A Guide to Driving in Winter: 10 Tips for a Smooth and Safe Journey
Cruising along in a winter wonderland might sound like a dream but, let’s be real, it’s no walk in the park. Extreme weather conditions and slippery roads can very quickly take a nasty turn, especially if you’re not prepared! However, don’t let you put that off a wondrous wintry road trip: to set your mind at ease, here are 10 tips to keep in mind for a safe and worry-free journey.
You better lock in your travel plans because we have INSANE BLACK FRIDAY AND CYBER MONDAY deals HAPPENING NOW 🔥 Choose from over 10,000 activities and experiences from around the globe at discounted rates!
Click to unlock Klook promo codes and deals!
Get a reputable rental car
Your rental car is your trusty steed for any road trip, what’s more for a winter road trip where weather and road conditions can prove to be unpredictable. The key is to get one that you can fully trust to have your back should anything crop up. Find your desired car from reputable companies like Hertz, Avis, and Budget via Klook, which promises nothing but the best.
We believe in falling in love with a car at first sight — easily get the car of your dreams, and choose from multiple pick-up and drop-off locations. You’ll be able to add on essentials like children’s car seats and winter tyres with just a click. Psst, don’t forget the insurance!
1. Drive slowly
This might seem like a total no-brainer, but it’s easy to pick up speed without realising it. In winter, it’s prudent to reduce your speed — take it from us, in such cases, slow and steady is the name of the game. Going at a higher speed not only increases the chances of your car skidding, but it also can cause you to lose control of your vehicle once you hit a nasty patch of ice.
#KlookTip: Don’t forget your sunglasses! The snow can be glaring, and having shades on will help immensely with your visibility.
2. Watch your acceleration and deceleration
To avoid skidding, pump your brake pedal slowly. It’s easier said than done, but slamming down on your brakes will only cause your car to skid. Try to drive in a smooth and gradual manner without making sudden jerking movements. Before stop lines and intersections, give yourself plenty of distance and time to bring your car to a halt.
If your car does begin to skid, steer in the direction that the vehicle is going. This might seem counter-intuitive, but this will help realign your car and slowly regain traction. Take your foot off the gas pedal, and slowly pump the brake. And above all else, remain calm!
3. Keep a good distance from other cars
That being said, make sure to keep a sizeable distance between your car and the car in front. Braking not only takes longer, but you might also witness other cars in front of you skidding — trust us, you’d want to give yourself ample time to react without panicking. As a general rule of thumb, it’d be great to triple the usual distance between you and other cars.
#KlookTip: Cruise control may be a godsend, but stay clear of it in winter! You never know when snow or ice could affect your car’s sensors, negatively impacting the cruise control function.
4. Keep your headlights on
Winter visibility is unfortunately not the best. To make it easier to see, and alert other cars of your vehicle, turn your headlights on both in the day and night.
5. Look out for black ice
Black ice is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and can sneak up on you when you least expect it. Contrary to its name, black ice isn’t black, but is instead transparent; it gets its name from the colour it takes from the asphalt roads. When you first look at it, it just seems like a wet patch on the road. However, this wet spot can be a thin sheet of transparent ice, which often forms without any bubbles. It can be frequently found in sheltered areas, next to walls, as well as on bridges and underpasses.
When you spot something that looks wet, glossy, and glistening on the road, err on the side of caution, and assume that it’s black ice. Slow down, try to do as little as possible, and let your car glide over the ice whilst holding the steering wheel straight. If the rear of your car starts veering left or right, gently steer in the same direction. Go against your instincts, and don’t touch the brake pedal either.
#KlookTip: It most commonly forms at night or in the early morning, so be most careful during those times. Monitor the other cars around you as well; if you see cars skidding for no apparent reason, black ice is usually the culprit.
6. Check weather forecasts and webcams
Image credit: KDVR
Before hitting the road, keep tabs on the latest weather forecast. If possible, search up local websites and take a look at webcams to gauge the road conditions. Check and download any apps that offer local alerts in the case of inclement weather. It’d also be great to keep your itinerary flexible when on a winter road trip. If the weather doesn’t look too optimistic, consider extending a day or two in your current location to wait it out instead of braving the roads.
#KlookTip: It might be tempting to listen to a specially curated playlist, but it’d be best to tune in to a local radio station for real-time road and weather updates.
7. Arm yourself with winter tyres
If you anticipate snow and ice on your road trip route, arm yourself with winter tyres for better peace of mind. These are tyres that are specially designed for winter conditions, with deeper tread depth, on top of greater traction and grip.
You’ll normally be able to opt for winter tyres when selecting your rental car — and yes, you’ll be able to do so easily with Klook too!
8. Make sure your vehicle is cleared of snow
Picture this: you wake up in the morning, and peer out of the window to be greeted by a stunning winter wonderland. This might sound glorious and all, but chances are that your car — which will usually be parked out in the open — might have been covered by snow overnight.
Use a broom, brush or scraper to remove all traces of snow and ice from your car. Other than obvious surfaces like the roof, hood, and windows, do check your car’s tail lights as well to dislodge any snow or ice that may have formed.
Snow accumulated on the vehicle roof will slide onto the windshield when you hit the brakes and might interfere with your view which can be dangerous. Make sure to clear snow or ice from any of your car sensors as well.
9. Try not to make stops at the side of the road
While it can be tempting to quickly pull over at the side of the road to snap a picture of the surrounding scenery, you never know what lurks beneath unassuming patches of snow. It might be shrouding a pothole, or a deep ditch. Other cars might also end up crashing into your car should they skid and lose control. If you have to pull over due to an engine fault, don’t forget to switch your hazard lights on.
#KlookTip: Try not to take small roads, and stick to the major roads and highways. These will most likely be maintained well by local governments, with methods like de-icing and gritting with salt.
10. Have an emergency car kit ready
Photo credit: Oregon Department of Transportation on Flickr Creative Commons
Just like how most packing lists include a first-aid kit, every road trip needs an emergency car kit! Include items like jumper cables, reflective triangles, ice scraper, gloves, first aid kit, flashlight, and even a spare tyre.
Pack some blankets, extra clothes, and a phone charger — just in case you need to wait out in the cold for a tow truck to come to your rescue. Have some water and non-perishable snacks (like granola bars) with you too.
Recommended for you:
What is Klook?
Klook is a world-leading travel activities and services booking platform, covering over 400 destinations and over 100,000 travel services! Klook’s mission is to empower travelers around the world to discover, book, and experience the best things to do anywhere, anytime - including attractions, activities, car rental, tours, local transfers, wifi, and SIM cards.
✨ Follow us for more deals and inspiration for your upcoming travels
