Ottawa Tires

Posts Tagged ‘Driving’

Winter driving can be treacherous, even on cloudless days with no snow in sight. Black ice can become blended in with the asphalt, creating a huge risk and danger to those who are driving. So before you take your car out on the road, here are a few tips you should always keep in mind when driving in winter conditions.

1 – Always prepare your car. Know what weather conditions you’ll be facing once you hit the road. Make sure your car is properly fitted with snow tires and tire chains if necessary. Make sure your fuel tank is full, your wipers are ready, your battery charged, and that you have no leaks.

2 – Take supplies with you. You never know what the road can bring you. It’s a good idea to have a winter emergency kit on hand just in case of anything happens. Make sure you always carry a phone with you, along with a charger, in case of emergency. Keep some non-perishable food with you along with water. You should even take an extra set of clothes and a blanket. Even if you don’t plan on driving out of the city, emergencies can happen everywhere.

3 – Clean the snow and ice off of your car. Clean off the whole windshield, your hood and the top of your car. Don’t forget to clear your headlights and rear lights. By doing all of this, it creates a safer environment for yourself as a driver, and for other drivers on the road.

4 – Drive slow and steady. Avoid sharp turns or quick stops. Give yourself double the room between cars, as you would during normal weather. If you do start to slide, don’t panic, hit the brakes or jerk your wheel. Turn the wheel steadily in the opposite direction that you’re sliding. Slowly press on the brakes. If you don’t have anti-lock brakes, press on the brake pedal gently, let up, and press again until you come to a stop. For those with anti-lock brakes, simply press the brake pedal gently until your car stops.

5 – Don’t use cruise control. You need to be in control of your car at all times. If you are going over an overpass or a bridge, be aware that these areas are more incline to be icy.

6 – Use low-beam headlights when driving, because they make you more visible to other drivers from both the front and the rear.

7 – If you have rear-wheel drive, weigh down the rear with sandbags to give you more traction.

With winter fast approaching, the threat of snow begins to grow. While snow can be incredibly beautiful – who isn’t awestruck by a fresh snowfall? – it can also be dangerous to drive on. Snow itself is wet and capable of causing hydroplaning, while a fresh snowfall can cover a layer of black ice, which could send your car careening into a ditch, or worse, another car. There are ways to reduce your risk of getting into an accident or, if you find yourself in one, ways to handle it safely.

Before hitting the road, you should make sure you car is properly stocked with emergency items. These include, but are by no means limited to: blankets, ice scraper, space heater, jumper cables, warm clothes, a toolkit and bags of sand (to weigh down the car for better traction). Inside the car proper you should have a means of contact, be it a cell phone or a pager, your insurance information in the event of an accident, and if possible a GPS. By having all or most of these items, your holiday road trips will be much safer and you’ll be prepared for any emergency.

If bags of sand for traction are not an item you would like to keep in your car, investing in a good pair of tires designed to handle the wet and icy roads that are commonplace during the winter months is a great way to add some extra protection and keep you safer. These special tires “grip” the road, preventing your car from slip sliding out of control when you hit a patch of ice or your attention is diverted and you have to slam on the breaks. When the winter months have passed, however, be sure to replace them with normal tires, as excessive use on dry roads can cause serious damage.

In the end, proper preparation can make driving in the harshest conditions a far safer and less daunting experience. If you can possibly avoid driving in the snow or other inclement weather you should do so, as abstaining from even putting yourself in a situation where you could get into an accident is the best way to go. Whatever path you take, be careful, and have a happy holiday season.

Winter is not a friendly weather, at least not to the drivers. Often you need to endure the cold and driving in such a cold places is not pleasant journey at all. There are a few things you need to keep in mind when driving in such a cold place with snow and blizzard. The most important thing is to be sure that your vehicle is in good condition with every parts being checked for serious damage and being repaired. Brakes need to work excellently and the tires need to be changed according to which is most suitable. You should be very careful when driving in cold region as your part do become numb and which might create a problem for you in controlling your vehicle.
Drive slowly as it is more slippery than usual. Keeping a safe distance from other cars will minimize the risk of getting into an accident. Do not drive in really bad weather that deters your visibility on the road. You need to be able to see when you are driving but there are times when the snow is heavy or it is raining, you can’t see a thing. This is a sign you should stop or if you are close to being home, get home immediately. Speed should be extremely slow and you should take proper care as to maintaining distance between two cars on the road, as your body parts might not react as quickly as they should have because of the numbness due to the cold.
If you get stuck in an emergency situation, be sure to have a cell phone with you so you can call someone you know or get a mechanic to the scene to help you out. If all fails, stop a car and ask for a ride to the nearest workshop or to someone you know to get help. Don’t stay in the car and don’t try to repair it yourself as you are putting yourself in danger. Sometimes, you might not have coverage for your phone and when this happened look for the nearest public phone booth available.
There is no need to panic when you are in such situation. It might sound difficult but if you know what to do, you can get through it just fine. Always remember that safety is most important so never do something that is harmful or expose yourself to danger.
If you’re new to a state with snow and you haven’t driven in it before, it’s important that you try out the side roads before you take the plunge and hit the main roads. Snow can be easy to drive in once you get used to it but like anything, if it’s new to you, it’s going to be tough. If you find yourself having troubles driving in the snow, you may want to look at the car you’re driving or you simply could make a huge jump and simply move somewhere were the snow is mild.

What you need to know when driving your car during the winter months, it’s important for you to know all the features on your car very well, especially during winter. Because when you are presented with rain, ice, fog and slippery roads, your car will react much differently then at other times. So what will you need to know when you are driving in hazardous condition? I’ll give you 5 tips below to help you .

#1 How driving at a lower speed will decrease your chances of an accident

This is one of the simplest things we can do. Unfortunately we all have busy lives and are always in a hurry. There are so many things like getting our kids to school or going to work, grocery store, repairs on the car and much more. Usually we are always running behind schedule and the first thing we do is speed up. This is a huge mistake especially when it first starts to rain and the oil from the surface of the ground comes up and that makes for a very slippery road and increases the chance of you getting into an accident.

#2 How leaving your headlights on gives you more visibility

This is another simple thing you can do to ensure the safety of you and everybody else. Studies have shown that driving with your lights on will increase the chance of another driver seeing you earlier and helping to avoid an accident.

#3 How applying your brakes slowly will prevent your car from sliding

Make sure to never slam your brakes while driving in the ice, rain or snow. If you do slam your breaks, then your car will be sliding all over the road because your tires will lose traction. If you live in the mountains where it snows a lot then it is best to get snow tires VS the all season tires and use chains for even better traction.

#4 How to be careful regardless of the type of vehicle you drive.

The reason I say that is because some people that have bigger cars or that have four wheel drive vehicles think “I will be ok if I drive fast and change lanes recklessly” but you have to realize that your car is also heavier and if something happens, it will cause a bigger accident. The bigger the car the harder it will be for you to handle and for you to break in time, especially in a wet environment.

#5 checking your tires

Make sure that you have a mechanic check your tires and see if they are ok and they are not bald on the side or in the middle. Tires are very important for you especially when it is raining, because when the tires are bald and you drive on them they do not hold to the ground and you are more likely to sliding all over the road and lose control or your car.

Make sure during the winter time that you try and go with some of the basic information that I have given you. This will help you and others on the road.

Winter driving can be stressful not to mention very hazardous. Wind, snow, ice and blizzard conditions amplify the normal dangers of driving. And with less hours of daylight, these problems are magnified. However, you can offset those aggravations and minimize the special risks of winter driving by following a few simple steps and taking certain precautions before and during driving.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the leading cause of death during winter storms are transportation accidents. Preparations for the winter season and knowing how to react if stranded or lost on the road are the keys to safe winter traveling.

Before winter starts or you leave for a trip in the winter, have the following items checked on your car:

Battery

Antifreeze

Wipers and windshield washer fluid

Ignition system

Thermostat

Lights

Flashing hazard lights

Exhaust system

Heater

Brakes

Defroster

Oil level (if necessary, replace existing oil with a winter grade oil)

Check your tires to be sure they are road ready. Install tires that are appropriate for the driving conditions. In moderate amounts of snow, all weather radials will do the job nicely. If you live in an area where you have a lot of snow, consider snow tires. These have better tread to deal with snow and ice. Maintain a half tank of gasoline during the winter.

Be prepared – put together a bad weather kit to keep in the trunk of back of your car. This will ensure that you are prepared in the event that you get stuck in a storm. Keep these items in your kit:

Flashlights with extra batteries

First aid kit with pocket knife

Necessary medications

Several blankets or Sleeping bags

Plastic bags (for sanitation)

Matches/candles

Extra set of gloves or mittens,socks, and a wool cap

Rain gear and extra clothes

Small sack of sand or kitty litter for generating traction under wheels

Small shovel

Small tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)

Jumper cables

Set of tire chains or traction mats

Books, cards, games

Brightly colored cloth to use as a flag

Help sign for back window

Canned fruit and nuts

Nonelectric can opener

Bottled water

Charged cell phone (always carry this, especially in the winter)

In the event your car gets stuck, stay with your vehicle. If you leave you may become disoriented and get lost in blowing and drifting snow. Put up the hood and tie your cloth to the antennae. Put the “need help” sign in the window. This will make you more visible to emergency vehicles and other drivers. Keep the windows, air grill and tail pipe clear of snow. Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation. Be aware that blowing or drifting snow can bury or seal a car shut. Wrap up in blankets or sleeping bags and, if there are others, huddle up with to stay warm. Run the heat for fifteen minutes each hour to keep from freezing. Move your body around to stay warm. Simple exercises, like those used on an airplane work well. Try not to stay in one position for too long.

Listen to the Weather Report before heading out. It can be a life saver.

Pay attention to the weather terms used.

Here are the most common Winter Weather Terms-

Winter Storm Warning: Issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet is imminent or occurring. Winter Storm Warnings are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the event is expected to begin.

Winter Storm Watch: Alerts the public to the possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet. Winter Storm Watches are usually issued 12 to 48 hours before the beginning of a Winter Storm.

Winter Storm Outlook: Issued prior to a Winter Storm Watch. The Outlook is given when forecasters believe winter storm conditions are possible and are usually issued 3 to 5 days in advance of a winter storm.

Blizzard Warning: Issued for sustained or gusty winds of 35 mph or more, and falling or blowing snow creating visibilities at or below ¼ mile; these conditions should persist for at least three hours.

Lake Effect Snow Warning: Issued when heavy lake effect snow is imminent or occurring.

Wind Chill Warning: Issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be hazardous to life within several minutes of exposure.

Wind Chill Advisory: Issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be a significant inconvenience to life with prolonged exposure, and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to hazardous exposure.

Winter Weather Advisories: Issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet which will cause significant inconveniences and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to life-threatening situations.

Bad weather in winter driving requires you to be extra vigilant and prepared, but the most important tip for winter driving is slow down! Always allow plenty of time to get where you are going, and get off the road before you get stuck by severe weather.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES:

The Weather Channel http://www.weather.com/activities/driving/drivingsafety/drivingsafetytips/snow.html?from=iForecast

West Virginia Department of Transportation

http://www.wvdot.com/6_motorists/6d_winterdriving.htm

Oregon Department of Transportation

http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/COMM/winterdriving.shtml

This is the third in a series of articles containing useful pointers for coping with frost, ice, and snow while you travel by vehicle. The correct tires can make the difference between an enjoyable trip and a hefty towing or hospital bill.1. Summer tread tires are not meant for icy or snowy conditions.

When the temperature dips, so does the traction capability of summer tires. The material used in the manufacturing process loses elasticity and grip as it gets colder. This means that summer tires do not perform as well in freezing temperatures, even on dry roads.2. All-season tires work well in some areas.

If you only experience an occasional mild snowstorm, you might be happy with all-season tires. However, they don’t perform as well as good winter tires. Their composition and tread is a compromise that provides decent handling and traction in a variety of conditions. Busy drivers who don’t have the time to change their tires twice a year will often swear by all-seasons.3. Real winters demand real winter tires.

If you have ever been stuck in a snow bank, you appreciate how much time and inconvenience it requires to get a tow. A car that slides into a snow bank can just as easily careen into oncoming traffic, over an embankment, or into a pedestrian. For safety’s sake, a change to winter tires is a good investment.4. Choosing the correct tire requires some forethought.

There are various types of winter tires. Analyze your driving patterns (fast? slow? heavy on the brakes?), travel routes (uphill and downhill grades? tight curves? gravel vs. pavement?), and other factors that might affect tire performance and needs.

a) Performance Winter Tires

Performance winter tires are responsive on dry winter roads – but their traction is not as good on ice and snow as some other types of tires. The treads tend to be a bit soft; these tires should always be changed in the spring in order to preserve tread life.

b) Snow and Ice Studless Tires

These tires will give better traction than performance winters, but the handling will not be quite as responsive.

c) Winter Studded Tires

These are good-quality winter-tread tires embedded with 60-120 small metal studs per tire. The studs, composed of a very hard metal like tungsten carbide, protrude slightly above the tread surface. This provides superior traction on ice and snow. However, studs also dig into pavement – and they are banned in some areas. If you plan a long trip, be sure to check the regulations regarding studded tires along your route.5. A tire professional can help you to sift through the choices.

Nothing can replace competent advice from a good tire technician. However before you pick a tire shop, consider the following:

a) Does the tire business have a good reputation – or does a check with the local merchants’ association or Better Business Bureau reveal a number of consumer complaints?

b) Do you know of anyone who has used the shop and can provide first-hand recommendations?

c) Are the tire shop’s certifications, licenses, and permits prominently displayed where customers can see them?

d) Are the service people properly certified? And are they experienced?

e) Will the shop honor your vehicle warranty?

f) Do the shop technicians have experience with vehicles of your model and year?

Inventors and manufacturers are continually trying to design the ‘perfect tire’. An online search for ‘tire patent’ will bring up over 1 million pages in Google. Who knows – maybe the perfect tire will be on the shelves next year! In the meantime, do your research, and get the most suitable tire for your driving style and weather conditions.

©Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author’s note below (with active links) are included.