The Bay Area may not get the snow and ice that our nearby mountain ranges do, but it’s still important to observe winter driving tips. First, wet roads combined with oil residue make for extremely slick surfaces. Then, as these past few weeks of low temperatures demonstrated, midnight to wee hours below freezing temperatures lead to a frost layer that surprises unsuspecting (or inexperienced) drivers.
As a company that provides roadside assistance and towing services, we help drivers on an hourly basis. During the winter months, we hear over and over about the “if only…” Like, “if only I’d gotten new tires when they recommended them,” or, “I don’t know why I let my gas tank get so low…”.
Observing these six winter driving tips reduces your chance of an accident or being stranded on the side of the road in cold or stormy weather.
Lack of routine car maintenance is one of the main reasons we’re called to provide roadside assistance. Get caught up on routine car maintenance to minimize your chance of a breakdown or malfunction. That includes:
Flat tires, lack of coolant/radiator fluid, an empty tank, or breakdowns due to minor mechanical failures all lead to being stranded on the side of a roadway or highway - and never at a convenient time.
We always advocate defensive driving, but it’s essential in wet, frosty, or stormy weather. Even something that seems as insignificant as higher wind speeds can cause road obstructions or unexpected car movement, and defensive driving is your best - well - defense.
Defensive driving means:
The more you anticipate and are prepared for potential road issues, the better you’ll handle them when they happen.
Defensive driving is a wise practice, even on a dry, sunny day. If winter weather presents itself, use extra caution. This might mean:
We also recommend keeping a road atlas or an up-to-date paper map (often available for free from AAA) in your vehicle. If you lose cell reception, your atlas or map takes the place of online map apps.
Are you a “gas is half full” or “half empty” kind of driver? If you wind up broken down or amid a storm-driven road closure, your near-full gas tank is essential to keeping you and other car occupants warm until emergency roadside professionals or a break in the storm allows you to keep going. Also, winter road closures may mean taking a much longer detour than the original route called for. The extra gas ensures you have enough to get to your destination.
Many of the things you’d need on the side of the road are part of our 15 Emergency Roadside Must-haves. These include flares, flashlights, extra blankets/jackets, high-energy snacks, extra water bottles, pet food, and more. Again, if you have to wait out a storm or foul weather means a longer response time from roadside assistance pros, the emergency kit will come in very handy.
If you’re heading to the mountains, you need to have AWD, 4WD, snow tires, or chains ready. Winter driving conditions change frequently. Storms that were predicted one day might come early or late. Also, temperatures may be lower than expected, turning a rain prediction into a winter snowstorm.
If you don’t have access to an AWD/4WD vehicle, keep a set of chains in your trunk so you can put them on when needed. If this is the case, make sure to practice taking them on and off multiple times in a safe, dry location. You don’t want your first time to be on the side of an icy road in the middle of a snowstorm. It’s miserable and puts you at extreme risk.
Do you have a new or teenage driver in your home? This is a tricky season when it comes to helping inexperienced drivers get experience in inclement weather without putting them at risk. We recommend accompanying new or young drivers in the passenger seat in new or unfamiliar situations. They’re more likely to be cautious under your watchful eye. Plus, you’re there to provide insight and instruction - or to take over - if needed.
Has your car left you hanging during a rainy day or cold winter night? Are you involved in a fender bender and need to be towed out? Contact J&T Towing, and we’ll send someone to get you and your car. We’re available 24/7 - rain or shine. (707) 356-4613.
