Whether you’re new to driving or a seasoned road warrior, winter driving is a different beast from regular weather and road conditions. No snow-covered road is ever the same, and the way your vehicle will operate on it changes minute by minute.
Before you even hit the road, you’ll want to make sure your vehicle is ready for whatever winter may throw at it. That means triple checking lights, brakes, tires, and other critical systems are in good shape and won’t leave you high and dry (or, well, cold and wet) when the going gets tough.
If you’ve driven on winter roads at all, then you know that winter driving conditions can be as fickle as whichever way the wind blows. This means, in addition to prepping your vehicle, you yourself also need to be prepared to drive in the snow and avoid common winter driving mistakes.
So, don’t let winter catch you off guard – explore our roundup of key missteps to sidestep when driving this season.
Mistake #1: Panic Braking in Slippery Conditions/Not Knowing How to Use ABS Correctly
Since most newer vehicles now come equipped with anti-lock braking systems (ABS), it can be tempting to over-rely on the technology when driving winter roads. However, while ABS is beneficial in many situations, it can cause the wheels to lock up on snowy or icy surfaces.
So, if an object ahead of you is getting closer and you can’t seem to stop -- Don’t Panic! And don’t slam on your brakes.
If you are driving an older vehicle or one without ABS, then pumping the brakes can help regain traction and control. However, if you have an ABS-equipped vehicle, you should apply firm, continuous pressure to the brake pedal. Keep it depressed, even if the vehicle pulsates or makes a growling sound. This is normal, and is just the result of the system doing its job.
ABS detects when a wheel is about to lock up, and automatically modulates brake pressure. In other words, it pumps the brakes for you. If you slam on the pedal or start pumping manually, you can interfere with the system.
So, apply steady pressure and carefully steer around any obstacles. And remember: honk your horn and put on hazard lights to alert other drivers if you are struggling to control the vehicle.
Mistake #2: Not Steering into a Skid
Most people have had that moment of panic as they hit black ice and their vehicle begins to fishtail out of control. The natural reaction is to yank the steering wheel away from the direction the car is skidding, but that will actually make the vehicle more likely to roll.
Turning toward the way the car is skidding – or “steering into the skid” – may feel wrong but is actually the right way to handle this winter driving danger. Essentially, if the back of the car fishtails slightly to the right, then you should turn the steering wheel slightly to the right. If the back of the car fishtails slightly to the left, turn the steering wheel slightly to the left.
Why? Because if you align your tires in the direction the car is sliding, then they will roll with the inertia rather than skidding against it. Just remember, once your vehicle is righted, don’t overcorrect the other way and put yourself right back into a skid.
Another good rule of thumb in winter weather is to drive at slower speeds, which can make it less likely that you will skid in the first place. A good set of winter tires, or the use of a traction aid like tire socks or snow chains, can also help maintain grip when driving in snow.
Mistake #3: Stopping in the Middle of an Incline
When driving in snow, hills can be tricky and dangerous. While it may seem natural to accelerate when slowing down on an incline, this approach is counterproductive. "Gunning" the gas can lead to wheel spinning, causing your vehicle to lose traction and slip, ultimately making the situation worse.
First things first -- don’t apply the brakes when going uphill, as it can be difficult to stop and get started again. The vehicle may even begin to slide backward. The best thing to do is to begin accelerating before heading up the hill so there is enough momentum to reach the top. Keep foot pressure light and even on the gas pedal, and ease off it if the wheels begin to spin. Momentum is key in making it safely up a hill.
Mistake #4: Tailgating
In any weather condition, tailgating is a bad idea. At best, it’s annoying and at worst it’s a good way to encounter road rage or a fender bender. In snowy conditions, however, tailgating can be particularly dangerous – even fatal.
Braking distances increase on wet or icy roads, and tailgating doesn’t allow enough time or space to stop safely before colliding with the vehicle being tailgated. Additionally, winter weather conditions significantly reduce visibility, making it difficult to see obstacles or slower vehicles farther up ahead.
To maintain a safe following distance, consider employing the “two-second” rule – and perhaps adding a 4-6 second cushion. Simply choose a stationary object on or near the road ahead (like a sign or road marker). When the vehicle ahead of you passes the chosen point, begin counting “one thousand and one, one thousand and two," etc. Ensure your car doesn't reach that point before you finish counting to maintain a safe following distance.
Mistake #5: Over-Relying on 4WD/AWD & Cruise Control
While four-wheel drive (4WD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) systems are designed to enhance traction and improve handling, especially in challenging road conditions, they are not foolproof solutions. Unfortunately, drivers may mistakenly believe that these systems make their vehicles invincible on slippery winter roads and drive faster or more recklessly.
Similarly, using cruise control can also create a false sense of complacency. The technology is convenient for maintaining a consistent speed on dry roads, but using it on icy or snowy surfaces can limit a driver's ability to quickly adjust to changing conditions. This is particularly true when driving on bridges and/or overpasses.
Black ice often forms and freezes first on bridges and overpasses because freezing winds pass over and below a bridge or overpass; there’s no surface beneath them to retain heat. Worse, the ice can be difficult if not impossible to see. The constant speed of cruise control can increase the likelihood that tires will hydroplane and cause loss of control of the vehicle.
Remember, navigating winter roads requires more than just technical solutions; it demands attentiveness, caution, and adaptability. By recognizing and avoiding these five common winter driving mistakes, you can significantly reduce your risk on the road and enjoy all the good things the season has to offer.