Driving during the winter can be challenging sometimes, and if there is heavy snowfall, then it could be very risky. However, we believe that getting tips from a certified driving instructor would be very helpful and safe. We are Steerngo, a certified driving school in Ottawa. We provide professional driving instructors who will help you learn driving skills. You will start to learn to drive with us from scratch; training usually starts with a manual car. We provide the best driving education in Ottawa. Learn from highly experienced professionals by joining us.
In this blog, we will give you some important tips and techniques to drive during snowfall. Read our tips carefully and try to follow; this would help you if you stuck somewhere in snow.
Following are the 10 important tips for new drivers:
- Check weather forecast conditions: Driving in snow is very difficult in comparison to a normal road. Check the forecast conditions before planning to visit any hilly area during the winter. Driving in hilly areas and mountains can be a bit difficult if your car tires do not have grip. Snow makes the road very slippery, and this increases the risk of a severe accident. In fact, if your car is not a 4WD, then the consequences can be even worse.
- Drive Slowly and Smoothly: Drive very slowly and smoothly on slippery roads. Try to use chains on your car tires if your car is on a slippery road. Using chains creates a grip between tires and roads, and the chance of any accident becomes low. Wrap snow chains around your vehicle’s tires to increase grip. Heavy snow and ice can cause tires to slip; that is where snow chains are helpful for you. Wrapping snow chains on your tires is also very easy. Although snow tires may cost more, prioritizing your safety is crucial.
- Check your car headlights and tires.
Thoroughly check your car’s headlights and tires before driving in a snowy place. Check the air pressure of your tires and other basic functionalities of the car. Make sure the windscreen wipers are working properly. Do not travel if any of these basic features are not in a proper working condition.
- Avoid visiting places having overcast conditions:
Avoid visiting hill stations and mountain areas during snowfall. Check the overcast conditions very carefully before starting your journey. However, if you are very desperate, then try to drive super slowly. Slow way down for turns. Driving carefully and safely takes extra concentration.
- Use your car headlights:
Use your car headlights throughout your journey. Use your dipped headlights so that others will see you. Turn on your car fog lights if the situation is worse. Make sure you can see the road clearly. If in case you face any difficulty while driving, then park your car on the side and wait.
- Carry essential winter supplies:
Carry essential winter supplies with you before starting off. Take snow chains with you; probably, 2 chains would be enough. Take some snacks and water bottles with you as well. Make sure your car heater is working properly because any emergency can happen.
- Prefer an All-Wheel Drive Car:
Always prefer a 4×4 car for such road trips. Driving an all-wheel drive car can lower the chances of any accident. Although such types of powerful cars are very easy to drive on icy roads, and the car also doesn’t get stuck in snow. An all-wheel-drive car has always more horsepower compared to a front wheel drive.
- Follow Sign Boards for Safety:
Always follow signboards for safety purposes during snow. Especially if you are in a new place, signboards must not be avoided. Follow signboards and read instructions on them very carefully. Speed limit boards are installed everywhere for a reason to make aware everyone on the road aware. Driving at high or low speed is equally hazardous, if you do not bother to follow the signboards.
- Use Snow Tires:
Make sure you are using high grip new tires for your car. Try to use special snow tires for your car while driving in deep snow. Snow tires can be bit expensive, but your safety is important.
- Effective Braking System:
Make sure that your car’s braking system works perfectly. Always use your car’s Anti-lock brake System (ABS) in snow.
Conclusion:
We conclude that driving carefully during snow is essential for your safety. Try to follow all the signboard instructions while driving. Always prefer a good, solid all-wheel-drive car on hilly roads. Using snow chains can avoid facing severe consequences. In addition to this, make sure that your car’s basic features are working properly. For beginners, we will highly appreciate taking driving lessons for Steerngo because we are certified and one of the professional driving schools in Ottawa.
FAQ’s
Yes, but make your that your car tires should be old ones. Use new tires with a strong grip.
Using snow tires would be better in comparison to snow chains in extreme weather conditions.
If you feel panic, safely park your car to the side of road, take deep breaths, and calm down before resuming your drive.
