Driving during normal road conditions can be a challenge in itself but driving during winter weather brings even bigger challenges as traction decreases on wet icy roads. Driving safely begins with preparation and continues with good driving habits. Preparation begins at the ground up. The biggest challenge with winter driving is traction. The ability to control the automobile on wet icy roads depends on how good the traction is. The primary source of good traction is in the tires. Cold weather causes tires to loose air pressure so be sure to check the air pressure whenever its time to fuel up. Winter weather tires may seem expensive but can actually save money in the long run in damages caused by skids resulting in a crash. We change are shoes for better traction while walking so why not change our tires for better traction in our car? Winter tires are constructed with tougher tread to handle the rough winter road conditions without tread there is no traction. If you cannot afford winter tires be sure the tires you use have good thread. Use the quarter test. In winter weather tires should be replace once they have approximately 4/32″ of remaining tread depth. Here is an excellent article on how to check tread depth with U.S. coins http://www.tirerack.com/tires/ tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=5 1. The next source of traction is you it all starts with your ability to adjust your driving habits to the changes in road conditions. Skidding is the biggest challenge in winter weather and the best way to deal with a skid is to avoid getting into one in the first place. Here are some tips to avoid skidding. Slow down before a turn rather than while in the turn. You do not want to be applying the brakes during a turn. Keep shifting smooth Maintain proper air pressure in the tires. Do not drive too fast for road conditions Drive at a slow and steady speed skids happen when slowing down and speeding up. It is said that you should always turn into a skid when you find yourself in one. There is now a new way of teaching drivers how to recover from a skid according to http://www.roadtripamerica.com /DefensiveDriving/Rule30.htm. If you find yourself in a skid do not use the brakes and slowly release the brakes if they have already been applied. Quickly turn the wheels into the direction you are intending to travel. Once your automobile returns to the intended direction, you must then counter steer in time to stop the turning or the vehicle will continue turning past the desired direction. If driving a front-wheel drive vehicle or a rear-wheel drive with four-wheel drive engaged a quick release of the gas could create the same situation as applying the brakes. Instead it is suggested to place the automobile in neutral or engage the clutch allowing the front wheels to glide into the direction you intend to go. If possible find a safe place to practice skids be sure to get permission from the property owner first. Check with your local driving schools to see if they offer courses that will allow practice of skid recovery. Traction may be the biggest concern with winter driving but certainly not the only one. Be sure to keep over half a tank of gas at all times. If you get stuck this will allow you to be able to run your heater and keep warm while waiting for help. Also, include a bag of salt or sand in your winter emergency kit. If you find yourself stuck you can pour the salt or sand under the tires for better traction. Keep your washer fluid full and replace worn out wiper blades, as these are essential to safe driving in the winter. The best decision that can be made during winter weather is to not drive when ice is present on the roads. The best way to avoid driving is through preparation. Pay attention to weather forecast and plan ahead for things like groceries and other needs. If you must drive give yourself plenty of time do not be in a hurry. It is better to arrive late than not arrive at all. Another thing to keep in mind is not all ice is visible. Black ice is a thin coating of ice, like that caused from mist, that is nearly invisible but very dangerous. Category:Home › Home • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 2 • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 1 • Should the crew of the Sea Shepherd board whaling ships? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 13 • Grandparents: Can blogging chronicle your genealogy? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 12 • Are teachers unions the cause of public school problems today? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 11