Do you make these 5 winter driving mistakes?

By: Aaron Robbins

1. Keeping your gas tank less the half full.
There are several reasons why keeping a nearly full tank of gas when driving in winter conditions is a good idea. First, road conditions change frequently during the winter months, extra gas gives you flexibility if your driving route should need major adjustments. Second, a full tank of gas makes the car heavier. Combine this with properly inflated tires and you will gain better traction. Last, should you get stranded, lost or are otherwise unable to drive, your car’s heater (which needs gas to work) may be your only source of heat. Read the tragic story of James Kim if you think it can’t happen to you.

2. Putting off a tune up.
Your car has to work harder during the winter months. Your car’s liquids are less fluid in freezing temperatures and your battery has a harder time producing power. Your windshield wipers and wiper fluid will become your

weapons and ammo against winter muck and grime; make sure they are ready for the battle. If you haven’t had a pre-winter tune up now may be the time. Have a reputable mechanic give your car a once over. It’s better to find out your car needs work while in the heated lobby of a tune up shop.

3.Not carrying any supplies.
Make at least modest preparations for being stranded. Carry a cell phone and try to be aware of when you are in and out of cell phone coverage areas (more of a passengers job). Keep a warm blanket, water, some snacks and a first aid kit in a safe place. If you’re in an area that has chain controls make sure you have both the chains and the knowledge to install them. Typically chain installers are not allowed to sell you chains. Thankfully some of them bend these rules.

4.Not carrying an extra vehicle key.
Believe it or not many a person has locked themselves out of their vehicle while installing chains. Don’t put a backup key in anything that could be left in the vehicle. Think of “The One Ring” and “Keep it secret, keep it safe.”

5.Not knowing how to drive.
Let’s be honest, most people don’t drive well during the summer months let alone the winter ones. Winter driving is different than summer driving. It has different rules, some of which, may seem counter intuitive. Here are some final tips to help make your winter drive of safer one:

Drive slowly.
(Really, slower then what you think slow is.)

Accelerate and decelerate slowly.

Learn the threshold breaking technique
(Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. )

Don’t stop if you can avoid it.
(If you have to stop, obviously do so, but try to avoid stopping unnecessarily. Its easier to get going from even a very slow roll than a dead stop)

Don’t power up hills.

Stay home
(Don’t drive in conditions your are unfamiliar with or uncomfortable with unless your really have too.)

Other Resources:

Car Talk

Cal Trans

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