Winter is arguably one of the most joyful times of year. But along with the changing seasons comes changing driving conditions. What should you do to prepare for the new season?
1. The Many Facets of Visibility
Coping with winter's visibility problems must begin before you even get behind the wheel. It includes allowing enough time to clear any snow, ice, or frost from the windows—all the windows—inside and outside. You need 360-degree visibility, and don't forget the mirrors and wipers—front and rear, if your vehicle is so equipped. Use your fingers to break off any accumulated ice on the blades and wipe them clean. Be sure the wiper nozzles are clean, too. A long pin works well for that purpose. Metal-edged ice scrapers work best, if you can find them. If not, a paint scraper with a short, strong blade can make an acceptable substitute.
2. Do NOT drive with the heater in Recirculation mode.
Doing so recirculates interior air that keeps increasing in humidity—from melting snow you have brought in and from your own breath. That moisture-rich air creates frost on the inside of the windows, often faster than the defroster can clear it.
3. Finding Traction and Keeping It
All the control you exercise over the vehicle—whether input through the steering wheel, accelerator, or brake—is delivered through four palm-sized patches of rubber where the tires meet the road (or off-road) surface. Consequently, all the control you exercise over the vehicle is dependent on the traction generated at those contact patches.
4. Watch for frost.
Dipping nighttime temperatures bring frost to windshields and roads, even in Texas! Keep a windshield scraper and small broom in your car. Decelerate or gently brake when approaching bridges and overpasses: open surfaces are more prone to collect frost on the roadway surface. Keep alert for shaded areas that could create black ice during early morning and evening hours.
5. Plan ahead for harsher weather.
Have your car winterized before the winter storm season sets in. Keeping your car in good condition decreases your chance of being stranded in cold weather. (And as you high-mileage enthusiasts already know, it also increases the life of your vehicle.) Have your Bayway mechanic check your battery, fluids, ignition system, thermostat, lights, exhaust system, heater, and brakes. Ask him to replace your oil with a couple of fresh quarts. In your trunk, be sure to have a first aid kit, thermal blanket, a working flashlight, a shovel, and sand.
6. Easy With the Pedals
When accelerating, don't kick the accelerator pedal: always tip into it gently instead, as if there were an egg between your foot and the pedal. The first few fractions of an inch of pedal travel are critical, in some vehicles even more so than others. Once the vehicle is rolling, you can increase pressure on the pedal—and thus your rate of acceleration—more quickly. Just keep it below the wheelspin threshold.
And, as always, buckle up before heading out to enjoy all the Winter has to offer. Be safe and have a Merry Christmas!