For those nerds who never peel themselves away from GT3 or whatever PS2 game... it's snowing outside.

What things have you done to prepare your vehicle(s) and would recommend to others? Let's start a list for those in Central so the noobies don't slap your bumpers.

1. Check your tire's air pressure when tires have warmed up, not sitting cold.
2. Ensure you have enough windshield wiper fluid.
3. Don't ever pour steaming water on a icy windshield!
4. Start to slide? Lift off the accellerator, don't try to brake.
5. Steer into the direction of a slide, not away. Back end goes left, turn slightly left.
6. How's your spare tire doing? Make sure it's still good and inflated.
7. Get your antifreeze level checked or get the $5 tool to do it yourself.
8. Wiper blades go up at night so they aren't frozen in the morning.
9. Get a bag of playground sand cheap (lowe's, home depot), put it in the trunk for weight and emergencies.
10. Keep a few granola bars in the glove compartment with a flashlight. Comes in handy.
11. Throw the yellow pages in back seat, just in case you have to call around for a tow.
12. Make friends with a buddy who drives a truck.

 

13. Wipe the sheet of snow off your roof so it doesn't smack the car behind you at 55 mph on the highway!
14. High beams in snow makes visibility worse -- for you and all other traffic.
15. Wearing boots in the snow? Change to sneakers to drive, you can't drive with clunky snow boots very well.


If you get the opportunity, check your stopping distances and practice handling in the snow in a parking lot. Don't be an ass where the police are gonna charge you with trespassing for hotdogging your Scooby in the snow, just know your own limits as well as the car's. Stay safe!

 

I thought reccomended tire pressure was given cold?

 

They are recommended when cold...lol.

It only takes 1 mile of travel for the tire psi to increase due to heat. So when you check them hot, they will increase even more. If anything have them a tad less for traction purposes.

 

Generally, yes. I'll clarify since you bring up a good point. Tire pressure changes by about 1 psi per 10*F change. The manufacturer's recommendation is given when the tires are sitting in the driveway on a nice spring afternoon rather than in slushy conditions which would adversely affect the readings. Need to compensate accordingly. By warmed up, I meant to a more normalized temp, like if they were in a shop's garage or something, rather than after a highway trip.

 

Dammit Phil, you type too fast! Drive about two miles in this weather and you should be fine to check the tire pressure readings without having to do any math.

 

I only drive 1 mile to work

 

Ok I understand this but what would be the correct pressure for a 2wd car in snowy conditions? Just curious as I'm accustomed to 4x4's in bad weather and don't worry about tire pressure unless I'm doin some serious offroading.

 

honestly, how bad can it snow in VA. the snow here ain't nothing to worry about. 3 feet plus, now you've got some problems

 

central is dead so we're tryn to spark up some posts.