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Viewing Another Ten Tips for Driving on Icy or Snowy RoadsAnother Ten Tips for Driving on Icy or Snowy Roads
By Kathy Steinemann
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This is the second article in a series providing tips and advice for travel during frigid weather. Black ice and frost can cause treacherous highways even in places like California. Be prepared! This is the second article in a series providing tips and advice for travel during frigid weather. Black ice and frost can cause treacherous highways even in places like California. Be prepared! 1. Consider Pre-Treating your Windshield There are various liquid products available that you can use for cleaning your windshield before you travel. They leave behind a protective coating that repels rain, slush, and snow. You can purchase packages of pre-moistened towelettes for convenient use on the road - especially handy if you run out of windshield wiper fluid in the middle of a trip. 2. Specialized Winter Windshield Wipers may be a Good Investment Ice or snow can adversely affect the performance of windshield wipers. Some manufacturers produce winter wipers that cover crucial parts of the mechanism with a rubber sleeve. There have been patents filed for wipers that incorporate a warm-air defrosting system. So far, they don't appear to be in manufacture - but they may be an option in the future. 3. Never Wax your Car Before Driving in Rain, Snow, or Dark Conditions Car wax deposits an invisible film on your windshield that can cause vision-obscuring glare from oncoming headlights. If your car has had a wax job, clean the windshield meticulously afterwards. A soda like Coke followed by vinegar and water works well. A better idea: save the wash and wax treatment for after your trip, when it will most likely need a cleaning. 4. Carry Some Warm Clothing in the Back Seat or Trunk Always take along some warm outwear: toque or hat with earflaps, gloves/mitts, warm jacket, rainproof/snowproof footwear, scarf, earmuffs, and anything else you can think of that will make you more comfortable if you get stuck on the side of the road or have to walk somewhere for help. 5. Lock De-Icer Can Save Some Aggravation Sleet, slush, or rain can be driven into every crevice of your car. In freezing temperatures, they quickly turn into ice. Imagine your chagrin if you should stop somewhere and lock the vehicle - only to find that you can't unlock it again. A lock de-icer/flashlight keychain combo could save the day for you. 6. Pack Some Coarse Salt or Other Traction Material in the Trunk Most people realize that coarse salt, sand, or kitty litter can be sprinkled onto snow to give you some traction if you get stuck. Add fireplace ashes to the list. Something else that may get you out of a tough spot is bleach. Apply it to the tread of your tires, and you will dramatically increase your traction. Take it easy, though. Bleach softens the tire tread, and will accelerate the wear process. 7. Do Not Use Cruise Control! When going into a skid, you should never apply your brakes. The first thing you must do is to take your foot off the accelerator and reduce power to the wheels. However, your cruise control will still be engaged - and by the time you disengage it, you could be well into a spin and out of control. 8. Use a Lower Gear When Driving Down Icy Hills In lower gears the engine power will slow your speed. If you travel through steep mountain passes, you might have to pull over once in awhile to cool your engine. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge. 9. Be Especially Wary in Potential Problem Areas You are more likely to encounter ice and frost in shaded portions of the road, at intersections, and on bridges and overpasses. Increase your vigilance - and decrease your speed - as necessary. 10. Rumble Strips May Save your Life Rumble strips on many highways make a rumbling noise accompanied by vibration whenever your vehicle strays too close to the edge of your lane. These strips are invaluable in poor visibility conditions. Always stay away from the shoulder of the road, opting instead to hug the middle. Soft or sharp shoulders, ruts, and other hazards along the outer edge can quickly grab or damage your wheels, forcing you into the ditch. If you stray onto the center rumble strip, ease away from it very slightly until the noise and vibration abates. Add these ten tips to those in the previous article, and be better prepared the next time you head for the ski hill! (c) Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author's note below (with active links) are included. About the Author: Searching for a bed and breakfast, hotel, or hostel? Visit 111 Travel Directory. Trying to find some great travel tips? Surf over to 1000 Tips 4 Trips. Seeking romantic getaway resources? Adult Escapes can help! Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com) More free articles: 1st Rate Articles - 1stRateArticles.com |
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