How to Drive Safe in Snowy Weather

Winter road conditions can range from minor to unmanageable. Snow, ice, fog, rain, and more can cause interstates and roadways to freeze and thaw, resulting in hazardous driving conditions. Not only does winter precipitation make roads slippery and dangerous, and windshields impossible to see through, the freeze-thaw cycles also deteriorate pavement; thus creating potholes and crumbling concrete, making it even more difficult and dangerous to drive on. It is important for all drivers to review the safety rules for driving in snow, ice, and more. Continue reading to do just that!

Winter Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

24 HR Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Advice for Driving in Snow

When it comes to driving in snow, it is vital to never accelerate or decelerate too abruptly. This will cause skidding and you can easily lose control of the vehicle. Not only does this put yourself and your passengers in danger, it also jeopardizes other drivers on the road. In order to retain traction and not skid, simply put pressure on the gas in a slow and steady manner. If you start to skid, release a little pressure and start again. The same method applies to decelerating. Never slam on the brakes in snow, unless you want to start spinning out of control! In snow, you must practice applying the brake earlier than usual, and doing so in a slow and steady fashion.

Before the snow comes, it is imperative to have your vehicles inspected and serviced by a licensed mechanic to ensure all fluids, tires, and auto parts are ready to go. This includes driving with at least a half of a tank of gas to avoid your car’s gas lines from freezing. Never use cruise control on snowy roads and avoid using the parking brake unless parked on an incline. These are other important safety precautions for winter driving.

Another obvious and important tips for driving in snow is to take your time! Leave early on so you are never in a rush, because driving slow is the most effective way to navigate safely in snow. So not only do you need to accelerate and decelerate slowly, you need to also driver slower than the speed limits suggests. Remember, speed limits are just that, limits. In adverse weather, it is expected of drivers to reduce their speeds below that of the recommended speed limit. Even a little rain can cause a slip up and subsequent car accident.

One mistake many drivers can make in the winter snow is stopping mid-hill or incline. If you are driving up a hill in snow, don’t stop! This can result in your vehicle sliding backward down the hill, possibly into other vehicles. At the same time, do not power-up hills either. Applying more gas to get up a hill can result in sliding and skidding. Simply gain inertia before the hill, and then remain at a consistent and constant speed to make it all the way up.

When in Doubt, Just Stay Home!

One of the best tips for driving in snow is to just stay home if you can! Of course this is not possible for everyone with jobs, school, kids, and other similar mandatory obligations; however, if you don’t have to leave your home and drive in poor weather, then don’t. If you are forced to drive in poor conditions and find yourself stuck or stranded, simply contact a local 24 hour roadside assistance company for safe and reliable service.

Indianapolis Winter Roadside Assistance

Indianapolis Towing

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for prompt and professional winter roadside assistance, regardless of time or day. Since 1927, we have a provided a wide range of roadside assistance services in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. And for the past 90 years, we have earned a reputation for trusted service at a fair price! Our licensed towing and recovery division retains an extensive fleet of over 35 tow trucks and wrecker equipment, allowing us to assist drivers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, rain, snow, or ice.

Tips for Driving in Snow

Indianapolis Towing Company 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing Company 317-247-8484

Sometimes the best advice for driving in snowy and icy weather is to simply stay home until the plows, sand, and salt has done its job. Unfortunately for most with jobs, or kids, or normal responsibilities, this isn’t always a practical or possible solution. It wouldn’t be a good idea to call your boss and request a snow day, for example. So it is best to throw in the towel and learn once and for all, how to drive in snow.

For the most part, everyone has an understanding that there are two general rules to driving in snow; slow down and maintain as much traction as possible. Not only are these the basic rules to driving in snow, they are among the most important. Other important rules that should be obvious include always wearing your seat belt, avoid driving with children, if driving with children be sure they are sufficiently strapped in, and follow all driving laws, traffic lights, and signs. On top of these familiar rules, there are some specific tips that can help you understand how to achieve safer driving in poor weather conditions. Continue reading and learn how to drive in snow, ice, and storms.

Driving Tips for Snowy Roads

In order to prepare yourself for driving in bad or snowy weather, you must be sure to prepare your vehicle first. This means checking that your lights are operational and on, that your oil is at a good place, that your tires are fully inflated, your heat is functional, your windshield wipers work, and your windows and mirrors are completely cleared of snow and ice. You can also apply a water-shedding product to windshields for added moisture resistance and protection. Once this inspection is complete, you are already on your way to safer driving. As an extra precaution, purchase snow tires that are specially manufactured to provide better traction in snow and on ice. Also, drivers can attach chains to the exterior of their tires for maximum snow driving capabilities. It is suggested to consult a professional mechanic about these modifications to make sure you are getting the right product for your vehicle.

Once you are on the road, a whole different set of driving rules apply. In the case that you begin to slip, slide, or drift on the road, do not step on the brake; instead, release your foot and gently steer the wheel in the opposite direction. This should stop or slow down the slipping and sliding. Never “pump” your brakes. It is highly recommended to purchase a vehicle with an Anti-Lock Braking System or ABS. If you have a vehicle with ABS, be sure to learn how to use it. Find a vacant parking lot to practice in. Stomp hard on the brake pedal and hold it there while you steer around the obstacle. Then release your foot once the vehicle is back on track. Be careful to not over steer. A little steering goes a long way.

If your windows and windshield suddenly fog up while driving, do not panic; instead, turn on your air conditioning and allow it to run until the fog dissipates. It is perfectly fine to have your heat setting on hot while running the AC. This makes the fog immediately disperse and fade away. Simply flip the air off once the fog is gone.

Indianapolis Towing Services

Indianapolis Towing

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

If you find yourself stranded on the side of the road, or stuck in snow, call Zore’s Towing in Indianapolis, Indiana at 317-247-8484 today. We offer immediate response services for callers in need of a tow after sliding off the road. Our drivers are highly trained, licensed, and experienced in the wrecker industry. We have assisted thousands of stranded drivers with a fast and friendly tow in Indianapolis. We can help you too!

Visit our website at https://www.zorestowing.com/towing-services-indianapolis.php for details about our services and company background. We offer free estimate, 24 emergency services, immediate response towing, discounts, low flat rates, Spanish speaking staffs, and much more! Call us today at 317-247-8484 for fast and affordable Indianapolis towing services in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding counties.