The CNY Guide to Winter Driving
Snow driving is a skill that all Central New Yorkers need to have. Road conditions change drastically in the winter months, so our driving habits should change as well. People that treat winter driving the same as summer driving are much more likely to encounter issues. As college students, we may not have a whole lot of driving experience, especially during the winter months, but this article should help anyone and everyone who feels unprepared or a little nervous about driving in the snow. Following these tips will decrease the likelihood of you experiencing car issues this winter, both on the road and in the driveway.
Start Your Car Before You’re Ready to Leave
Starting your car before you leave will save you from a cornucopia’s worth of problems. The main purpose of starting your car early is to start getting warm air circulating in your car. When you start up your car, make sure the heat is on full blast. This will ensure that the car will be nice and warm when you get inside.
Invest in a Snow Brush
Having a snow brush is not necessary, as you can brush snow and ice off with a regular broom or even your hand. However, snow brushes are much more efficient in ridding your car of snow before you hit the roads. All snow brushes should have an ice scraper implemented into the design, which makes removing ice from your windshields extremely easy.
Make Sure Your Car is (relatively) Clean
Having a clean car is important, especially when you have passengers that may judge you for your dirt infested mats. However, having a clean car can also be beneficial during winter. Having excess dirt in your car can increase the chance of condensation occurring on your windshield. Having a clean car will decrease the chance of this happening.
Free Your Windshield Wipers From Ice
This may seem like a relatively simple tip. However, there are a lot of people that forget to check their wipers before they start their commute. If you do not break the ice off your windshield wipers, they will not work. In fact, sometimes trying to turn them on when they are frozen can result in them breaking. You can do a variety of things to break the ice off, but hitting the wipers against the windshield a few times is quick and efficient. Having functional windshield wipers are a must, especially if you find yourself driving in a snow storm.
Take Advantage of the Defrosters
The defrosters in your car are most commonly used to get rid of condensation on windows. Some people avoid using them, as it takes time for them to take full effect. However, it will drastically improve visibility, which is a must in winter.
Think About Where You’re Parking
Try to park in areas where there isn’t a lot of snow build-up, as this will decrease the chances of you getting stuck.
Take Your Turns/Corners Slow.
Roads during winter are often very slippery. Slowing down with ease before you take a turn will warrant for much safer driving. Slowing down too fast can result in you losing control of your vehicle. Remember, slow and steady wins the race, especially in winter.
Maintain a Constant Speed on Hills
Changing speed on hills is a big NO in winter. If you start to speed up, you may start to slide and lose control of your vehicle. If you slow down, you may not be able to make it all the way up the hill and may start rolling down it instead.
Turn Down the Radio.
Listening to music while driving is a necessity for a lot of drivers. However, driving in the winter is much more difficult when your radio is blasting music. Consider turning the volume down and direct most of your attention to the road.
Check the Weather Before you Head Out.
Checking the weather before you head out is helpful in winter. This way, you’re able to look out for any road cancellation(s) or incoming snowstorms. If there is a snowstorm coming, consider staying home if travel is not necessary.
Winter driving is something that most people despise and fear. It can be very dangerous if you do not heed the road conditions. There truly is a drastic change between summer and winter roads which ultimately requires a big change in your driving style. It may seem unnecessary, but it most definitely isn’t. Driving is not an innate skill, it has to be learned. Winter driving is the same way. Especially if it is your first winter where you will be driving alone. Following these tips will prove to be rather helpful when you are getting ready for your snowy commute. Safe travels!
