Winter Driving

Carry the following equipment in the trunk during the winter season:

• Coat, blanket, gloves, hat, and boots.
• Hand warmers, chocolate bars, and water.
• Flashlight, flare, cell phone charger, ice scraper, jumper cables, and a small shovel in snowy days. 

• Keep a safe distance - braking on ice or snow may take 10-times more distance than in dry conditions.
• Expect the unexpected - drive slower than speed limits may indicate.
• Prevent windows fogging by using both the air conditioning and the defroster.
• All / 4-Wheel Drive doesn’t improve braking on a slick road, nor does it improves taking turns on ice.
• Brake to an appropriate speed. Then release the brakes before the turn and steer through the turn. Then, accelerate if needed only after the turn is completed.
• Make yourself visible - turn headlights on, even in daylight.
• Keep two hands on the steering wheel at 10 min till 2 o'clock position.
• Stay focused:
  • do not text, email or message over the phone while driving (per 47 O.S. §11-901d);
  • try to keep conversations over the cell phone to the minimum* - pulling over is highly recommended. 

• When stuck in the snow:
  • Attempt to start moving vehicle using second gear/D2 (manual/auto transmission), press the accelerator gently.
  • Try rocking the vehicle back and forth by using drive and reverse gears until the car rolls out.
  • Use floor mats to gain traction.
  • If stranded outside the city, stay with the vehicle and wait for rescue (keep in mind that wreckers and law enforcement address high emergency events first).
  • If there are more disabled cars, join other drivers in the safest area/car possible.
  • Fleet Management vehicles are equipped with GPS which should enable your agency fleet administrator or fleet management division to locate the vehicle in minutes (note: be sure to provide state vehicle # when you call).
  • Note: Fleet Management provides wrecker services only to state-owned vehicles.
• When driving:
  • Following a rut may not be the best idea (black ice and icy, hard snow), slow down, and drive where you may get more traction. 

• Take advantage of the FMD's Winter Check.
• Oil:
  • Change oil for the proper density (i.e. 5W-30) for winter season as described in a vehicle's manual, or oil cap in the engine.
  • If you are aware of an oil leak, have it fixed or carry an additional quart of oil in the trunk. Be sure to inspect oil level periodically with a dip stick - winter driving puts additional burden on the engine.
• Battery:
  • Check the battery condition (car parts stores can do it, usually free of charge for personal vehicles; FM can do it for state-owned cars).
  • If the battery is more than 3 years old, consider replacing it.
• Tires:
  • Check the tire pressure - the manufacturer's recommendation label is located either in the manual, doors or glove compartment.
  • Do not forget to inflate a spare tire.
  • Check the tire thread - if the thread does not go deeper than the head of Lincoln on a penny, it is time to change the tire.
  • Keep better threaded tires upfront where steering and primary force of braking occur.
  • Rear-wheel drive vehicles: when expecting snow and/or ice, place extra weight (i.e. sand bags) over the rear axle.
  • Be sure that a jack and wrench are in the trunk; consider buying a four-point jack (2 ton costs about $20) - using a factory scissors jack can be risky on a wet and soft/snowy/muddy surface.
  • Practice changing a tire - winter conditions make lug nuts harder to loosen.
  • Front-wheel drive: if a front flat tire occurs and your spare is a "donut" (not a full size wheel), try to rotate a back wheel to the front so that the spare ends up in the back - it will maintain balance of steering and braking in front.
• Windshield:
  • Add and maintain a high level of windshield fluid; use a winter formula to prevent freezing, if possible.
  • If planning a trip, carry a gallon of spare fluid in the trunk.
  • Check the condition of wiper blades (also in the rear, if any).
  • When parked and expecting an ice storm or overnight freeze, be sure to separate wipers from the windshield.
  • Apply shaving cream on the inside of the windshield and remove it with dry cloth to help prevent it from fogging.
  • Prepare 33/66 mix of vinegar and water and apply on the outside of windows to keep frost away.
• Lights:
  • Check and replace broken lights and burned out bulbs - make yourself visible for others and better able to see the road in front of you.
  • Bulb types are described in the vehicle's manual and are generally easy to buy and replace.
• Coolant:
  • Check the level of the engine coolant; always follow manufacturers' instructions, generally adding a mix of 50/50 (water/coolant) is acceptable, but if severe cold is expected, consider use of a 30/70 mix.
  • Unless clearly specified, do not mix differently colored coolants.
  • Repair any observed leaks, problems with the thermostat, or heating system in the vehicle - operational heater may save your life if you are stuck in the snow for hours.
• Brakes & Alignment:
  • If you feel that the brakes work unevenly or that the car pulls to the right or left, have it fixed ASAP - driving in slippery conditions will most likely magnify the problem beyond control and may cause a crash.
• Doors and Locks:
  • Lubricate door seals with WD-40 to prevent sticking during freezing conditions.
  • Use graphite lubricant for door locks.