Ask Joe Mechanic: Winter Driving Tips

As we soon approach the time (hopefully not too soon) that we will begin to experience winter weather, one needs to brush up on their winter driving. We already covered getting your car prepared for winter, but it is also important to prepare yourself for everything that winter can throw at you.

The first thing to do is preparation. Now is the time to get all the things ready that you should have in your vehicle just in case you have a problem this winter. If you live in an area where winter can strike early and hard, such as around Hazleton as I have experienced, all of these items can prove of great importance, and in extreme cases, could mean the difference between life and death! 

A winter survival kit should include; a snow shovel (collapsible ones are handy and do not take up much space), a scraper/ snow brush, tire chains if you travel in an area that gets a lot of snow, a flashlight with extra batteries, a bag of cat litter, sand or salt in case you get stuck, jumper cables, flares or an emergency triangle, and a bright colored cloth to signal for help. Your should also have a tight sealing container in which you pack candles, matches or lighter, bottled water and snacks such as energy bars. And, some of the most important things, mittens or insulated gloves and a ski mask, a sleeping bag or blankets, first aid supplies, and any prescription medications for at least 2 days including diabetic supplies and a fully charged cell phone. 

I know this list sounds extensive and maybe a bit extreme, but it is much better to be over prepared than to get stranded and possibly not see help for a couple days such a man from Pine Grove a few years ago who was on his way home from work on RT 501 just a few miles north a Myerstown who got stuck and his car sat completely buried on the roadway in a drift for three days until he was rescued.

When you experience bad weather, it now becomes important to use common sense. As soon as roads become slick, slow down and increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. If someone insists on following you too closely, pull over when safe and let them pass. One important fallacy that many fall victim to is that I have a 4WD so I do not have to worry. Yes, 4WD definitely gives you more traction and gets you moving better, but, most 4wd’s are heavier vehicles and that extra weight will actually increase braking distances on slick roads. Also, on ice, 4WD actually can be more tricky while under power and stopping. Giving extra room not only allows you more chance to stop, but if the vehicle in front of you or an oncoming vehicle has problems, you have more time and space to take evasive action.

If you find yourself in a skid, there are a number of things to remember and to consider depending on the situation. If the rear wheels are skidding, take your foot off the gas and steer in the direction that the car is sliding. If the front wheels skid, take your foot off the gas, shift into neutral and allow the car to slow itself and then start to apply light braking and steer in the direction you want to go. Even an expert can sometimes have trouble recovering from a skid. Snow tires can aid you in snow, but they will not make much difference on ice
unless they are studded.

Should your car break down or you become stuck, there are some very important things to remember. If you are able, try to get your car safely off the road surface. Put out flares or the warning triangle to make yourself visible to other drivers. If you are stuck, you can then try to shovel yourself out, use some of your abrasive material for traction and see if you can rock yourself free. If you are unable to free yourself, make a call for help, but do not over use your phone to retain its charge. You can run your engine for heat about ten minutes every hour, but leave a window open slightly for ventilation and always keep snow clear of your exhaust to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Use your blankets or sleeping bag to keep warn and ration yourself on your snacks and water so that you do not exhaust your supply. Also, remember that you can eat snow for your thirst, but not too much at once as this can lower body temperature. And, make sure its not yellow!

Remember, some prior preparation, and use of common sense may prevent a very dangerous situation from developing.
 
What tips can you offer for winter driving preparedness that weren't already covered?