tips on driving in snow the first time

[kevinf2090]

i will be going up to big bear lake in california in the few days. i don't think that its going to get to below zero temps. is there anything under the hoood that i should change (coolent, etc.). for people who've been to big bear, do they supply tire chains for people who don't have one and don't plan on using it a lot. thanks

 

[jagec]

If you have a proper coolant mix, you should be fine. Make sure you don't have just water in your windshield washer reservoir.

They are not going to provide chains--no one does (I haven't actually BEEN to Big Bear, but I can say this with a high degree of confidence). If you think you will need chains, buy them ahead of time. As I recall California is really anal about requiring chains for certain passes (at least on I-5), even if the driver has a good deal of experience in the snow and knows what they are doing. For someone who has never driven on snow, use the chains, and go slow, in the right lane.

 

[Scouzer]

LOL! CHAINS! LOL

 

[SketchMaster]

Make sure you have antifreeze in your coolant and washer fluid, check you tire pressure and make sure to give it 4-5psi over normal since it will drop once you get onto colder conditions. Bring a shovel, road flares, extra cloths and gloves in case you get wet and make sure your cell is charged and have a charger in the car.

If you don't have all season tires and don't want to bother with buying AS tires or chains you should NOT drive that car to a place where you will encounter snow. If you do have a good set of AS tires you should still get a set of chains to meet requirements and in case you do need them.

As far as driving goes, here are some basic tips for winter driving:

1.SLOW DOWN! Don't try and out run the weather once it gets overhead, you will only put yourself and others at risk. And if you have an ego you should stow it in the back, don't be a ass when driving in snow.

2.No sudden turns or breaking. You only have so much traction and breaking can cut that by half, hitting the breaks and cranking the wheel will only result in a dramatic crash.

3.Give your self plenty of room. When flowing someone give your self a six second buffer, pick a point on the road (like a mile marker or a road sign) and start counting once the rear of the car passes it and stop when your front bumper crosses it. If it's less than 6 you are too close.

4.If you do find your self sliding DON'T PANIC, let off the gas, if you're getting sideways then turn the wheel (gently) into the slide, once you get going straight again start slowly applying the breaks (NEVER SLAM THEM, ABS is worth crap in the snow even with trac control) and cut your speed by half and continue on until you find a safe place to stop and figure out what your options are for getting home or to a safe place to wait for the roads to clear.

5.If you have to pass someone, give yourself three times as much time as you normally would when passing.

6.Don't drive if you know it's going to be bad out.

 

[kevinf2090]

does anyone know if they will at least have chain rental services near big bear.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: kevinf2090
i will be going up to big bear lake in california in the few days. i don't think that its going to get to below zero temps. is there anything under the hoood that i should change (coolent, etc.). for people who've been to big bear, do they supply tire chains for people who don't have one and don't plan on using it a lot. thanks

No, they don't. You need to bring your own chains.

Just buy a set at Pep Boys and throw them in your trunk if you think it might snow while you're there. If snow isn't in the forecast then I wouldn't worry about it.

How are the tires on your car?

What kind of car are you driving?

Driving in the snow isn't difficult. It's ice you have to worry about.

Edit-You can have your coolant checked at any mechanic. When was the last time you changed it?

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Scouzer
LOL! CHAINS! LOL

Laugh all you want but the roads to Big Bear are very curvy and lined with steep canyon walls and treacherous drops. Chains are required in the mountain passes when it snows.

 

[Turin39789]

what are you going to be driving?

You've never driven in snow? Go to empty parking lot, practice, get a feel for it. We aren't snowbound here, but we do get some snow every year, and I've done just fine in my rear wheel drive, non-abs, never seen a chain car in a foot of unpacked snow. Take it easy until you get a feel for the snow, and if you're a bad driver and that concerned/aren't ever going to drive in snow again in your life, let someone else do the driving.

 

[avash]

What kind of tires do you have? How much tread do you have left on them? Tires make a world of difference.

What kind of car do you have?

 

[dgevert]

Originally posted by: Turin39789
what are you going to be driving?

You've never driven in snow? Go to empty parking lot, practice, get a feel for it. We aren't snowbound here, but we do get some snow every year, and I've done just fine in my rear wheel drive, non-abs, never seen a chain car in a foot of unpacked snow. Take it easy until you get a feel for the snow, and if you're a bad driver and that concerned/aren't ever going to drive in snow again in your life, let someone else do the driving.

I was going to say the same thing, except to take it further, I suggest hooning it up a bit in that parking lot. Not only will it be fun as hell, but you'll get some experience in what a skid feels like and get used to how to react to it.

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by: Scouzer
LOL! CHAINS! LOL

CalTrans is the devil. Whenever it snows, they'll set up checkpoints to force drivers to put chains on. I once had to wait 6 hours in a line-up behind such a checkpoint on I-5 just north of Redding.
When I get to the head of the line in my newer Subaru with snow tires, the official tells me to chain up. So I point to the large sign mounted on top of a truck right behind her that says that 4WD/AWD vehicles with snow tires are exempt from having to chain up. She says she doesn't care, pull over and chain up. Unreal. So, more than a little pissed off from the long wait, I say something rude, tell her to send the highway patrol after me if she feels so inclined, and drive off.
Conditions were bare pavement BTW, although there was a couple inches up on top of the passes. Un-freakin-real.