Get the car ready
- Tires. Check tread and pressure. Pressure drops as temperatures fall. If you live where snow is common, ask a tire shop whether winter tires make sense for you.
- Battery. Cold weather is hard on batteries. Many shops will test one for you before winter.
- Wipers and fluid. Use a washer fluid rated for freezing temperatures and replace worn blades.
- Lights. Make sure every light works, and keep them clear of snow and road grime.
Before you pull away
Clear all the snow and ice from the car, including the roof, hood, lights, mirrors and every window. Snow left on the roof can slide over the windshield when you brake, or blow off and hit the car behind. Some states have laws about this. If you warm the car up in a garage, open the garage door first and never leave it running in an enclosed space, because exhaust fumes can be deadly.
Driving on snow and ice
- Slow everything down. Accelerate gently, brake early and lightly, and take turns slowly. Sudden inputs are what cause skids.
- Leave a big gap. Many winter guides suggest eight to ten seconds on snow or ice. See the gap ladder.
- Watch for ice you can't see. Bridges, overpasses and shaded spots freeze first. Pavement that looks wet when it's near freezing may be ice.
- Hills. Build a little speed before an uphill stretch and avoid stopping on the way up. Go down slowly in a lower gear.
- No cruise control. Keep full control of speed on slick roads.
Braking
Most modern cars have anti-lock brakes. With anti-lock brakes, press firmly and steadily and keep steering. You may feel pulsing in the pedal and hear a grinding sound, which is normal. If your car doesn't have them, your owner's manual explains the right technique. Check which kind you have before winter arrives.
If you start to skid
Ease off the gas and avoid slamming the brakes. Look and steer gently in the direction you want the car to go. As the car recovers, straighten the wheel smoothly. Overcorrecting is a common way for a small skid to become a spin. Practicing in an empty, snowy parking lot can help you learn how your car feels when it slides, if you can find one where that's allowed.
What to keep in the car
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Ice scraper and snow brush | To clear every window and light before driving. |
| Warm layers, hat, gloves and a blanket | In case you're stuck for a while with the engine off. |
| Flashlight with spare batteries | For checking the car or signaling at night. |
| Small shovel and sand or cat litter | To dig out and add grip under a stuck tire. |
| Jumper cables | Cold weather is hard on batteries. |
| Water, snacks and a phone charger | For long delays on a closed road. |
| First aid kit | For minor injuries while you wait for help. |
If you get stuck
Stay with your car unless help is very close and you're sure you can get there safely. A car is easier for rescuers to find than a person on foot. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow and run the engine only for short periods to stay warm, with a window open a crack, to avoid carbon monoxide building up inside. Check winter road conditions and closures with your state department of transportation before you leave.