Winter Driving Survival Guide Part Three Driving in Inclement Weather

First of all driving a vehicle is nothing like a video game. You cannot jerk the wheel to correct a slide or to get you out of trouble. Please remember it is a steering wheel and not a joystick.

The most important part of driving in adverse weather condition is being prepared mentally. Know what to do in case of an emergency. The worse thing in the world is to panic and make the situation even more difficult.

When a car is sliding it is because it has lost traction that is why just slamming on the brakes does nothing. Often times if you just lift off the gas pedal and steer the front wheels toward the direction you are sliding it will eventually regain traction. You can aid this by pushing in the clutch if it is a manual or slipping the gear shift into neutral.

You need to be aware at all times what is around you in bad weather. You may not be able to drive a car for someone else, but you sure can get out of their way when it goes wrong. Stay alert to what is happening around you; look as far forward as you can see to be aware about what is happening in the distance.

Just because you have four-wheel or all-wheel drive does not mean that you should go faster during bad weather conditions. You may be able to drive faster and get through more than others but you will not be able to stop any better than anyone around you. In fact because of vehicle weight you may have a more difficult time stopping.

Leave in plenty of time to get where you are going. Driving slowly and with caution is your best defense in difficult conditions. Be tuned into your instincts. If you feel it isn’t safe to drive across or through something then no matter what don’t do it. Your safety is more important than anything you have to do.

Be sure that you give plenty of room to those around you, especially those in front; tailgating in any weather condition is dangerous and the few extra feet you get is just not worth the consequences if it goes wrong.

The best thing to do in bad driving conditions is to just stay home and watch a movie if at all possible.

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, Lexington Cars Examiner

Michael Parks is a dedicated car nut. With well over 20 years in the automotive industry he has been a certified master technician, BMW service technician, service center owner, and racer. He currently is a freelance automotive writer. He has worked on everything from AMC’s to Volvo’s and has...

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