Stay safe and drive like a pro this winter with these tips for successful winter driving!
Well the snow has finally arrived… People are going crazy because of the increased moisture and newfound ability to make snow angels. Some of this craziness includes the individuals behind the wheel. We’ve all experienced the phenomenon of people losing the ability to operate a moving car as soon as the snow or rain comes. So we decided to give everyone a few tips on what to do when it’s snowing and you’re driving. Tip number 1: Don’t even think about driving… There is nothing but psychos on the road so don’t do it!!! Okay we’re kidding but if you need some tips on winter driving…Tips for successful winter driving:
- Leave as much snow piled on top of your car, including the windows. Not only will it weigh you down (more traction!) but you’ll also create a whiteout behind you which keeps other cars at a safe distance. Clear as little snow off your windshield as possible and win a free game of tank commander!
- Turn your hazard lights on. Everyone needs to pay attention to YOU, not the snow or road conditions. Your light show will alert EVERYONE to the fact that it is snowing, thereby making everyone SAFE!
- Turn your high beams on and leave them on. The heavier the snow, the brighter lights you need, that way you can keep an eye on every individual snowflake falling and avoid being distracted by other things on the road, like cars and shiny deer eyes. Remember: “Push the lever, leave it forever.”
- If you have a 4WD/AWD vehicle, drive as fast as you want. Everyone knows four and all wheel drive are completely failure-proof no matter the conditions. You’ll keep the roads that much clearer by getting to your destination sooner. If you don’t have a car with AWD then visit McDonald Automotive and get yourself something nice!
- Brake erratically and frequently while on the highway and other well-traveled areas. This is to be sure that your brakes work. Give your car as many chances to break traction as possible - it’s the only way you’ll learn how good your car is winter driving. Always do this when you’re in the fast lane and there’s NOTHING in front of you and a line of 15 cars behind you.
- Be sure that you can still accelerate by slamming on the gas when you realize you’re doing 10 under after every instance of #5 and you notice someone trying to pass.
- Drive as close as possible to the car in front of you so you can follow their tire tracks exactly, that way you’ll know you won’t go of the side of the road.
- Wait until the last second to start slowing for a turn; you wouldn’t want to inconvenience the people behind you by driving slow. Don’t worry, turned wheels can’t possibly keep traveling in a straight line right? Don’t worry about signaling, if you follow Tip #2 you’ve already got your hazards on. They count as blinkers too!
- Remember that the center shared left turn lanes usually get plowed last so wait until about 20 feet before you have to turn before jerking the wheel and slamming on your brakes. This way if you’re lucky you’ll slide just so you’re facing your side street!
- If you see fellow motorists spun-out or in mid-spin; honk, give them the finger, and scream at them. They might not realize their car is backwards, or in a ditch… or upside-down!
If you’re having trouble finding traction, be sure to continually floor the gas pedal. Not only will this get your engine up to operating temp quicker if you’ve just started up, spinning tires = friction and heat to melt away all that ice!
So there you have it! The best tips for winter driving in the snow from us to you! In all seriousness please drive safe on the roads and be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going.
