WINTER DRIVING

7 Winter Driving Safety Tips

December 1, 2017 by admin 2 Comments

Slippery roads can present a driving hazard, a situation that may be magnified when snow and ice are also present. Take to the road unprepared and you might hit a ski and slam into another car, a utility pole or even run over a pedestrian. Winter tires or chains and four-wheel drive won’t guarantee that you will avoid an accident, but each can make a difference in cold weather driving.

Seasonal hazards make winter driving especially risky.

1. Fasten Your Seat Belt

Make a point to fasten your seat belt every time you get behind the wheel of a car. Require vehicle occupants to do the same. You can quickly lose control of a car if you are not buckled up and slip out of your seat. An unbuckled passenger can cause you to lose control just the same.

2. Use Winter Tires

Most cars are equipped with all-season tires, but when it comes to winter driving the grip may not be sufficient. Ideally, you’ll replace all four tires with winter (snow) tires to ensure even performance and a better grip all around.

3. Turn Off the Cruise Control

Cruise control saves gasoline, but should only be used on dry surfaces. When used where ice and snow are present, it can cause you to lose control of your car.

4. Replace Your Windshield Wipers

You’ll be using your windshield wipers frequently during the winter even on clear days. Slush, mud and spray back from other vehicles will pepper your windshield, so you need good working wipers to handle the job. You should also fill the washer reservoir with anti-icing fluid.

5. Check All Exterior Lights

You may be able to see everyone, but can they see you? Head lamps, fog lights, LED lights, turn signal lights and tail lamps should be in good working order. They should also be free of ice and snow build up. Wipe down lenses with a dry rag before taking to the road. Keep a rag and a solution of anti-freeze window cleaner handy as you travel.

6. Get a Handle on Your Steering

Slippery road conditions may cause your front tires to lose grip and you may be tempted to compensate by continuing to turn the wheel in the direction of the skid. Instead, gently press down on the brake while holding the steering wheel steady. Once you regain control of the car, redirect the steering wheel to the direction that you want to go.

7. Black Ice is Transparent and Extremely Dangerous Too

Unseen to most drivers is ice that is transparent, what lies over the road surfaces, hence the name “black ice.” Black ice can appear without warning and may show up long after the snow has melted, residual moisture that quickly freezes when surface temperatures drop. Winter tires and chains can help slow your car, but you may not be able to stop it without hitting a curb or a stationary object. Always allow plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Handle turns and twisty roads with extreme care.

Winter Driving: Avoid Black Ice

With adequate preparation you can drive your car all winter long. Allow plenty of distance between vehicles and be mindful that black ice is an unseen hazard that can linger long after the snow has melted.

Tire Rack Tire Distributors

But first, some context about the event. When approached by a PR representative about the experience, I realized I was very familiar with the Michelin brand, but not so much with Tire Rack. A few years back when replacing tires for both vehicles, I went with two complete sets of Michelin radials, purchased at BJs, not Tire Rack. That I could have had tires shipped directly to my home never crossed my mind. Even if it had, I’m sure I would have thought that such shipments were limited to specialty tires and wheels, but I quickly learned otherwise while in Indiana.

Tire Rack is the largest distributor of tires in the US and is also headquartered in South Bend. On the other hand, French company Michelin’s North America headquarters is located in Greenville, South Carolina, where they also manufacture some of their tires. Michelin is an important client for Tire Rack, but they also stock tires from more than two dozen other brands, including Goodyear, Bridgestone, Hankook, Continental, and Cooper, to name a few. BF Goodrich, owned by Michelin, is another Tire Rack choice.

Notre Dame Stadium and a Curling Guest

The evening before the main event, our hosts treated us to a tour of one of the most important shrines on Notre Dame’s campus — that hallowed place wasn’t the Basilica of the Sacred Heart (a tour of the basilica was held separately the next day). Instead, our hosts pushed all the right buttons and used their pull to fling open the gates of Notre Dame Stadium just for our group.

Winter Driving Experience -- Touchdown Jesus — One of the most famous of all murals,
visible from Notre Dame Stadium.

What a pleasant surprise this was for everyone present, myself included — I grew up hearing tale after tale about the Fighting Irish from my Roman Catholic family and community. Many years later and I found myself at Notre Dame, standing on the same field where such legends as Knute Rockne, Joe Theismann, Raghib Ismail and Joe Montana had coached or played.

Immediately after our time on the field, we were shepherded to the stadium’s press boxes where dinner was served. What a terrific view of the stadium, the surrounding area and of a well-known mural popularly known as “Touchdown Jesus.”

While we were still consuming our appetizers, Michelin and Tire Rack introduced a celebrity of sorts — none other than Tom Howell, a 22-year-old man from New Jersey vying to represent the US men’s curling team at the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang, South Korea, next February.

The affable Howell shared everything about the sport, including its origin, how the game worked and explained what the screaming teammate phenomenon was about. It turns out the hollering on ice has everything to do with giving players instructions as the 42-pound stone slides across the surface with sweepers working feverishly to ensure the rock comes to rest in its proper place.

Curling may be the most misunderstood of all Olympic sports — the next day Howell provided us with an on-the-ice demonstration, removing much of that frozen mystery.

Winter Driving Experience: Kia Sportage — These Kia Sportage utility vehicles were also tested at the Compton Family Ice Arena.

Winter Tires or Radials?

So, do you really need winter tires where you live? That was the general question as well as the overall thrust of what was officially known as the Michelin/Tire Rack Winter Driving Experience program.

For starters, if you live in Florida, Southern California or in any place in the US that never sees snow or experiences winter conditions, then that answer is clearly no. At the same time, if you live in an area that’s regularly assaulted by winter’s fury, then the answer is yes.

But there is a huge middle ground where winter tires can still prove beneficial and that’s in locations where average temperatures fall below 44 degrees Fahrenheit. We learned that winter tires are much more than snow tires as they provide improved grip on icy roads. Ice may form at 32 degrees, but it can hang around during warmer temperatures. Hit a patch of ice on radials and you may be in trouble.

Winter Driving Experience: Michelin Man — A touch of irony: Tom Howell gives Michelin Man pointers on how to play on ice.

Contrast that with winter tires placed at all four corners and you stand a far greater chance of avoiding a dangerous spin. In all road conditions, winter tires provide shorter braking distance on a variety of winter driving surfaces, ice included.

You can thank the science of improved tread pattern design and technologies for the superior grip as well as tread compounds engineered explicitly to handle snow and ice. And unlike snow tires of years past, winter tires are fine to drive on dry surfaces and at highway speeds — just install them on all four wheels to ensure even handling and ride comfort.

On the Ice

So, driving on ice is nothing new for me, although now that I’m living in central North Carolina, ice is a relatively uncommon event. Still, when it does arrive, I know to stay home — local roads are treated, but not as well as in my native New Jersey, which is firmly in the “get winter tires” belt.

Winter Driving Experience: Tire and Wheel — Wheel and tire combinations wrapped and ready for shipment.

Driving on an ice rink was something new for me and I hadn’t been on a rink of any sort since I was young. Our multiple tests involved driving SUVs on one rink followed by sedans on the other rink. One each of the two pairs of vehicles came with OEM tires (Kumho) — specifically radials — with the other two shod with Michelin winter tires.

Through our various driving scenarios, we were able to judge for ourselves just how well (or poorly) each tire type handled in a variety of driving situations, including acceleration, braking, and cornering. Most impressive were the shorter stopping distances of the winter tires, which will prove especially helpful when driving in heavy traffic on slick wintry roads.

Notably, the front-wheel-drive Cadenza equipped with radials got off to a faster start than the winter tires, then followed by significant fishtailing. Keep in mind that you are not purchasing winter tires for performance, but for driving safety. One further note: Michelin recommends rotating your tires when you swap out your radials in the fall and again in the spring when you store your set of winter tires.

Parting Thoughts

I would be remiss if I failed to mention that our South Bend adventure concluded with a trip to the Tire Rack headquarters and warehouse where we witnessed firsthand how tires are distributed. Not to mention men were on forklifts nearly everywhere — moving pallets, pulling orders and sifting through stock. Specialty wheels, including some already set within tires, are also part of that stock.

The grand finale, though was the behind-the-scenes tour and driving experience of Tire Rack’s own test track. A pair of handsome BMW 435i Gran Coupes were on hand with instructors behind each wheel. After a brief lap orientation, we enjoyed our own wheel time. Did I say the tracks were wet from soaker spray? They were, which only added to the experience. Switchbacks, slaloms and tight corners beckoned, inviting us to push each Bimmer to the limits, supplying a fitting conclusion to this Michelin/Tire Rack event.

Winter Driving Experience: Tire Rack Track — Track time on the very wet Tire Rack track.

Disclaimer: The cost of this trip was funded by Tire Rack and Michelin, who provided air transportation, food, lodging and swag.

Safety on the Road: Winter Driving Precautions

October 8, 2014 by admin 2 Comments

Taking to the road when winter driving conditions are present can be dangerous, but not entirely unavoidable. Slush, ice and snow may not be enough to keep you at home, especially if you are required at work or have some other appointment to keep. Before you take to the road, your car should be in tip-top shape. You should also keep in mind the following winter driving precautions to keep you, your family and everyone else safe.

Check All Reports

It is good to check your local weather station for advisories, including ever-changing weather conditions. You should know when temperatures are expected to rise above the freezing mark and find out what the traffic conditions are between your home and your destination.

In all states you can dial “511” to obtain travel information, including details about mountain passes and other potentially hazardous routes. Your state’s department of transportation website is a good place to visit as well as related Twitter and Facebook pages.

What Tires Are Permitted

In some areas you won’t be permitted to drive if your car is not outfitted with the proper tires. Typically, all-season tires with a M+S rating or symbol are sufficient. But these tires must also have enough tread. One-eighth of an inch of tread is usually enough to take to the road. Better yet, winter tires all around can provide the grip you need.

Conditions in some areas, such as mountain passes, may be especially hazardous. If the road is still open, you may find that tire chains are required. An exception may be made for all- and four-wheel drive vehicle —but when conditions are extreme, chains may be required for all vehicles.

Carry the Right Equipment

It is advisable that you leave for your destination with your gas tank filled. This is especially important if your trip will take you many miles away where open gas stations may be scarce. Your car should be in excellent condition with a recently flushed radiator, a good battery and working belts and hoses. Verify that your heater and defroster are working too.

Bring with you an emergency kit and other supplies. A working flashlight with an extra set of batteries, a cell phone cable and a back up battery, an ice scraper and snow brush, road flares, jumper cables and a first aid kit can be helpful too. If you are driving in a remote area bring with you winter clothing gear, a blanket, food and water. Provide a copy of your itinerary to someone who isn’t making the trip with you.

On the Road

When you’re ready to take to the road, go slow. Leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles — it can take three times as long to stop when the roads are slippery. Don’t rely only on your daytime running lights to mark your way, especially if it is snowing — turn on your headlights.

As you approach a traffic light or a stop sign, slow down. Keep in mind that off-ramps and bridges can be especially slippery. If you are following a snow plow, make sure that you can see the driver’s side mirrors — that means he can see you.

Winter Driving: Know the Law

In some states, you can use studded tires for only certain months before they must be removed. Even so, studded tires may not meet your state’s chain requirement, therefore keeping a set of chains with you is a wise choice.

How to Prepare Your Car For Winter

October 7, 2014 by admin 2 Comments

winter road — Is your car ready for the (winter) road ahead?

Winter’s icy grip can put its “hurt” on your car. Just like in summer, extreme temperatures can make your engine work harder and increase the chances that your car will fall prone to extreme weather conditions. The time to prepare your car for winter is before colder temperatures move in. Here’s what you can do to prepare your vehicle for any wintry wallop.

1. Flush the radiator. Topping off the radiator for winter may not be enough. If you haven’t had the radiator flushed in two or more years, then have that done as soon as possible. You should know that there is some controversy whether flushing is necessary or not as evidenced by this Car Talk question. Consult your owners manual for the definitive answer.

2. Inspect the battery. If your car’s battery dies, you could be left stranded. Check the battery’s connections and clean off the terminal. If it is at least three years old, you may need to replace it. Cold weather can kill a weak battery.

3. Check tire tread and consider winter tires. Rotating your tires twice per year is wise. When rotating, determine if there is sufficient tread left. If not, replace your tires. All-season tires are fine for areas where snowfall is not a concern. For everywhere else, replacing your tires with winter tires can give you the extra grip you need. Use four winter tires, not two — you’ll enjoy all-around better grip and handling with the same type of tire across all four wheels.

4. Inspect the brake system. If your brakes don’t work properly, you won’t be able to stop your car. This is where a certified mechanic should come in, to perform a complete brake inspection. Your mechanic will check everything from the brake pedal to the lines and hoses, as well as the brake fluid and assemblies.

5. Examine the exhaust system. While you are with your mechanic, ask him to check your exhaust system too. Your exhaust system controls your vehicle’s emissions and should be checked periodically for leaks and other problems. A leaky exhaust can flood your cabin with deadly carbon monoxide. A clogged system can cause a loss of power and a reduction in fuel economy. Your mechanic will check a variety of parts to include: the catalytic converter, mounting components, gaskets, the muffler and pipes.

6. Inspect all lights. Lights are a safety issue and every light on your car should be functioning as intended. You can perform a visual inspection with the assistance of another person to ensure that the headlights, fog lights, daytime running lights, turn signals, tail lights and other lights are working. If a light is burned out, check the fuse box first — it is far easier to replace a blown fuse than it is to replace a light bulb.

7. Run the heater. You’ve been operating the climate control system throughout the summer and enjoying a consistent delivery of cool air. Now put on the heater to ensure that warm air comes out. You should check the defrosters too. If the heat is not working properly the coolant level may be low or the heater core may not be working. A bad water pump or a failed thermostat are other problems that can keep your car from getting warm. See your mechanic to have him troubleshoot your heating system.

Winter Care

It is also important that you have your oil and oil filter changed on a regular basis, certainly before winter sets in. If your car is due for a new air filter or spark plugs, get this work done too. A new set of wiper blades should be installed as well.

If your winter driving takes you far from home, an emergency car kit is essential. You’ll want to include a flashlight, batteries, a first-aid kit, blankets, boots, water, gloves and snacks. Road flares, an ice scraper and jumper cables are also essential for winter travel.

Cloud-Based Safety Systems and Your Car

April 3, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

Volvo Cars — Volvo cars will soon communicate via the cloud.

At some point in the not too distant future, your car may be controlled by the cloud. No, not the cumulus or cirrus cloud drifting slowly by in the sky, rather by network-based systems running on servers located far from the road. Essentially, your car would contain a device that will communicate with a remote server, providing immediate, real-time response.Cloud-based technologies are ready to go, but certain vehicle modifications must be enabled first. Moreover, allowing outside control of your vehicle also means certain governing authorities must amend motoring laws to permit autonomous driving. Were not there yet, but driverless cars are on the way.

Volvos Scandinavian Initiative

Sweden and Norway will be doing just that thanks in cooperation with Volvo. In March 2014, the Swedish-based automaker announced a pilot project for autonomous driving, utilizing a cloud-based system approved by both Scandinavian governments. That project will capture road friction information from individual cars and share it with the system. Volvo has also promised that no personal driver information will be culled or stored an important vow in this day of NSA data mining.

For the initial leg of the program, vehicles will communicate with each other while on the road, sending out a warning when slippery winter pavement conditions are present. The moment that a project car detects slippery conditions, that information will be sent to the Volvo Car Group database along with an immediate warning provided to the affected car through the instrument cluster.

Simultaneously, warnings are sent to nearby vehicles approaching the affected area and to the road administrator. That administrator could then respond by dispatching equipment, such as a salt truck, to treat the road. One related benefit is that salt would be applied only as needed, minimizing the environmental impact sustained from broadcast treatment. Safer roads would be the intended result, courtesy of the cloud storage providers.

Safer Driving Thanks to the Cloud

Detecting slippery road conditions is just the beginning for what Volvo wants to achieve as it works toward pilotless cars. Other important information that could be shared with vehicles in the cloud-based network are receiving careful consideration, each with an eye toward providing a more comfortable drive, safer traffic, and improved traffic flow noted Erik Israelsson, Project Leader Cooperative ITS (Intelligent Transport System) at Volvo Car Corporation.

Volvo appears to be the the furthest along the road to create a cloud-based system or one that will presage full-time autonomous driving. Indeed, the project aligns with the automakers Vision 2020 plan that by 2020, nobody shall be seriously injured or killed in a new Volvo. Thats an ambitious goal first announced in 2008 and reiterated by Volvo regularly.

By overriding driver behavior, Volvo claims that more than 90 percent of all vehicular accidents might be avoided. Thats a noble goal, one that will require much cooperation from drivers, other car manufacturers, and government authorities in Scandinavia as well as abroad.

US Autonomous Driving

In the United States, the state of Nevada has enacted legislation to permit autonomous driving for testing purposes only. Equipped vehicles must be outfitted with the appropriate technology, have already logged more than 10,000 road miles, and include a driving plan. Approved vehicles are outfitted with a pair of red license plates and motorists will be required to obtain a special driver license endorsement.

Pictograph courtesy of Volvo Cars Corporation.

What You Need to Know About Winter Driving

January 26, 2013 by admin 2 Comments

Just as parts of the Northern Hemisphere enters a deep freeze, our friends in the Southern Hemisphere are enduring record heat. The earth may be a little blue marble, but weather conditions can vary widely and have a huge impact on your car.

Driving Tips

If you are planning to take an extended trip this season, the following winter driving tips are worth reviewing.

1. Examine your antifreeze. When was the last time you checked your antifreeze? It may not need to be flushed, but it may need to be topped off. Check for leaks too you do not want to get stranded because your radiator was not up to the task.

2. Check your tires. It is always good practice to outfit your car with snow tires when driving on icy, slippery roads. You may have been lulled into believing that all-season tires are sufficient to get the job done, but you simply cannot get the same benefit from tread design and compounds used with snow tires. And, yes, for maximum traction place snow tires on all four corners, not just two.

3. Look at your brake system. An anti-lock brake system can help your car stop, but it is no substitute for worn brake pads and caliper problems. While you are underneath your car, check that the exhaust system is functioning properly too.

4. Top off the windshield washer reservoir. Head out on the road when the snow is melting and you will hit a barrage of slush that will splash up onto your windshield. You will need to start your trip with a full windshield washer reservoir with an antifreeze agent. Replace your wiper blades too if they have not been swapped out in at least six months. Bring an extra container of fluid with you.

5. Bring along emergency supplies. The possibility that you might get stranded looms as you hit the road under unfavorable weather conditions. Ideally, you will wait out a storm, but if you must travel, bring the following items with you: a snow shovel, brush, jumper cables, kitty litter or sand for traction, a spare cell phone battery, flares, blankets, water, food, a mirror to signal for help, and ample clothing. Let someone know of your intended route, giving them instructions to call for help if you do not arrive at your destination at the prescribed time.

6. Practice safe winter driving. You are quite the maverick on the road, are you not? With winter driving, you will quickly discover that you do not always have as much control over your vehicle as you would when road conditions are dry. And neither do other drivers. Ease up on the gas pedal, gently apply the brakes and allow for more room between yourself and other cars. When roads are slick or slippery, you need to account for longer stopping distances.

Winter Driving

If you have a GPS navigation system, keep tabs on possible delays and detours. If your route must change, call ahead to tell your party that your trip has been altered accordingly. If you have an emergency give 9-1-1 a call. Also, make sure that your auto club membership is up to date you may need to call for a tow truck if you get stuck.

See Also — 7 Winter Storage Tips for Classic Cars

“winter driving.” by clive-staples is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Winter Driving Means Exercising Special Precautions Throughout The Season

December 30, 2008 by admin 1 Comment

Cold air has pushed down from Canada while moisture is moving east out of the Rockies, a dynamic mixture that means only one thing: snow, ice and freezing rain will impact all of the midwest and northeast over the next few days, making driving treacherous in some areas. Certainly, if you don’t have to be out on the roads during the worst of natures fury, you’ll want to ride this storm out.

It seems that the auto clubs and insurance companies are each doing their part to alert drivers of the pending problems of venturing out on the highway during the worst of the weather, urging people to wait the storm out. But, as we all know, work beckons and some of us are still away from home during the holiday season and needing to get back to where we live. A one day delay may not be possible for everyone.

“The best defense is preparation,” said Mike Convery, chief claim officer at MetLife Auto & Home. “Experience has shown us that many winter-related claims are avoidable, which is why it’s important to make sure your vehicle’s well-equipped and in good condition to take on the cold weather. By taking precautions, and being aware of what actions to take when you’re on the road, you may be able to avoid a serious accident and protect your loved ones from injury.”

Before the snow starts to fall, consider the following:

Give your vehicle a tune-up. Check the level of antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid, and make sure the battery is fully charged. If you haven’t changed your wiper blades in the past six months, purchase a fresh set.
Inspect your tires for bulges and uneven wear. If you get stuck in the snow, worn tires won’t be much help. Worn tire can also create potentially dangerous situations, too, such as a blowout on the road.
Keep emergency gear in your car. Make sure you have things like a flashlight, jumper cables, ice scraper, shovel, and snow brush, windshield wiper fluid, and warning devices (such as flares). Also, consider packing a “winter survival kit” that includes blankets, a bright piece of cloth to tie to your antenna, a flashlight with spare batteries, non-perishable foods, such as candy bars, and waterproof matches.

Snow, ice, and extreme cold can also cause problems for vehicles, especially during snow and ice storms, when driving can become treacherous. When braving the winter weather:

Drive slowly. Let someone know what route you’re taking and when you plan to arrive, so they can take action and alert authorities, if you don’t get there or are unreasonably delayed.
Consider the road conditions. Driving over the speed limit—or even at normal speed that would be considered unreasonable based on the conditions —can be hazardous, and the extra time you gain isn’t worth the risk.
Avoid ice patches. Avoid icy skids by matching your speed to the road conditions and taking precautions on curves and turns by slowing down in advance. Also, remember that ice patches are particularly common on-ramps, bridges, and overpasses, which tend to freeze first.
Slide smart. To bring a sliding car under control, remove your foot from both the accelerator and brake pedals, unless your vehicle has an antilock braking system (ABS). In that case, depress the brake pedal as hard as possible until the vehicle stops moving. Meanwhile, turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the front wheels to go and continue steering and counter steering.

Even with the best of precautions, your car may still end up stuck in a snowbank. Above all, don’t panic: try to push the snow out of the way of the wheels, by turning the steering wheel from side to side a few times or digging out with a shovel. Ease forward, keeping a light touch on the gas, and don’t spin the wheels or you’ll dig yourself in deeper. Rock the vehicle, shifting from forward to reverse and back again. If this doesn’t work, use your cell phone to call for help and then wait in your car, because it’s easy to get disoriented in the snow.

To stay warm, turn on the motor for 10 minutes every hour for heat, and make sure you have your window open a crack, for fresh air. Check to ensure that snow is not blocking the exhaust pipe. For best visibility, light two flares and place one at each end of the car, a safe distance away.

I also recommend that drivers not leave home without some sort of auto club arrangement in place. We’ve had a lot of success with AAA over the years, an auto club that provides towing, lockout service, car restart and other services. The last thing you want is to be stuck in a snowbank somewhere and needing the state to shovel you out – you’ll be responsible for that bill and you could end up causing a much worse accident!

Source: MetLife Auto & Home

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