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9 Best Practices for Winter Driving

Rachel Brougham

By Rachel Brougham

Updated on Nov. 07, 2024

If you live in a part of the country that gets cold and sees accumulating snow, you know driving in severe weather can not only be scary, but dangerous. Here are 10 best practices for winter driving to help you feel confident and keep you safe out on the road.

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Get Your Car Serviced

Having your car break down any time of the year is an inconvenience, but in the cold and snow, it can be dangerous. Take your vehicle in for a tune-up, oil change and any needed repairs. Now’s also the best time to check the tread on your tires.
Also, check out the type of winter oil your car needs to function smoothly.
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Clear the Snow and Ice

Before you go anywhere, clear the snow and ice from your car’s windows, lights, hood and roof. Make sure your car’s lights—both front and rear—are visible while winter driving and especially during icy road conditions.
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Winter Driving Tips: Go Slow and Leave Space

Posted speed limits are for dry pavement and braking takes longer in slick icy roads conditions, so leave plenty of room for stopping. When roads are icy or snow-covered, leave at least a 10-second gap between you and the car in front of you. Changing front brake pads is simpler than replacing rear disc brakes, so learn how to do it for yourself.
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Watch Your Wipers

You use your windshield wipers constantly during winter driving, so make sure they’re up for the job. Replace worn blades and be sure to keep windshield wiper fluid with de-icer in your vehicle’s trunk so you’re never stuck without.
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Accelerate Slowly

Winter driving tips 101: Don’t try to get moving in a hurry when roads are snowy and icy. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method when you’re struggling to gain traction during winter driving. Also, it’s smart to accelerate slowly to avoid skids.
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Correct a Slide

If you start to lose control on icy roads, it means you’re going too fast for winter driving conditions. And if your vehicle begins to fishtail, turn your wheels in the same direction that the rear of the vehicle is sliding. Don’t use your brakes to correct a slide. Also, when you regain traction, straighten out the steering wheel.
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Have an Emergency Kit

Stock your vehicle with items that can help you in an emergency, such as a snow shovel, sand and/or kitty litter and an ice scraper. It’s also a good idea to keep an emergency kit with items such as a hat and mittens, a flashlight, and flares. Or even an emergency triangle, blankets, any necessary medication, a car charger for your cell phone, water and a few non-perishable snacks.
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Use Caution Around Snow Plows

Winter driving tips 101: Remember that snow plows make wide turns, throw snow and take up a lot of space on the road. Driving behind a snow plow is safe, but allow yourself plenty of room and never drive beside a snow plow for an extended period of time.
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What to Do in An Emergency

If you do end up stuck in a ditch while winter driving or on the side of the icy roads in need of help, stay with your car. And put out a reflective road triangle if you have one or tie a bright piece of fabric to your antenna if you have one. Keep your interior dome light turned on if it’s dark outside. Run your vehicle in short spurts, just to stay warm and be sure to remove any snow from the exhaust pipe.

FAQ

What should I do if my windshield fogs up while I’m driving?

Turn on your windshield defroster. If your windshield is too fogged up to see the road, pull over and wait for the defroster to do its job. Keeping your defroster in good working order is an essential aspect of winter automotive care.

Is it necessary to keep sand and salt in my vehicle?

Normally, no. However, if you’re planning a trip to an area where the roads aren’t maintained, it isn’t a bad idea to have some sand and salt in case of an emergency. If you get stuck in a snow bank, salt will melt the snow and sand will provide traction. Just keep in mind that overusing salt can damage your vehicle. Sand can get pretty messy, too.

Author
Rachel Brougham
Rachel Brougham has written for home improvement publications since 2017. In 2019, she lived through a major home remodeling project and uses her skills to help readers determine what home improvement trends, gardening practices, decor styles and products can best help them.
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Rachel Brougham