Winter Weather Driving
- Selina Barker
- Dec 16, 2024
- 3 min read
There’s nothing better than getting warm and comfortable at home while the snow or rain blusters outside your windows. And nothing worse than needing to drive in that weather and realizing you’re unprepared.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind this winter as stormy weather challenges even the most alert driver.
Cold
When the roads get cold, tires do not stick as well to the pavement and conditions become slippery. It is imperative to drive more carefully in these conditions. Even if you do not see any physical issues with the conditions on the road, a simple temperature change can impact the performance of tires and make even short drives perilous.
In slippery conditions, always increase your typical following distance. Brake sooner so you don’t have to brake harshly and can come to a full stop with plenty of room in front of you in case you start to slide or the car behind you slides into you and pushes you forward.
In cold weather you may find your windshield and windows fogging up because of the difference in temperature between the inside and outside of the vehicle. Your windshield wipers can help with exterior condensation, but the interior side of each glass surface may also fog up. In this event, use your vehicle’s air vents in the dashboard to blow air at the windshield to combat the interior condensation. Do this while you are still parked in a safe area, and do not begin driving until the windshield is fully clear.
keep a microfibre or other absorbent cloth in your vehicle in order to quickly wipe foggy windows, windshields, mirrors and even cameras when they become obstructed with fog or grime
Snow and Rain
When the weather outside is frightful, driving is less than delightful. Snow will reduce your tire traction and visibility and increase your crash risk. When driving in adverse weather, maintain more space between your vehicle and others on the road. When roads are wet, vehicles’ stopping distances increase and sliding and hydroplaning become serious hazards. Increasing your “space bubble” also helps maintain better visibility because less spray from the vehicle ahead of you reaches your windshield.
A simple way to increase your visibility in rain or snow is to follow farther behind the vehicle in front of you. By leaving more space between your vehicles, less snow and water from the other vehicle’s wheels will hit your windshield and obscure your line of sight. It also makes sense for increased distance for safe braking
Driving in the snow will cause your vehicle to need more care, and scraping ice off the windows is just the beginning. Ensure your windshield wiper fluid is topped up and is the type rated for sub-zero temperatures, or else it will freeze up and won't work when you need it.
Try to store your car in a dry place when not in use. If you do need to park outside, don’t leave your windshield wipers in the upright position off the windshield.
leaving [wipers] up for extended periods of time will stretch out the springs and reduce their efficacy in sticking to the windshield when needed.
Instead, just clear the snow and ice off the window as usual and allow the car to warm up so the heat is conducted into the windshield to loosen the wipers. Sub-zero washer fluid can also aid with this task as it contains de-icing properties.
Turn on your headlights in the rain even if it is not very dark out, as this will help other drivers see you despite the weather. However, “never use your high beams in the fog, as they will only reflect off the visible water droplets in the air and shine back on you instead of helping you see the road ahead.”
All modes of travel are affected and influenced by the weather conditions, and driving is no different. Adjust your behavior on the road according to the road conditions. Slow down, stay aware, and be courteous to others. Always be careful, pay attention, and take your time on the road. It is still possible to be a good driver even in bad weather.
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