Make a Checklist<\/h2>\n![\"car](\"https:\/\/www.expedia-aarp.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/drive-in-snow-01.jpg\")
<\/a>Via Krasula\/Shutterstock<\/a>
<\/p><\/div>\nIf you\u2019re driving in the snow for the first time, there are some things to keep in mind:<\/p>\n
Make note of the condition of your vehicle. Check your tires: Are they worn? Tires need plenty of tread to drive in the snow. Are they at the proper pressure level? Lower temperatures can cause tire pressure to drop, so make sure to inflate them to your owner\u2019s manual guidelines. Do you have plenty of gas for your trip? Be sure to fill up your tank before you get going.<\/p>\n
What do you need to drive in the snow? A blanket, gloves, a flashlight, and snacks are important in the case of emergency or if you have to pull off the road for extended periods of time. Be sure to have a glass scraper with you to maintain visibility with icy windshields.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re braving the Alaskan roads this winter, find Fairbanks rental cars<\/a>.<\/p>\nUse the Technology of the Car <\/h2>\n![\"chevy](\"https:\/\/www.expedia-aarp.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/drive-in-snow-02.jpg\")
<\/a>Via coltonsturgeon\/Shutterstock<\/a><\/p><\/div>\nStay safe in winter driving dangers and let your vehicle do the hard work for you by using modern conveniences included on many late-model cars. If your car has a remote start functionality, now is the time to give it a try. To stay warm, crank up those trusty heated seats (and put on the gloves you so thoughtfully brought).<\/p>\n
Safety features are important to keep an eye on when driving in the snow. Pay attention to stability-control warnings, which kick in when your tires show signs of skidding. If you notice these lights flashing on your dash, release the accelerator and allow the system to regain control.<\/p>\n
Some newer cars are even equipped with snow mode, which optimizes the vehicle for wintry conditions. With a push of a button, the car adjusts the transmission and engine throttle to help control wheelspin. This mode may also readjust power to all four tires for some cars. To see if your car has snow mode and what it does, consult your owner\u2019s manual or do a quick internet search of the car model and \u201csnow mode.\u201d<\/p>\n
One thing to remember: All-wheel drive can be a great help in icy conditions, but it doesn\u2019t assist with braking. Slow and steady wins the race when ice and snow are present.<\/p>\n
Heading to Chicago? Find Chicago rental cars<\/a>.<\/p>\nWhat to Know About Driving in the Snow: Quick Tips<\/h2>\n![\"aerial](\"https:\/\/www.expedia-aarp.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/drive-in-snow-03.jpg\")
<\/a>Via invisiblepower\/Shutterstock<\/a><\/p><\/div>\nStay out of the worst weather.<\/strong> If a big storm is brewing, postpone your drive until it\u2019s safe to travel.<\/p>\nPlan your trip ahead of time.<\/strong> Keep an eye on weather and road conditions to plan for what\u2019s to come. Let others know your timeline and keep in touch on your progress.<\/p>\nDon\u2019t use cruise control.<\/strong> If your car does begin to skid, the cruise control function will force the vehicle to try to maintain your speed, spinning your wheels and causing your car to lose control.<\/p>\nDrive slowly and change speeds gradually.<\/strong> Ice can sometimes be hidden under patches of snow, so be wary of anything obstructing the pavement. Quickly accelerating or braking is a no-go on wintry roads, and traveling too fast can cause your car to fishtail, so maintain consistent speeds.<\/p>\nAnticipate moves ahead of time and don\u2019t make jerky movements.<\/strong> If you do start to fishtail, don\u2019t panic. Quickly and gently steer into the same direction as the skid to correct. Don\u2019t apply pressure to the brake and decelerate slowly.<\/p>\nTraveling to Canada this winter? Check out rental cars in Toronto<\/a>. Or, travel Utah this season with rental cars in Salt Lake City<\/a>.<\/p>\nSnowy roads don\u2019t have to keep you home this winter. Following these tips and guidelines on how to drive in safely in the snow can help to ensure smooth travels on your winter road trips.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Via Krasula\/Shutterstock<\/a> If you\u2019re driving in the snow for the first time, there are some things to keep in mind:<\/p>\n Make note of the condition of your vehicle. Check your tires: Are they worn? Tires need plenty of tread to drive in the snow. Are they at the proper pressure level? Lower temperatures can cause tire pressure to drop, so make sure to inflate them to your owner\u2019s manual guidelines. Do you have plenty of gas for your trip? Be sure to fill up your tank before you get going.<\/p>\n What do you need to drive in the snow? A blanket, gloves, a flashlight, and snacks are important in the case of emergency or if you have to pull off the road for extended periods of time. Be sure to have a glass scraper with you to maintain visibility with icy windshields.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re braving the Alaskan roads this winter, find Fairbanks rental cars<\/a>.<\/p>\n Via coltonsturgeon\/Shutterstock<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n Stay safe in winter driving dangers and let your vehicle do the hard work for you by using modern conveniences included on many late-model cars. If your car has a remote start functionality, now is the time to give it a try. To stay warm, crank up those trusty heated seats (and put on the gloves you so thoughtfully brought).<\/p>\n Safety features are important to keep an eye on when driving in the snow. Pay attention to stability-control warnings, which kick in when your tires show signs of skidding. If you notice these lights flashing on your dash, release the accelerator and allow the system to regain control.<\/p>\n Some newer cars are even equipped with snow mode, which optimizes the vehicle for wintry conditions. With a push of a button, the car adjusts the transmission and engine throttle to help control wheelspin. This mode may also readjust power to all four tires for some cars. To see if your car has snow mode and what it does, consult your owner\u2019s manual or do a quick internet search of the car model and \u201csnow mode.\u201d<\/p>\n One thing to remember: All-wheel drive can be a great help in icy conditions, but it doesn\u2019t assist with braking. Slow and steady wins the race when ice and snow are present.<\/p>\n Heading to Chicago? Find Chicago rental cars<\/a>.<\/p>\n Via invisiblepower\/Shutterstock<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n Stay out of the worst weather.<\/strong> If a big storm is brewing, postpone your drive until it\u2019s safe to travel.<\/p>\n Plan your trip ahead of time.<\/strong> Keep an eye on weather and road conditions to plan for what\u2019s to come. Let others know your timeline and keep in touch on your progress.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t use cruise control.<\/strong> If your car does begin to skid, the cruise control function will force the vehicle to try to maintain your speed, spinning your wheels and causing your car to lose control.<\/p>\n Drive slowly and change speeds gradually.<\/strong> Ice can sometimes be hidden under patches of snow, so be wary of anything obstructing the pavement. Quickly accelerating or braking is a no-go on wintry roads, and traveling too fast can cause your car to fishtail, so maintain consistent speeds.<\/p>\n Anticipate moves ahead of time and don\u2019t make jerky movements.<\/strong> If you do start to fishtail, don\u2019t panic. Quickly and gently steer into the same direction as the skid to correct. Don\u2019t apply pressure to the brake and decelerate slowly.<\/p>\n Traveling to Canada this winter? Check out rental cars in Toronto<\/a>. Or, travel Utah this season with rental cars in Salt Lake City<\/a>.<\/p>\n Snowy roads don\u2019t have to keep you home this winter. Following these tips and guidelines on how to drive in safely in the snow can help to ensure smooth travels on your winter road trips.<\/p>\n
<\/p><\/div>\nUse the Technology of the Car <\/h2>\n
<\/a>What to Know About Driving in the Snow: Quick Tips<\/h2>\n
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