Preparing your car for winter, black ice, skids, hydroplaning, flooded roads, fog, and what to keep in the car.
Many newcomers have never driven on snow or ice. Even people from rainy countries are surprised by sudden storms and flash floods. The main rule is the same everywhere: slow down and leave much more space.
Before winter
1
Check your tires. Thin tread slides on snow. In snowy regions many drivers use winter tires.
2
Check wipers, washer fluid rated for freezing temperatures, battery and lights.
3
Keep in the car: an ice scraper and snow brush, a blanket, gloves, water, snacks, a phone charger, a flashlight, and a small shovel.
4
Keep your gas tank at least half full.
Driving on snow and ice
Clear all snow and ice from windows, lights and the roof before you drive.
Drive slowly. Speed limits are for dry roads.
Leave several extra seconds between you and the car in front.
Accelerate and brake gently. Do not use cruise control.
Black ice is thin, clear ice that looks like a wet road. It forms first on bridges, overpasses and shaded spots.
Large trucks and snowplows need a lot of space. Do not pass a plow.
If you skid
1
Take your foot off the gas.
2
Look and steer gently where you want to go.
3
With anti-lock brakes (most modern cars), press the brake firmly and hold. Do not pump.
If you get stuck
Stay with your car. It is shelter and easier to find.
Make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow before running the engine, and run it only for short periods with a window slightly open. A blocked pipe can fill the car with carbon monoxide.
Call 911 if you are in danger.
Heavy rain
Turn on headlights. Many states require them when wipers are on.
Hydroplaning: tires lift on water and the car slides. Ease off the gas and do not brake hard or turn sharply.
The first rain after dry weather makes roads oily and slippery.
Flooded roads
Turn around, don't drown. Never drive into water covering a road. According to the National Weather Service, 12 inches of moving water can carry away most cars. The road under the water may be gone.
Fog
Use low-beam headlights or fog lights, not high beams.
Slow down and follow the road edge lines.
If you cannot see, pull fully off the road, turn on hazard lights, and wait.
Common mistakes
Driving at normal speed because the road "looks fine".