Never driven in snow-please advise

[N8G]

Funny how all the southerners are saying get chains, and the northerns are saying you don't need 'em (count me in that camp). More than likely the main highways will be perfectly clear even if it is snowing due to pre-salting the road and constant plowing. The only time this isn't true is in major storms which are usually forecast well in advance.

So my advice is just watch the weather and if you do hit snow; slow down, leave lots of room between cars, and pretend there is an egg on accelerator when pressing it. If your tires don't have much tread you may want to replace them, otherwise I wouldn't worry.

 

[tomhaney1]

Sorry for the dumb questions, I don

 

[HiVel-JR]

Yup everyone has it nailed here, slow, use the motor to slow, and keep your momentum going (ole friend mo) And when it snows there are these people out there that will want to go out and drive in the snow, just because it is snowing. (Usually have bald tires too) I find that hilarious... You will be fine, just be on the look out for the other drivers out there just out screwing off in the snow...

have a good Christmas vacation.

 

[tomhaney1]

Yup everyone has it nailed here, slow, use the motor to slow, and keep your momentum going (ole friend mo) And when it snows there are these people out there that will want to go out and drive in the snow, just because it is snowing. (Usually have bald tires too) I find that hilarious... You will be fine, just be on the look out for the other drivers out there just out screwing off in the snow...

have a good Christmas vacation.

I resemble that remark!!

 

[CATman]

Jonas hit it on the head. 4wd is not the answer all the time. My dad told me once, to put it in a good perspective, "It's 4wd not 4 wheel stop." Alot of people get into hairy situations cuz they put it in 4wd and think that they are invincable.

 

[TheBlueWave]

Being from MN all my life and driving all sorts of low tech cars, I just couldn't resist chiming in.

Make sure you have good tires, yours with 26k will be fine as long as you aren't a crazy driver and they're bald already.

Chains not needed, but an emergency kit is a good idea.
1. Pack enough high energy grub (like trail mix) for everyone.
2. Lots of warm clothes and blankets.
3. Stike anywhere matches dipped in wax in case they get wet. Sounds a bit extreme, but sometimes a mini heater may be necessary if you need to exit the vehicle for a flat or whatever where you'll be outside for an extended period, like a Mr. Heater that runs on propane. Gotta light it somehow! Also used to melt frozen water if its really cold and you get thirsty.
4. Communication device.

Not to scare anyone, but up here things like this can be found in lots of cars in the winter time. Never know what can happen like the dude from Illinois said you can be stuck for hours on the interstate. I have been!