Advice for first time snow driver?

[Parveen]

Hi,

So I'm relocating from San Francisco to Washingto DC to be with my fiancee. I'm leaving at end of this month and plan to be in DC by New Years. I love driving but have never driven in snow before! I'm taking I-80 through the Rockies, will the roads be cleared for travelling or will I have to invest in snow chains? If there is a giant snow storm, how long does it take for the roads to get cleared up? What should I do to my car to prepare for winter driving? I have a Volkswagen GTI (hatchback) so it's not really a 4WD or SUV or anything like that. Is this safe? Any advice would be deeply appreciated. Thanks for your time!

Parveen

[Mark Sedenquist]

Parveen,

Is the GTI front-wheel drive? If so, in most cases you will be able to get through drifts that will stall the average 4-wd SUV driver.

The driving skills that you have (probably) developed driving in San Francisco rain storms and fog will stand you in good stead in winter snow driving. The basics: don't overdrive the conditions, steady slow turns, turn the wheel in the direction of a slide. I-80 hwy snow removal teams are great -- but always carry chains -- AND KNOW HOW TO PUT THEM ON. Go find the messiest, muddiest vacant lot you can find and practice putting on the chains. Have you ever used chains?

Snow storms can sometimes block major roads for several hours or days. But generally, they will be open. The really bad winter weather in the rockies rarely materializes until mid to late January. But some of the worst conditions I have ever seen arise in places like Davenport, Iowa. Best tine of day to travel -- 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, worst is 2:00 am to 7:00 am -- In between OK.

In your car, always carry, water, canned food, flares, heavy blankets and clothing. Flashlight, first-aid supplies. Also always carry two pairs of gloves (one work and one for warmth). Ice scaper, 2-emergency candles and waterproof matches. Battery jumper cables and Flares. A survial blanket and maybe a tri-fold shovel. Plus reading material, box of cards,

A CB radio is also very handy -- a magnet-mount antenna works ok, Cell phone.

If you break down in the snow -- do not leave the vehicle. Traveling in the snow can be a huge pain in the arse -- it can also be magical when the light is just right.

Have fun!

Publisher

[Mark Sedenquist]

Parveen,

Is the GTI front-wheel drive? If so, in most cases you will be able to get through drifts that will stall the average 4-wd SUV driver.

The driving skills that you have (probably) developed driving in San Francisco rain storms and fog will stand you in good stead in winter snow driving. The basics: don't overdrive the conditions, steady slow turns, turn the wheel in the direction of a slide. I-80 hwy snow removal teams are great -- but always carry chains -- AND KNOW HOW TO PUT THEM ON. Go find the messiest, muddiest vacant lot you can find and practice putting on the chains. Have you ever used chains?

Snow storms can sometimes block major roads for several hours or days. But generally, they will be open. The really bad winter weather in the rockies rarely materializes until mid to late January. But some of the worst conditions I have ever seen arise in places like Davenport, Iowa. Best tine of day to travel -- 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, worst is 2:00 am to 7:00 am -- In between OK.

In your car, always carry, water, canned food, flares, heavy blankets and clothing. Flashlight, first-aid supplies. Also always carry two pairs of gloves (one work and one for warmth). Ice scaper, 2-emergency candles and waterproof matches. Battery jumper cables and Flares. A survial blanket and maybe a tri-fold shovel. Plus reading material, box of cards,

A CB radio is also very handy -- a magnet-mount antenna works ok, Cell phone.

If you break down in the snow -- do not leave the vehicle. Traveling in the snow can be a huge pain in the arse -- it can also be magical when the light is just right.

Have fun!

Publisher

[Mark Sedenquist]

Parveen,

Is the GTI front-wheel drive? If so, in most cases you will be able to get through drifts that will stall the average 4-wd SUV driver.

The driving skills that you have (probably) developed driving in San Francisco rain storms and fog will stand you in good stead in winter snow driving. The basics: don't overdrive the conditions, steady slow turns, turn the wheel in the direction of a slide. I-80 hwy snow removal teams are great -- but always carry chains -- AND KNOW HOW TO PUT THEM ON. Go find the messiest, muddiest vacant lot you can find and practice putting on the chains. Have you ever used chains?

Snow storms can sometimes block major roads for several hours or days. But generally, they will be open. The really bad winter weather in the Rockies rarely materializes until mid to late January. But some of the worst conditions I have ever seen arise in places like Davenport, Iowa. Best time of day to travel -- 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, worst is 2:00 am to 7:00 am -- In between OK.

In your car, always carry, water, canned food, flares, heavy blankets and clothing. Flashlight, first-aid supplies. Also always carry two pairs of gloves (one work and one for warmth). Ice scraper, 2-emergency candles and waterproof matches. Battery jumper cables and Flares. A survival blanket and maybe a tri-fold shovel. Plus reading material, box of cards,

A CB radio is also very handy -- a magnet-mount antenna works ok, Cell phone.

If you break down in the snow -- do not leave the vehicle. Traveling in the snow can be a huge pain in the arse -- it can also be magical when the light is just right. I love driving on packed powder on the late afternoon - it feels like flying on a magic carpet ride!

Have fun!

Publisher

[Bob Miller]

If you are serious about being safe, watch The Weather Channel religiously from now to your departure date. That way you may be able to spot the weather trends. Then I would take whatever major route that seems to be the clearest weather-wise. As for driving on snow, just take it slow and easy. Don't overdrive. The best thing you should remember on snow is that you can go much faster than you can stop!!