Winter is on the way and with it comes snowfall, ice, and poor driving conditions. If you must drive in winter weather, there are a few key ideas to keep in mind when navigating icy conditions. From calling for 24-hour roadside assistance to keeping your car in top shape, below are the do’s and don’ts for this season.

DO:

Avoid Gas in a Fishtail

Fishtailing occurs when the back of your car slides back and forth on the ice, which means your tires need to regain traction. Avoid panicking, braking, and oversteering the car in the opposite direction. Ease off the gas, and aim your car in the direction it’s already going until the wheels complete their spin and regain friction.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Ensure tires are inflated and keep at least half a tank of fuel to prevent gas lines from freezing. Stay on auto repairs and make sure components like wiper blades are in good shape.

Hold the Wheel in a Spinout

When the front of the car begins to slide into a spinout, ease off the accelerator and keep your hands on the steering wheel until you slow down. If you feel the back begin to spin, turn the wheel in the same direction as the movement but do not slam on the brakes. Slow, firm pressure on the brake will help slow you down, but if you don’t have anti-lock brakes you will need to pump the pedal to prevent wheel lock.

DON’T:

Use Cruise Control

Not only are you less attentive when using cruise control, but the setting will also keep accelerating on wet roads, even if you are losing traction. You also won’t feel the slip as easily as you would without cruise control, which makes it easier for you to lose your handle of the vehicle.

Accelerate Quickly

When you are losing your grip with the road, apply gas slowly to avoid skidding. Ease into the gas and give yourself enough space and time to brake. Slowing down is more difficult on icy, snowy roads, so you will need to begin decelerating sooner.

Speed Up Hills

Extra gas on slippery surfaces will only make your wheels spin. When you get to a hill, use inertia to get to the top and then gingerly head down the hill, reducing your speed slowly and carefully on the decline. If you feel unsafe navigating the weather and terrain, call for 24-hour roadside assistance.

 

No matter how safe you are, icy road conditions can be treacherous, leaving you stranded. That’s where Tomah Wrecker & Repair comes in. Their 24-hour roadside assistance has been helping the Tomah, WI, area for more than 50 years. Their reliable towing service and auto repair provide anything from a jump start to heavy truck towing. Call (608) 372-2550 for 24-hour roadside assistance or visit them online to view what they can do for you.