Winter Car And Truck Driving Tips

Winter months can make driving dangerous because of the snowy conditions and the difficulty in getting traction on the roads. These numbers help to put winter driving in perspective.

• 17% of car accidents occur in snowy conditions
• Each year, more than 1 800 people are killed while driving in snow conditions.
• Auto crashes are caused by cold weather every year at 156,164
• It takes 10X longer for cars to stop on icy or snowy pavement

These numbers are alarming when you consider that 70% of American roads are located in areas where temperatures regularly drop below freezing during winter. At least one winter, most drivers will be forced to drive on unsafe roads. Even those who live in Southern states, where snow is rare, may be faced with ice and snow due to a storm or because they travel north.

Nobody should expect to be able to drive in perfect conditions every time. Everyone should be able to safely drive in snowy, icy, or foggy conditions. These winter truck and car driving tips are compiled by Move Car Auto Transport, the experts in transport.

Do Your Tires a Favor

Winter driving can be made easier or more difficult by your tires. Use snow- and ice-specific tires if you can. These tires offer more grip, which will keep you from sliding on the roads. Check your tires at the beginning of winter to see if there are any signs of wear or have them done by a professional. Even if you don’t replace your tires with winter tires, this is the perfect time to change out old tires and get started on winter. You should monitor your tire pressure - tires that are too low won't perform well in slippery conditions.

Avoid Cruise Control

Although cruise control is a useful feature for long drives, it can make driving in winter more dangerous. There is always the possibility of ice or sudden snow showers without prior warning. You might also encounter ice on the road or sudden snow showers. In many cases, winter travel requires dynamic driving. You will need to be able to accelerate quickly and change your speed frequently. It's safer to turn off cruise control and put your foot on the brakes or gas pedal.

The Essentials

Even with defensive driving and preparation, winter roads can be treacherous. The statistics above show that winter accidents are more frequent, and it is possible to become stranded due to bad traffic or impassable roads. It is important to be safe when you travel in winter. To ensure that you don't get stuck in the winter, make sure your car has at most half a tank of gas. Don't assume that you won't be stranded. Make sure to have a winter travel kit. It includes essentials such as blankets, water, flashlights, and windshield wiper fluid. This kit can be kept in your car all winter to prevent a difficult situation from becoming more dangerous.

Slow

As we mentioned, driving on snow or ice requires you to have dynamic control over your speed. Regardless of the speed limit, it is best to drive slower in wintery situations. Slow down on roads and residential streets. Even if roads look dry and clear, this rule should be followed. It is better to prevent your car from slipping and sliding than try to fix them once they have started.

Keep More Distance

Because it takes longer for your car to stop on slick roads, one reason why you should go slowly. Your car won't have enough traction to stop at the same speed even if you apply your brakes hard. In bad weather, travel five to six-second behind your car. If you suddenly see brake lights ahead, this should allow you enough time to stop. If your car starts to slide on the pavement, you can keep your vehicle from colliding with another vehicle. Give way to all other cars on the road.

Slowly Accelerate

Over-gassing your tires can cause them to slip on frozen roads. Slowly and steadily apply the gas when the stoplight turns green. Don't expect to reach full speed in the same way as normal. You should also slow down if you need to lower your speed on the highway. It could cause your tires to lose their traction.

Correct Your Slide

Don't panic if your tires begin to slide in a direction you didn't anticipate. Keep your foot off of the accelerator and don't let go of the urge to brake hard. Instead, keep your foot on the brake pedal and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide. By turning into the slide, your tires will regain traction. At that point, you can gently apply brake pressure. Although your instincts may tell you to steer the car in the direction of travel because it is safer for you and others, you should not turn the car against the slide. You could lose complete control. It's better to be involved in minor traffic accidents than in major collisions. It could make all the difference if you turn into the slide.

Don't overestimate your vehicle

You might drive an SUV or pickup with four-wheel drive, an SUV or crossover with all-wheel driving, or a vehicle that boasts superior traction control. All of these are great features and can be very useful when driving on snow or maneuvering around ice patches. However, they won't make you immune to winter driving hazards. If you've ever driven in a winter storm, chances are that you have seen large trucks along the side of the road. Although these and other vehicles with extra traction are more adept in snow or ice conditions, they don't have the same speed at stopping quickly. It doesn't matter what vehicle you drive, be careful. It matters more about how you drive in winter weather than what you drive.

An Alternative to Winter Driving

You don't have to be able to drive in snow, just because you are a competent driver. Driving in winter, even in the best conditions, can be difficult. It can be difficult to drive in winter because of the cold cabin, dry air, salt everywhere, and additional stress. It's why most road trips are in the spring and summer.

You don't need to drive your car if you have to move it. You also have the option of auto shipping. It's also a good option in winter.

You arrange to have a vehicle driver pick up your car and transport it to your destination. Your vehicle is then transported by a professional driver to its destination, whether it's within the state or the nation. The driver will drop it off at your desired location. Your vehicle will save you time and your vehicle will save miles. And, best of all, it won't be hampered by ice or snow.

Move Car Auto Transport makes vehicle shipping more convenient than a winter road trip. To get connected with top car haulers across the country, use our car shipping calculator. We offer a variety of options that can be tailored to your needs and budget. You can get multiple quotes in less than 5 minutes, it's free and you don't have to book anything. It couldn't have been easier to ship auto!