Nam
11-06-2003, 10:27 AM
I know there are countless number pieces of advise on winter driving conditions out there, but I apply a few of these cautions that I think the most important...please allow me to share with you all...hope it helps somewhat ok!
1. Prepare your vehicle, in another words, winterized your car by checking the engine condition, all belts and horses, coolant levels, windshield washer fluid, brake, power steering fluid, engine and tranny oil. Nothing worse than getting stuck in snow with a stalled engine. Also, if you notice a weak batter, have it replaced right away. If you doubt about it, have a load test for free at any major automotive part store. Since reduced temperature will reduce the cranking ampere greatly. Applying rainx or anti-defrost stuffs to your windshield and all other glass to increase visibility.
2. Check your tires: tires should be replaced if you stick a dine in any thread and you can still see the head of President Abraham Lincoln. Remember, tires play an important role in winter driving safety. Also, consider lowering your tire pressure to gain more traction...but not to be lower than manufacture's recommendation.
3. Knowing your vehicle: your braking habit should be completely different if your vehicle is equipped with ABS (Antilock Braking System) please check your vehicle owner manual if you are not sure about this. Basically, with ABS, when braking, just keep pressing firmly on the brake, the ABS will work itself not to lock your wheels causing the vehicle to steer unexpectedly. For most cases, ABS will work only above 35MHP or so! Notice that when the ABS kicks in, the brake pedal will vibrate; this is a normal behavior so don't panic but keep pressing the brake pedal. On the other hand, if your vehicle do not have ABS, when braking, pay attention to release the brake slightly if one or more of the wheels get stuck...you will likely to feel if or hear a noise between rubber and the road.
4. Extreme winter driving conditions: remember do not tailgate at anytime...it doesn't do any good. When raining, keep a much larger distance between you and the vehicle ahead; this allows more time to react in any unexpected circumstances. If you have to drive on snow, installed tire chains for 2WD vehicle and not to drive in exceed of 25-30MHP. For 4WD vehicle owners, lock your hub (for manual locking hub), then accelerate slowly. Please keep in mind that 4WD can help you get going but it doesn't help you stop. Drive slowly and give a plenty distance to stop. Do not lock your differential or else, you will have a hard time steering.
5. After driving: to prevent corrosion, wash the underneath of your vehicle especially after coming back from snow due the salt that accumulated in the wheel wells and chassis.
Tip for you:
It's a good habit to hold the steering wheel at the 8 and 4 o'clock positions. Just think of your steering wheel as a clock. This will help preventing the drivers from over steering which may cause accidents especially rollover for SUVs. Do not hold the steering at the 12 o'clock position since in the event the airbag deploys, you don't want to hit your face at the speed of 200MPH don't you! -- learned from State of California, Defensive Driver Training Courses.
Good luck and have a safe winter driving all!
Nam
1. Prepare your vehicle, in another words, winterized your car by checking the engine condition, all belts and horses, coolant levels, windshield washer fluid, brake, power steering fluid, engine and tranny oil. Nothing worse than getting stuck in snow with a stalled engine. Also, if you notice a weak batter, have it replaced right away. If you doubt about it, have a load test for free at any major automotive part store. Since reduced temperature will reduce the cranking ampere greatly. Applying rainx or anti-defrost stuffs to your windshield and all other glass to increase visibility.
2. Check your tires: tires should be replaced if you stick a dine in any thread and you can still see the head of President Abraham Lincoln. Remember, tires play an important role in winter driving safety. Also, consider lowering your tire pressure to gain more traction...but not to be lower than manufacture's recommendation.
3. Knowing your vehicle: your braking habit should be completely different if your vehicle is equipped with ABS (Antilock Braking System) please check your vehicle owner manual if you are not sure about this. Basically, with ABS, when braking, just keep pressing firmly on the brake, the ABS will work itself not to lock your wheels causing the vehicle to steer unexpectedly. For most cases, ABS will work only above 35MHP or so! Notice that when the ABS kicks in, the brake pedal will vibrate; this is a normal behavior so don't panic but keep pressing the brake pedal. On the other hand, if your vehicle do not have ABS, when braking, pay attention to release the brake slightly if one or more of the wheels get stuck...you will likely to feel if or hear a noise between rubber and the road.
4. Extreme winter driving conditions: remember do not tailgate at anytime...it doesn't do any good. When raining, keep a much larger distance between you and the vehicle ahead; this allows more time to react in any unexpected circumstances. If you have to drive on snow, installed tire chains for 2WD vehicle and not to drive in exceed of 25-30MHP. For 4WD vehicle owners, lock your hub (for manual locking hub), then accelerate slowly. Please keep in mind that 4WD can help you get going but it doesn't help you stop. Drive slowly and give a plenty distance to stop. Do not lock your differential or else, you will have a hard time steering.
5. After driving: to prevent corrosion, wash the underneath of your vehicle especially after coming back from snow due the salt that accumulated in the wheel wells and chassis.
Tip for you:
It's a good habit to hold the steering wheel at the 8 and 4 o'clock positions. Just think of your steering wheel as a clock. This will help preventing the drivers from over steering which may cause accidents especially rollover for SUVs. Do not hold the steering at the 12 o'clock position since in the event the airbag deploys, you don't want to hit your face at the speed of 200MPH don't you! -- learned from State of California, Defensive Driver Training Courses.
Good luck and have a safe winter driving all!
Nam