1. Windshield treatments help to prevent ice build-up.
There are various liquid preparations on the market that provide a protective film for your windshield. The film inhibits rain and ice from adhering to the glass. You can also purchase packs of pre-moistened towelettes - great to carry in your glove compartment for use on the road if you run out of windshield washer fluid.
2. Winter wiper blades work better in freezing temperatures.
Windshield wipers have moving parts that work less effectively when they are seized by ice. Some manufacturers offer winter blades with a protective sleeve over the moving parts. There have been patents issued, as well, for forced-air wiper defrosting systems - although they do not appear to be in production yet.
3. Car wax can impair visibility.
Commercial car washes wax your entire vehicle, leaving a film on the windshield glass. At night or in low-visibility conditions, this film causes a glare from oncoming headlights that impedes visibility. If you use a car wash before you travel, be sure to clean your windshield afterwards with something that will cut through the film - like a cola soft drink followed by window cleaner.
4. Dress for the weather - and carry extra clothing.
A coat that you wear while driving may not be warm enough if you must sit without heat while waiting for a tow truck. Pack extra protective wear in the back seat (best option), or the trunk. Be sure to include an extra-warm coat or jacket, something that will cover your head and ears, gloves/mitts, and waterproof insulated boots. If you own anything else that will increase your comfort level (like a scarf or ski mask), include it as well.
5. Water may freeze in door locks.
High speeds force rain and sleet into every crevice of your vehicle. In freezing temperatures, the crevices become clogged with ice. If you must leave your vehicle locked for any reason, you may find it difficult or impossible to unlock. A combination flashlight and lock de-icer keychain may save a call to your auto association or to a locksmith.
6. Carry emergency salt, gravel, or kitty litter.
Being stuck in a snowbank is not the end of the world if you have some traction materials in your trunk. Coarse salt, gravel, sand, and kitty litter are all effective. If you have a fireplace, save the ashes and use them instead. Another trick used by many drivers is to apply bleach to the tire treads. Use bleach sparingly, however. It softens the treads and will hasten tire wear.
* WHILE YOU TRAVEL *
7. Do not engage the cruise control.
Cruise control maintains a constant speed for your vehicle. There are two ways to disengage cruise: tapping on the brakes, or pressing 'Off'. What must you ALWAYS avoid in a skid? Right - using the brakes. Your only option while your car spins out of control is to hit the 'Off' button. This is easier said than done! By the time you find it, you could be in the ditch or crushed by oncoming traffic. Avoid using cruise whenever you suspect black ice or unfavorable weather conditions.
8. Steep icy hills may require a lower gear.
You should avoid using your brakes on any icy surface. So what do you do on an ice-covered downhill grade? Shift into a lower gear. The engine will rev faster, while physically slowing down the vehicle. However, driving for too long in a low gear can overheat your engine. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge and stop once in awhile if necessary.
9. Be extra vigilant in suspect areas.
Some areas of a road or highway are inherently ice-prone: overpasses and underpasses, stretches that do not receive much sunlight, and intersections. Slow down and be especially careful as you drive through any of these suspect areas.
10. Rumble strips can function like airport beacons.
If you are fortunate enough to drive over a roadway with rumble strips, you can use them to your advantage. These strips produce a loud rumbling noise and vibration whenever you drive over them. In poor visibility, steer closer to the center of the road. If you meander onto the center rumble strip, correct your steering just slightly until the rumble dies down. Avoid the outer edge of the road. Sharp or soft shoulders, snowbanks, ruts, or hidden obstacles may grab your wheels and pull you into the ditch without warning.
Reviewing the pointers in this and the previous article will help prepare you for adverse road conditions. Now enjoy your next winter trip into a snowy area or up to the ski hill!
?Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author's note below (with active links) are included.
* PREPARATION *
1. Make sure that you can see in all directions.
Before setting out on your trip, scrape all ice and frost off windows and brush snow away from the hood, roof, headlights, and taillights. Idling your car for about 5 minutes with front and rear-window defrosters engaged will make this job easier. Pay special attention to headlights and signal lights.
2. Inspect your tires.
You should have good all-season or winter tires. If they don't have sufficient tread, replace them. Check the air pressure of all tires, including your spare. You may need to consult your driver's manual. In many cars, recommended tire inflation pressure is printed on the driver's-side door post. Properly-inflated tires in good condition will give you better control and traction on the road.
3. Fill the gas tank before you leave.
A full or nearly-full gas tank will make your vehicle heavier. This promotes better handling on ice and snow. Frequent refueling stops may seem like a nuisance, but they will allow you to get out of the car and stretch - and help to prevent road-hypnosis and fatigue.
* WHILE YOU TRAVEL *
4. Never tailgate!
It is normally recommended that you stay 2 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you *-in good weather conditions on dry roads-*. If you are driving through slush, snow, or ice, you should at least quadruple the safety margin. A safer distance would be 10 seconds. Take note of a tree, fencepost, or other prominent item right beside the vehicle in front of you. Then begin to count slowly: 1001 - 1002 - 1003 - and so on - up to 1010. If you pass the reference item before you reach 1010, you are driving too fast. Gently ease off the accelerator until you are 10 seconds away.
5. Perform gradual steering and speed corrections.
Never make sudden lane changes - and always brake gently. A car can become an out-of-control missile if you ignore this rule. Turn your steering wheel slowly and pump brakes lightly. ABS brakes will automatically do the pumping for you if you apply soft, continuous pressure. If you decide to pass another vehicle, be sure that you have more room than usual, then edge out into the passing lane and gradually back into yours when safe to do so.
6. Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles are superior.
Front-wheel drive vehicles are assisted by engine weight to naturally increase their traction and efficiency in snow. All-wheel drive systems automatically sense when one wheel doesn't have the same traction as the others, and will adjust torque accordingly. Rear-wheel drive vehicles don't have a lot of weight where you need it - above the rear wheels. To compensate for this, you can load sandbags or heavy luggage in your trunk. If possible, heavier passengers should travel in the back seat.
7. Skids don't have to scare you!
When in a skid immediately take your foot off the accelerator and DO NOT USE THE BRAKES! Steer gently in the direction of travel once you feel that the vehicle is back in control. Advance practice in an icy or snowy vacant lot may help you to become more proficient at steering out of skids.
8. Don't use high-beam headlights in a snow storm.
High beams reflect off snowflakes in the air. Use your low-beam headlights instead. They are directed down onto the road in front of your vehicle, providing much better visibility.
9. Entering a curve?
If you have to slow down for a curve, do so before you enter it. Speed changes while navigating a bend in the highway can throw your vehicle into a spin. If you accelerate or decelerate while navigating a curve, do so very gradually.
10. Adjust your speed for road conditions.
Posted speed limits are based on optimal conditions during dry weather and good visibility. Slow down! If you feel that you don't have full control of your vehicle, you are driving too quickly.
Advance preparation and reviewing these tips before you travel can make the difference between an enjoyable trip - and a disastrous one.
?Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author's note below (with active links) are included.
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