We don’t get much snow here in the Bay Area, but towing and roadside assistance companies are extra busy this time of year due to freezing temps that make roads slicker than usual.
Maintenance Note: Early winter is a perfect time to schedule a tune-up and allow your mechanic to give your car a routine maintenance check. This ensures that your tires are in good shape, antifreeze is topped off, and you have the chance to replace outdated windshield wipers before you find yourself needing them.
These eight tips will keep you and your passengers safe whether you’re driving into the mountains for a snowy winter vacation or find yourself commuting in freezing temperatures.
The fewer cars on the road, the better when things are icy or slick. If there’s any way you can avoid driving, stay home. If there’s any way you can work remotely, ask your manager if they’re open to allowing you to stay off the roads in stormy or icy conditions.
Check weather conditions the day beforehand to get a feel for how much time you might need. If you see overnight temps are lower than freezing, get up earlier than normal and allow plenty of time for you to get to work.
Wintertime demands defensive driving to keep you and others safe on the roads. When roads are snowy or icy, this means:
Icy roads seriously compromise traction, which your tires depend on for grip when they’re accelerating or slowing down/stopping. When roads are icy, it’s better to accelerate very slowly - rather than punching the gas to avoid slipping.
When it comes to braking, we recommend taking your foot off the gas and decelerating instead. If you must use your brakes, tap them gently and pay attention to the car’s response to minimize tire spinning and slippage.
Speaking of braking, it’s not a bad idea to test your car in a large, empty parking lot when roads are wet and snowy. This allows you to learn more about accelerating and braking on slippery roads to optimize your car’s performance. You also have a chance to practice your reaction response when your car slips or starts to spin on ice.
NOTE FOR TEEN DRIVERS: Teaching teens to drive in inclement weather when road conditions are poor is not a good idea. Instead, take them to the same lot and have them practice there. Learning to manage icy conditions is a good driving skill; the earlier, the better. However, a large empty lot means developing that skill at minimal risk to themselves, you (or the instructor), and others.
When you use winter defensive driving techniques, drive slowly, and leave plenty of space between you and others, you’ll rarely need brakes. Removing your foot from the pedal early enough allows the car to slow down gradually, with very little need for the brakes by the time you get to the stoplight or stop sign.
San Francisco and other Bay Area cities are known for their steep, hilly streets. And, because we don’t often experience snow or ice, they become a nightmare when temperatures enter the freezing point. The tendency to power up a hill is strong, but that’s the wrong approach.
Instead of punching on the gas when you get to the hill (which is bound to make the tires spin), try to gain enough inertia before the hill to carry you up and then only accelerate as much as necessary to keep yourself going.
If there’s any way to take an alternate route to avoid steep hills, even if it’s longer, it’s worth the extra time.
Always prepare your vehicle for worst-case scenarios. No matter how experienced you may be, you have no control over others. Preparing to be stopped on the roadside for an extended period of time keeps you safe, warm, and fed/hydrated.
Most of these are included in our post on Emergency Roadside Kit Must-Haves, but winter car safety essentials include:
Have emergency roadside assistance and plan ahead of time so you’re not left scrambling in an emergency. We recommend every driver have an AAA Membership, which is well worth the annual fee for the benefits. Otherwise, keep your local tow truck or roadside assistance company’s contact numbers in your phone - and written down in the glove box - so you have them when needed.
Are you stuck on a snowy or icy Bay Area Road? Contact J&T Towing. We’re standing by to get you home safely 24/7, 365 days a year. 707-356-4613.
