Driving during the winter has some special challenges that are worth reviewing to help stay safe on the road.
David Champion, the senior director at Consumer Reports' Auto Testing Facility, visits The Early Show to give tips on how to handle the challenge of driving in the snow and on icy roads during the winter.
Champion says during the cold season in parts of the United States, drivers have to be lot more cautious and gentle on the road. Think of driving with a cup of coffee on the hood of the car, he explains. There should be no quick steering, breaking or accelerating.
Before You Hit the Road
Consumer Reports says to make sure the vehicle is in proper condition for winter trips. Have it winterized by a mechanic. Winterization includes checking and, possibly, changing the car's coolant, test of battery condition and check of hoses and belts under the hood. Also, check windshield wipers and washer.
Even if your car has been winterized, monthly checks of the following are also prudent:
Check coolant and windshield washer fluid levels.
Check oil level and condition.
Take a quick look around under the hood for obvious signs of trouble-leaks and hoses that look worn, are soft and "squishy" when squeezed, and signs of fluid leaks.
Take a peak under the vehicle for signs of leaks.
Run your hand over the wiper blades. Are they smooth and flexible or do they feel rough to the touch? If it's the latter, try cleaning them with soap and water. Otherwise, replace those blades.Inspect Those Tires!
Check tire pressure with a gauge and check condition and tread depth. The deeper the tread, the better the grip the tires will have on ice and snow. Consider buying 4 (not 2) winter tires if you live in the Snow Belt or plan to drive in snowy areas.
A recent study done by Consumer Reports showed that tires worn to just half their normal tread depth don't provide anywhere near the same grip in tough wintry conditions. They significantly reduce the ability to get going or stop in snow and also reduce the ability to stop on ice and prevent hydroplaning (to ride on water or a wet surface and decrease the ability to brake or steer effectively). Champion says if you're not willing to invest in four winter tires, consider buying a new set of all-season tires now rather than wait till spring -- it could be a greater cost saving.
Also, clean the snow off all the windows and lights, so you can see and be seen by other drivers.
Driving in Snow
Champion says to follow the following basic driving instructions for safe driving:
Turn on your low-beam headlights. They provide better illumination in snow and fog than high-beams.Slow down when visibility is impaired or road conditions are poor. Remember that it takes vehicles up to nine times as long to stop on ice and snow as on dry pavement.Don't make abrupt maneuvers of any sort. Think slow and steady. Accelerate carefully to reduce tire spin.Anticipate maneuvers. If you intend to make a turn, slow down before you normally would. You may find yourself in a skid if you wait until the last second to brake.Allow more distance between your vehicle and the one ahead. If your tires lose traction, you don't want to slide into that vehicle in front of you.Use extra caution on bridges and overpasses that can ice before roadways. Ice forms more quickly on bridges and overpasses when the temperature drops.Keep the windshield wipers and windows free of ice and snow. Stop as often as needed to clear snow and ice off windshield wipers and window glass. Visibility is extra-important in inclement conditions.Don't exceed a SUV's limits. Champion says while it's true that all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive systems improve chances of traveling on snow and ice, SUVs take every bit as much time -- maybe more -- to brake than other passenger vehicles. Don't speed even if a SUV has better traction in the snow.Test the traction. When traffic permits, apply the brakes gently to see how much traction you really have. Road conditions can rapidly change. That wet road can quickly turn to an icy road. When you have an open stretch of road, apply the brakes gently and see if your tires still have traction. If the tires start to slide, adjust your speed accordingly.Know Your Vehicle
An increasing number of vehicles come with traction-control systems, stability-control systems, and even rollover prevention systems that can impact how a vehicle will handle in emergency conditions. Be aware of these systems, and how they work. You should also know their limits.
Never use cruise control on icy or snowy highways. A vehicle may accelerate slightly without warning, especially when going uphill. It may be enough acceleration to break the traction between the car and the road – resulting in an uncontrollable spin or skid. Pass only when really necessary. Emergency Supplies to Store In Vehicle:
Consumer Reports recommends that motorists keep a box of emergency supplies in their trunk filled with the following for cold-weather trips:
Small folding or telescoping snow shovel
Ice Scraper
Gloves
Bag of non-clumping kitty litter, sand, or salt.
Windshield de-icer
Booster cables
Flashlight with fresh batteries
Emergency blanket and extra heavy winter clothes
Cell phone
Car-charger
Lock de-icer
Half a tank of gas in the vehicle at all timesAlso, check weather reports to prepare for what's ahead on trips.