Winter driving demands extra preparation and adjusted habits. The right combination of proper equipment and careful technique can keep you safe even in the most demanding cold-weather conditions.
Cold weather affects everything from tire pressure to battery capacity. Before winter arrives: have your battery tested (cold weather reduces battery output by up to 50%), check your tire tread depth and switch to winter tires if you're in a snowbelt region, top off your windshield washer fluid with a winter-rated fluid, check your antifreeze mixture, and ensure your brakes are in good condition.
Stopping distances on ice can be 10 times longer than on dry pavement. Leave at least 8–10 seconds of following distance in snowy or icy conditions (compared to the 3-second rule in normal conditions). Reduce speed significantly below the posted limit when roads are snow-covered or icy — the speed limit is set for dry road conditions.
Front-wheel skid (understeer — the front pushes wide in a turn): ease off the accelerator and look/steer where you want to go. Do not turn the wheel further into the corner. Rear-wheel skid (oversteer): steer gently in the direction the back is sliding (into the skid), and ease off the gas. Do not brake. With ABS brakes, apply firm, steady pressure in an emergency stop — do not pump the pedal.
Keep an emergency kit in your car: ice scraper and brush, jumper cables or a battery jump pack, a small bag of sand or kitty litter (for traction), a blanket, and a flashlight. Check fuel levels more frequently — you want at least half a tank in winter to add weight and prevent fuel line freezing in older vehicles.
