Tips For Driving In Snow & Icy Conditions

One of the scariest parts of driving during the winter months in Chicago is all the snow and ice that plagues roadways. Even when the road appears clear, drivers might not notice black ice and before they know it they are losing control of their vehicle. Hopefully this winter season you don’t find yourself unprepared for a winter emergency with your vehicle. The goal of this post is to provide drivers with tips for driving in snow and icy conditions.

Before Getting on the Road

Before hitting the road, there are several things a driver should do and have done. For starters, drivers should make sure they have enough fuel not only to start their car but to get to a gas station. This is especially true for those who have an automatic remote start. Other things drivers should check before hitting the road include tire pressure, tire tread, and the exhaust. . are vital to keeping your car on the road while keeping your exhaust pipe from clogging. A clogged tailpipe forces deadly carbon monoxide back into the car’s cabin, so keeping it clear of snow and ice is vital. 

While on the Road

Another tip for driving in snow and icy conditions involves driving at a slow pace as if “an egg is below the pedal”. This may seem like odd advice, but consider that driving at high speeds is extremely dangerous in winter conditions. Driving as though you have an egg under the pedal keeps you from hitting the accelerator too hard, while still maintaining some speed and momentum. On the other hand, when you hit the brake pedal, it’s ok to break the egg. Most cars have anti-lock systems that keep the brakes from locking up on a driver. In winter conditions it’s safer for a driver to leave extra space between themselves and other cars in case of ice or snow. Avoiding collisions is much more difficult in winter and in fact, the NHTSA reports that 17% of the car all vehicle crashes happen during winter.