and blankets to keep warm. you should carry supplies to keep you warm such as heavy woolen mittens, socks, a cap and blankets.
- Keep at least one window open slightly. Heavy snow and ice can seal a car shut.
- Keep non perishable food items in your car trunk as well as some juice or water.
Credits: National Safety council (Winter Safety - prepare for winter, driving tips)
Weather channel (National and Local Weather Forecast, Hurricane, Radar and Report)