= = = Winter Driving Tips = = =
Winter Driving Tips Member's, post your Winter Driving Tips :thumbsup:
How to stay safe in the snow http://o.aolcdn.com/os/autos/article/aoloriginal-sm.gif Posted: Nov 27, 2011 http://o.aolcdn.com/os/autos/photos/...12mz121710.jpg Avoid accidents this winter by following a few simple safety tips by: Michael Zak It was the first big snowfall of the season and I was out driving on the freeway when it happened. I had been traveling carefully, unsure that my little sedan would be able to keep traction as the snow kept piling up, when a large SUV came flying out of nowhere, attempting to pass me as if the roads were dry. Just as the SUV had gotten ahead of me, the driver lost control. The vehicle spun wildly for a few seconds and then crashed horrifically into the median with a sickening crunch. Somehow, the driver was unhurt. Many others, however, are not so lucky. Each and every winter, people are injured or killed because they are unprepared or overconfident on snowy, icy roads. The following rules for driving safely in winter weather are not particularly difficult to follow and doing so will keep you much safer on snowy roads. Even if you are a veteran driver from a snow belt state and don't give venturing out in a blizzard much of a second thought, keeping these safety tips fresh in your mind can keep you on the road and in control. 1. Make sure you and your car are properly equipped before you leave. Do a quick check of your vehicle before you hit the road. Make sure that your car has ample antifreeze, the windshield is clean and you have plenty of windshield washer fluid, the headlights are clean and in working order and the tires have tread and are properly inflated. Also, make sure to have your battery tested, to avoid being stranded in the cold with a car that won't start. In addition to your vehicle's mechanical equipment, it's important to keep some extra items in the trunk or glove box in case of emergency. Equip your car with a flashlight and extra batteries, a first aid kit, warm clothes, and a blanket. Remember to have sunglasses in the car as well. It always amazes me how many people I see driving in the winter without them. The glare of the sun off of snow and ice can be more intense in the winter than it is in the summer. One last thing to remember, perhaps the most important of all: Your cell phone. 2. Slow down and drive smoothly. This may seem like a no-brainer, but even if you're driving an SUV or a four-wheel-drive truck, you cannot safely do 80 mph during a snowstorm. Four-wheel-drive may help your vehicle get going in the slushy stuff, but it's of no use when you're trying to steer or safely stop on a slippery road surface. It is also important to avoid abrupt acceleration, braking and turns. Doing so can cause your vehicle to lose traction and can launch you into an uncontrollable skid, leading to a collision. Driving too quickly is the main cause of accidents in winter conditions. Just be patient and accept the fact that it is going to take longer to arrive at your destination. 3. Do not tailgate. It is important to remember that it takes a much longer distance to stop your vehicle in the snow or ice due to the greatly reduced traction, even with just a light covering on the road. You may think that the driver in front of you doing 35 mph on the freeway is going too slow and needs a reminder in the form of you riding their bumper, but doing so is dangerous. Be patient and stay back until it's safe to pass. Tailgating often leads to accidents, especially if you are driving in stop-and-go traffic. If the car in front of you stops abruptly and you are following too closely, you can reflexively slam on the brakes and end up sliding into it. The resulting accident may be no more than a fender-bender, but having to deal with it on a busy road in the snow is certainly something that you want to avoid, especially if other cars are sliding around as well. Many serious accident injuries come from a second impact from another car after a seemingly trivial collision. 4. Do not use cruise control. For some, driving with cruise control has become almost second nature. Sure, it prevents you from getting leg fatigue, keeps you from unwittingly speeding and is great on long trips, but driving with it on in winter conditions can be unsafe. Thus, if cruise control has become a staple of your driving habits, make a conscious effort to ensure that you are not using it in winter weather. Using cruise control in the snow, ice or even rain is dangerous because if your car hydroplanes or skids, it will accelerate and rapidly spin the wheels since it will be trying to maintain a constant speed. If this happens, it will be more likely that you lose control of your vehicle. 5. Pull over or stay home. If at any point during your trip -- or before you even leave -- you feel that the weather is too bad to continue driving, simply stay put. If you're out on the road, find a safe spot to pull over and wait until the weather passes or calms to the point where you feel comfortable driving again. If you haven't left yet, stay home and off the roads. Remember, there is no shame in making the logical decision to stay in when the conditions are bad. You may be late arriving to your destination, but arriving late in one piece is much better than the alternative. Your boss or significant other will understand. |
Winter driving tip #6: Move somewhere warmer and say goodbye to winter driving. :p Have I mentioned once or twice? WINTER SUCKS!!! :thumbsdown:
Thanks for the tips Space. :thumbsup: |
^^^Says the Canadian...
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Originally Posted by MillerMonteSS
(Post 386183)
^^^Says the Canadian...
I may not get the harsh winters that more northern Canadians get. But regardless, winter still sucks. :thumbsdown: :D |
Youre right Taz. In Fla, winter driving means 'roll down the windows! Its beautiful out!'
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I can't wait to try 2 drive in snow/ice, but I sure would not want to drive it with a nice Monte Carlo 4-Sure...
I would be freaking `out...I think I would want a AWD vehicle for winter (or a SnowBoard: ).. Below are more tips from AAA ======================= <TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD height=21><TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" background=../Images/GreyBarBG.gif><TBODY><TR><TD class=SmallHead>Winter Driving Tips </TD><TD height=21 width=7>http://www.aaaexchange.com/Images/GreyBarCap-rt.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD height=5>http://www.aaaexchange.com/Images/blank.gif</TD></TR><TR><TD><TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD height=6 width=7>http://www.aaaexchange.com/Images/StrPanel-tl.gif</TD><TD height=6 background=../Images/StrPanel-tc.gif>http://www.aaaexchange.com/Images/blank.gif</TD><TD height=6 width=7>http://www.aaaexchange.com/Images/StrPanel-tr.gif</TD></TR><TR><TD background=../Images/StrPanel-cl.gif width=7>http://www.aaaexchange.com/Images/blank.gif</TD><TD vAlign=top><TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD>http://www.aaaexchange.com/Assets/Im.../Winter200.jpgSevere weather can be both frightening and dangerous for automobile travel. Motorists should know the safety rules for dealing with winter road emergencies. AAA reminds motorists to be cautious while driving in adverse weather. For more information on winter driving, the association offers the How to Go on Ice and Snow brochure, available through most AAA offices. Contact your local AAA representative for more information. AAA recommends the following winter driving tips:
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Back on topic...
I started putting snow tires on the monte a couple years ago. Two reasons really. One, for better traction. And two, to save my rims the ravages of winter. |
Winter Tires, and give yourself time to get places.
You need patience and traction to survive winter driving. |
Winters arnt to bad around here usually but wen it snows & ices out i just drive nice & slow & take my time,
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Originally Posted by Taz
(Post 386199)
Back on topic...
I started putting snow tires on the monte a couple years ago. Two reasons really. One, for better traction. And two, to save my rims the ravages of winter. `Lou `Taz, I think that was a wise investment, not just not to protect your rims, but also for getting out...I hope in your future that you get a garage with a home + a winter beater car (Yugo) or something to keep your SuperCharged Monte in your Auto BedRoom : ) :thumbsup: ============================================ 20 Ways to Beat Old Man Winter Many believe spring and summer are the best times to wash and wax our cars, which is true for us, but not necessarily our cars. The season that destroys cars is winter, what with all the dirt, corrosive road salts and melting snow. Unfortunately the damage often goes unnoticed until it�s too late for a cheap fix. Car care by definition is anything that provides direct service to the vehicle. But what about common sense maintenance? Connecticut-based zym�l Enterprises, makers of high-quality car care products since 1980, says there are at least 20 easy ways to increase the service life of your car, keeping it looking great through this winter and many winters to come. Zym�l products and other car care tips are available online at www.zymol.com
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