Advice for those not used to dealing with the cold and ice

This is to be used as a reference. Those of us that are accustomed to winter take much of what "mother nature" hands out in stride. If you have a suggestion to assist our thin blooded brothers and sisters, post it here.

Walking on icy surfaces....A disaster w8ing to happen unless you have assistance from something resembling ski poles, or u add traction to your footwear. When your feet go forward at a speed the rest of the body cannot catch up to, the result is often a broken tailbone. (Been there, done that. Contrary to the old adage, you cannot put your ass in a sling)

Drive a couple nails into the end of a pair of stout sticks, cut off the nail heads, and voila, a pair of cheap walking poles.

U can add traction to the footwear by taking an old pair of shoes and running screws through the soles (recommended that u do this from the inside out, unless u still sport a McSame/Phailin sign in the front yard) Another neat trick is to simply step on a beer/soda can (empty it first) laid sideways. It will form around your foot and keep you upright on a surface that would put a mirror to shame.

Coffee grounds will serve the same purpose as sand on the walkway or drive. If the garage or basement needs sweeping, you have some grit. If u have any sort of ashes, you have traction. (Don't bitch to me if Granny ends up on the front steps instead of on the mantle)
Another source...the vacuum cleaner bag.

If you are on the road: It ain't about being able to go. Any front or all wheel drive vehicle will do that. The trick to winter driving is STOPPING!! If you can see the tail lights on the car in front of you, you're too close. If the road is ice covered, and there is a dirt/gravel shoulder...That is where 2 of your wheels want to be. (we call it "riding the ditch") Also, it's recommended that the 2 wheels "riding the ditch" are on the same side of the vehicle.

If you have snow on the roof of the vehicle...clean it off. Thinking it will blow off is stupid. It won't. What it will do is slide down onto the windshield the first time you attempt to stop. (it won't matter if you hit something or not, the front seat is still going to stink!)

Those of you South of the Mason/Dixon take heart....it will melt before March. Those of us that live above the armpits of the continental USofA have to w8 till May.

YMMV

:spray:

:rofl:

That didn't work so well for me. My mileage varied, indeed.

And whenever the teevee weather people say the "s" word, you can just hear the city's soundtrack jump to "Freak Out!" People will drive as far as they can, and when can drive no more, they'll just get out of their car and start walking. Note well that I didn't say they would "pull over, get out of their car and start walking." Nope, they just leave it where it is, a monument to their own dumbfuckery.

The best plan is to lay in supplies and stay put unless you absolutely have to go out. Like if you run out of liquor.

she grew up and learned to drive in northern colorado, so she's no stranger to driving on cruddy roads, but it was the other drivers who kept her in the house.

I lived in Massachusetts, Illinois and Wisconsin after living in mellow Mexico all my life. Thanks, but no thanks. And the Summers are too hot. The Bay Area in California is perfect. I wish everyone could have it.

On top of that, there is often a good drop off the side of the road. If one or more of your wheels drop off the road it's likely that your whole car will end up in a ditch. Be very careful of where the edge of the road is.

The big question is "Where's your weight" - No, not in your but!
Where is the momentum of the vehicle headed. Say you are driving and there's a dogleg or slight curve to the left. Which tire (or side) should the majority of the weight of the vehicle be sitting on? Left front (decellerating) or left side (constant speed). If the weight is in the center to right and there are slick conditions - bye, bye. Won't matter if you have snow tires, 4x4, front wheel drive, nothing will save you if your weight is off.

I grew up in upstate NY and lived in Vermont for almost 7 years (Im 41), never owned a set of snow tires or chains.

Take it slow, good luck!

Also, a package of cheap kitty litter in the trunk is invaluable should you find yourself stuck. Just pour mounds under your tires.

Fergut to mention that u can dump the litter box on the walkway...Don't bother to trying mention the down side of this, it's winter..you're most likely wearing shoes/boots.... Self has been known to walk through snow un-shod, but I ain't smart enough to move South either

I always wondered why people would put blankets in the trunk in sub-zero weather, and then wonder why the blankets are frozen when they need them.

I also recommend, if you must travel, a couple of those cheap battery push-lights. . .while it's always a good idea to have a flashlight, if you are stranded at night you can dig into the snow near or on the car and attach those push lights - and save precious battery power from the hazard flashers...and use the flashers when you see an approaching vehicle where you can get help.

I also believe in carrying a battery/handcrank radio during bad weather if I must travel. . .and water.


Oh...and when you start to slide when you brake...DON'T keep braking...lightly pump the brakes slowly or not at all until the car stops skidding..

Do NOT pump anti-lock brakes.

lock up so the computer thinks the car is parked regardless of it's forward motion.

But you are right--do not pump ABS brakes as it confuses the computer and shuts down what little control you might gain.

Slamming on the brakes on the ice is often the worst thing you can do, one way or the other. Often it is better to simply turn into the slide and attempt to negotiate the obstacle while perhaps gently using the brake.

That's something you can only learn by doing though, I think.

Ice tiers help a little as do studs but are best used to let you navigate the way you would without them more successfully.
As you said you must actually drive on ice to learn how to do it right.
I can't stress the benefits of a snow and ice driving course enough. 'Ice racing' can also help enormously.

It gets a bit clumpy.

Snow works ok, if you have enough.

Put the weight directly over the rear axle.

Walking on ice? Don't pick your feet up. Slide them like you're skating.

Screws in the bottom of your shoes will punch holes or scratch floors depending on the surface if you forget to take them off immediately after entering. Solution; skate when outside.

Instead of coffee grounds, try cat litter or if you're really desperate, table salt.

Put a couple of blankets and a pair of winter coveralls or extra set of clothes and warm walking shoes in the car before you leave home and make sure your cell phone is charged up. and the charger is in the car with you.

I should have read the thread before I posted the same thing as you below.

I remember a friend of mine making fun of me for walking on ice like that. A few weeks later, he had a cast on his wrist.

He broke it after falling when trying to walk normally on ice.

before I finally learned. :) I think they call that trial and error?

at fred meyer or other places. slip them over your shoes and take them off when you get there. they are life savers. shovel your porches and walks. If it changes to rain and freezes you will have two inches of ice. also, consider a block heater for your car. they are about 40-60 dollars and wrap around your block. you plug it in and it warms your car. have de-icer in a spray bottle and mist your windows. it will make getting the ice off easier.

take your time. slow down halfway to the stop sign. stay home when you can. nothing is worth your car or you trashed.

layer your clothes. easier to take them off than to miss them if you make a mistake. keep your head covered. heat rises in your body. mittens are better than gloves because your fingers can huddle. gloves under mittens are good as well. keep your feet, neck, hands and head warm and it will keep the rest warm. Don't get cocky in windchill. you can die in minutes from it. slow is good.

When you are stopped at an intersection, it is not about being able to get started, it is about the length of time your tires will spin before spitting you into the intersection. Think carefully about how far away that on-coming car is before starting to cross.

here in Minnesota.

If your car starts when it is below zero, don't kiss it.

I learned that the hard way. It ain't grape flavored. I can tell you that much. Those purple berries come out of a bird the same color they go in. :puke:

Just sayin'. It makes for great traction.

But the most important thing to know is what to do if you skid. If you don't have ABS brakes, pump your brakes and turn into the direction you're skidding. Don't try to correct in the other direction: you'll do a 360.

If you do have ABS, just brake smoothly (you'll feel them pumping for you) and straighten your car out.

thanks for giving the advice on how to use brakes. Unfortunately a driver a few weeks ago didn't know what to do and he hit my car, totaling it. :(

buy salt, I _will_ go for whatever is handy.

I had two parakeets that died a few years ago. I kept the bird grit knowing that some day it would come in handy. I live in North Georgia where we don't get much snow, but things do ice up. There is snow coming tonight and everything is sure to ice up, so I will probably be using the last of the bird grit.

If your planted foot slips while the other one is in the air, you WILL fall.

Instead, barely lift each foot, just enough to walk. That way, if you start to slide, the other foot is right there to catch you.

(1) An inch of snow is really not a very good reason to abandon your vehicle and walk home
(2) If you choose to ignore (1), please do not abandon your car in a traffic lane: pull it over onto the shoulder before bailing out
(3) And if you choose to ignore (1), please do not abandon your car in my driveway (really happened!) after getting stuck turning around, or immediately opposite my driveway (also really happened!) on the one lane road where I live
(4) Put a frickin bag of sand and a shovel in your trunk for when you get stuck
(5) If there is a layer of ice on the road, or a dusting of snow atop a layer of ice, there is a reason I am driving at 10mph or slower with my flashers on: tooting and flashing your lights while tailgating me will not speed me up, though it may make me reconsider my Christian pacifist views enough to consider a trip to the gunshop so I can hunt you down and shoot you

I lean a little bit forward (not a lot) and walk with very gentle baby steps. Sort of like a Geisha. I make sure my front foot is secure before moving the other one forward.

The reason for leaning forward is that if, by some chance, I do slip, I'll land on my knees, and not on my back.

Although I have a pair of YakTrax, which makes walking on ice a whole lot easier.

As for dealing with the cold weather itself, I would think that everyone would know, but some people don't, apparently, so it bears repeating...a LOT of heat is lost through the head. Keep it covered. If you're cold at home, put on a hat. It really works. Stay hydrated in the winter...drink lots of liquids.

vertical. Loves her chains when it gets icy out.

Their idea of tire chains is a firestone,goodyear and discounttire store packed side to side in a strip mall....you is a fellow Mainiac...:hi:

case the two wheels in the ditch aren't on the same side of the car. :-)

NY and I would see my mom and other "older" people walk sort of sideways when there was snow or ice on the ground. Now I know why because I do the same. If you come across an icy or snowy area don't walk straight ahead but sort of sideways. It gives you more balance.

When you can, avoid walking on the sidewalk or hard surfaces and walk on areas where you know grass grows underneath, Walking right on the snow rather than on a slippery sidewalk is better.


Buy a bag of cheap ktty litter (the non clumping kind). This will give good traction on your steps.

If you don't have to just don't go out. If you do have to go out, stick as much as you can to major roads as they will be more likely to be taken care of than side roads.

Keep a scraper and a bottle of Prestone or some other windshield ice melting solution in your car.

Wear the shoes with the most traction on the soles. If you are going to work, just put your nice shoes in a bag and wear your hiking shoes or whatever to walk into work.

Use good edge and threshold seals for the doors and use the "shrink wrap" plastic sheeting on ALL the windows. It makes a big difference.

Use fireplace ashes on icy surfaces - we keep a bucket by the door for just that purpose. Ice storms and sudden melts can make for VERY slippery walkways. Instant traction and it helps to melt the ice when the sun comes out.

And PLEASE, I beg you - stop stomping on the accelerator when stuck in slippery snow or ice, Spinning your wheels just makes it worse. Put your automatic into "L" and GENTLY apply the accelerator. Learn the "rocking" technique. It may just save you the cost of a tow truck.

In fact, do EVERYTHING more gently when you drive - acceleration, braking, steering. Sudden moves just make your tires lose their grip and it takes PRACTICE to get a car back in control when that happens.

I know u ain't talkin bout sucking on a bong in the front seat, but this post is aimed at assisting Southerners.

Rockin means going forward and back till you are free....It does work!..beats the shit outa just stompin on the gas and lookin like a idiot on TWC

When you're stuck in a slight depression and you have a small amount of "driving room" to move backwards and forwards, here's what you do.

Accelerate slowly in the direction you want to go. Do NOT shift into reverse. When you feel yourself slowing down, STOP accelerating. The car will settle back into the depression. Repeat the acceleration, stopping just when you feel the car slowing down. After a while you'll get the "feel" of the car moving back and forth. Go with it. "Use the force" or the natural harmonic rhythm of the car rocking back and forth, accelerating ONLY when the car is going where you want it to go.

And like a clock pendulum, you'll eventually get out of the "hole" you're in.

It works MOST of the time.

go forward to the apex, slam into reverse, goose it to the reverse apex and slam back into drive , low, whatever you want and do it again and again...

old school backwoods Missouri way....snow, ice, mud...all the same..


you had to be pretty damn good to be able to do it with a 3 on the tree in a slant 6 Duster :)

Into your glove compartment. If you're ever stuck in your car, in the cold, a burning candle can significantly warm the inside of your car.

Sid

a couple of BIG bags of cat litter in your trunk adds weight in the back..and if you get stuck, it can help with traction..

NOT THE FANCY CLUMPING VARIETY.. Plain ole JonnyCAT 25# bags

The trouble with kitty litter/oil dri is that it is water soluble - once it starts to break down, it tracks clay mud everywhere. Washed sand does not break down, so it does not track as badly - and washed sand usually won't hold enough water to freeze in the bag. Sandblasting grit works great! Does'nt hurt that is is sharp, and not spherical.

And table salt works just like road salt, except the smaller grains make it work faster! If you get an ice storm only once a blue moon, an extra pound of salt will see you through.

If you feel it start to spin, just let off the gas. If you have the cruise control on, you will continue to spin your wheels, until you spin out of control or get the cruise control turned off... Which, when panicking, is usually hitting the brakes, and that starts another problem with spinning out of control. It's always a good practice to coast over bridges as well, in snow pack and icy conditions.

I've driven many miles in blizzard conditions at 25 or so mph. About 40 mph is about as fast as I'd drive when roads are very icey.

while driving downhill in ice or snow conditions. (This is pretty obvious already in a stick-shift) This can control the speed at which the wheels spin, and can help avoid braking on icy or slippery roads.

For drivers not used to regular winter driving I would not recommend trying to hit 40 on 'very icy' roads.

remembered the "rules" on a recent trip to snow country--especially "riding the ditch."

Are really "no season" tires.
Discalimer: Just my opinion, backed up by ice racers, winter rallyists, and snow country tire specialists. My friend (with the "driveway from hell") says "I no longer discuss snow tires with anyone who does'nt race".
First of all, in the fine print - most "all season" tires are only rated so at 1/2 tread or more. The only exceptions am aware of are some Nokian tires which are essentially a studless winter tire with good dry road manners. My friend has these on his 4x4 pickup and really likes 'em.
When we can, we do snow tires "Swedish style" - with "snow wheels"! Basically, the toothy, agressive, tall, narrow snow tires go on steel wheels for the winter, while the wide, round shouldered, speed rated "summers" go on the snazzy wheels. A lot of the objection many folks have with winter tires is the cost and hassle of the changeover - $50-$100+ for mounting and balancing, PITA to schedule, can't do it yourself in a pinch. Snow wheels get rid of a lot of the hassle - most of the shops around here (including quick lubes) will do changeover for the price of a rotation, and it can be done in your own driveway.
Oh yeah - a lot of speed rated/high performance tires should not be used in temps below 32F - the tread rubber compounds enter a "glass state", and they have s%^& for traction even on a dry road.

I have no idea about racing. But I've never known anybody in metro-Detroit to use snow tires for normal driving.

In addition, the Bell Tire Company, who runs perhaps 15-20 ads during any given Detroit Redwings game, does not even suggest snow tires to its customers. :shrug:

Here in metro-Detroit, not so much.

I would recommend a snow tire to anyone driving in MA. Most people in eastern MA don't mount them, and few tire companies bother trying any more... but that doesn't make them a bad idea. Just something people don't spend money on.

I honestly think that most people who don't run snow tires on a regular basis would be amazed at the difference between a modern all-season and a modern snow tire in snow and ice performance.

"I honestly think that most people who don't run snow tires on a regular basis would be amazed at the difference between a modern all-season and a modern snow tire in snow and ice performance."

I've never hit anybody with my car in the snow (or ever, for that matter). But I've been hit. Snow tires probably won't help in that situation, anyhow.

This is my first year without snow tires and the difference is quite noticable. I'll put some on in the near future. I do not feel safe at all without them at this time of year.

Having that extra grip allows you more grip to use in emergency maneuvers to avoid being hit. Obviously that will not stop every accident but just like a car that handles well vs. a light truck that is barely controllable snow tires will keep you out of some accidents.
If you don't know what you are doing you are still going to 'stuff it' in a snow bank or get hit by someone else sliding around but if you are a skilled driver having more grip to work with is universally better.
Of course those who do leave the house on unplowed streets will reap more benefit ;)

You must have it, many say. But I cannot tell you how many Subaru Outbacks I've seen in the ditch.

As I pointed out if you don't know what you are doing then you are going in the ditch or into someone else no mater what. Putting AWD, studded snow tires, ABS, and every other toy you can think of on a car won't keep most people out of the ditch because they don't know the first thing about driving much less driving on snow and ice which is a whole different ball game.
However, when you do know how to drive those extra bonuses make a real difference. In addition they are sometimes just a continence. I don't use as much sand once I mount my snow tires. If it snows before then... well that is when I end up sanding things.

My best advice for anyone driving in the snow is to take a snow driving course (ex. Team O'Neil). After that, if your area gets a lot of snow I would advise snow tires.

It may help if you're off roading, or stuck in a driveway. Otherwise it's worse than useless--it obviously engenders a sense of false security.

AWD has benefits. And most people do not understand what those benefits are so they abuse it like any other system. Most if not all of them would end up in a ditch no mater what they were driving because the problem exists between steering wheel and seat.
OTOH if you do know what you are doing those advantages may be important to you. There is in fact a reason why there are no longer any 2WD WRC cars.

There are in fact advantages. That is what I am saying.
And the driver is typically the problem.

I've known Tim (Team O'Neil) for 20 years or so. He's one of the winter rallyists I mentioned.

The whole New England rally community is wonderful. A lot of really approachable great people. I just wish we could get WRC over here (I know it is a pipe dream).

Tread depth? And who's a "normal driver"? If you have to leave the house before the plows roll, where does that put you?

And I might have some insight on Bell Tire's angle - my neighborhood tire guy has lots of 1/4 to 1/2 tread "all season" takeoffs - folks come in in the winter (particularly SUV, complaining "the tires are gone" - no grip in snow, drive like crap. He fires on 4 new ones, they drive away happy. He even offers to bag the tires, so they can be used up in the summer. "No, thanks" - they go in the pile, and I'll get 10000 miles out of 'em. So, by advocating "All Seasons", they actually sell more tires!

And yes there is a huge difference.

I guess :shrug:

and now you just broke his rule. See reply #4 for one of the reasons he likely doesn't do that any more.
I am not sure I would call all season tires a 'no-season' tire but I agree with most of what you have to say there. Running all season tires for 3 seasons in new england is quite reasonable. But for snow I swap out.

A lot of H and V rated tires are specifically not "all seasons", and many of the attributes of a good dry tire and a good snow are completely opposite.

high performance summer tire


Note the rounded shoulder, the large, un-siped tread blocks
- and on this one, notice that the outer 1/3 of the tread is virtually a slick!


Now - look at the extensive siping, amaller tread blocks, and squared shoulders with "side tread". And this is likely a better summer tire than most of the crap at Pep Boys! "Boss", the tire man who broke me in, called some of 'em "silk screened radials" - "Dey print some tread on a inna toob, call it a tire!" He preferred to sell used, decent quality tires instead of the junk.

Reply # 4 is just goofy - my buddy's reasons have to do with the "civilian" single-minded focus on treadwear and avoiding changeover, excluding traction, safety, and handling.

we(Texas) do NOT know how to drive in this crap..

I'm lucky, my commute to work is just a little under 5 miles with no overpasses or bridges. :)

If you live in Texas and it snows for drive time--for the love of god stay home!

lit periodically. I like the Hebrew ones that come in a tiny can for the car. Seriously. And always a couple of bics and a flashlight. For sure.

accidents, in slippery conditions -------- obviously, SLOW DOWN. Don't drive unless you absolutely have to. If you are driving .... do not TAIL-GATE. Leave twice as much room between you and the car in front. Test your brakes on a patch of ice, hit slowly - release - repeat until you know how long it will take you in real traffic to stop. Have a trunk or backseat loaded with blankets, candles, matches in a waterproof container, water, energy bars, shovel, flashlight, windshield scraper, flares, a radio, extra batteries, extra weight in the trunk or truck bed, etc. .... if you hit the ditch and it's bad out there, stay in your car. There may be a light you can see and maybe you can make it, maybe not. We've seen some that haven't. Make sure your phone is operating. Call for help. Just my two cents. : - )

Salt residue can be blinding.

U engage them to get u'r ass outa trouble, not into it.