With Thanksgiving just around the corner, Minnesota drivers face the inevitable arrival of snow storms and other winter weather conditions. Snow, ice and reduced visibility create dangerous driving situations, especially for less experienced drivers.
Here are some tips to help winterize not just the car but your driving habits.
Prepare the car for the snow
Don’t wait until the first blizzard hits to get your car winter-ready. Early and diligent preparation for winter goes a long way towards avoiding accidents. Below are three key things to do:
- Check tire treads and consider switching to winter tires
- Fill the wiper fluid with a winter-grade solution
- Test the battery and pack jumper cables
It’s also best to pack an emergency kit with blankets, a flashlight, snacks, water and a phone charger in case you get stranded. Consider keeping an ice scraper and a snow shovel in the car as well.
Increase following distance
Standard following distances become dangerously inadequate during winter. Increase it from the usual four or five seconds to around eight or even 10 seconds to have enough time to respond and stop before hitting the driver ahead if they suddenly brake.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that braking distance can quadruple on icy surfaces compared to dry pavement.
Watch out for black ice
Black ice presents an exceptional hazard because it remains virtually undetectable to drivers until already on it. The slippery surface of black ice can easily lead to losing of control of the car.
This thin layer of ice forms when light rain or melting snow freezes on roads, often building up on bridges, overpasses and shaded areas. When driving on black ice, avoid sudden braking and lane changes until you’ve passed the icy section.
Beware of winter sun glare
Snow and ice reflect sunlight, making sun glares worse during the winter season. The low winter sun angles mean sunlight shines directly into drivers’ eyes during morning and evening commutes.
This intense glare can cause temporary blindness, effectively hiding obstacles, pedestrians and other vehicles from view. Dirty windshields can further amplify these effects, which makes maintaining a clean windshield even more important.
Know what to do if you get stuck
If the vehicle gets stuck in snow, avoid the common mistake of spinning your tires. This will only dig the car deeper into the snow and can potentially damage your transmission. Instead, straighten the wheels as much as possible and clear the snow from around the tires.
During severe winter storms, park on the side of the road and remain inside the vehicle. Your car is a lot more visible to rescuers and ensures safe shelter. Run the engine intermittently, about 10 minutes per hour, to preserve fuel while maintaining enough warmth.
Stay safe out there this winter
Winter driving demands extra caution, especially for young and inexperienced drivers. Even the most skilled drivers adjust their habits when winter weather hits Minnesota roads. Remember to slow down, stay alert and give yourself extra time to reach your destination.