Conditions may be perfect right now, but with winter looming in the near future, it's time to start thinking about winter driving. Arkansas is known for finicky weather. We can have the mildest of winters, a couple of snowflakes here and there, or we can get hit with sheets of ice that will shut down towns for a week.
Subaru vehicles are known for excelling in snow and ice. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is what sets Subaru apart from other vehicles, giving you the pest possible grip and performance in slick conditions. While, Subaru vehicles make icy road roads more manageable, you shouldn’t bank on your car's abilities alone. Here are some tips for winter driving.
Make sure that your tires are properly and even inflated. This is a good idea no matter the weather, but overinflating or underinflating your tires can lead to accidents when roads are slick.
Never set your car on cruise control when roads are covered in snow or ice. Locking in your speed is nice for long trips, but decreased friction on the roads can turn cruise control from convenient to dangerous.
Take it slow. Don't floor it, and don't stomp on the breaks. To accelerate, slowly apply the gas to gain traction. For stopping, gently press the breaks to slow down. Give yourself enough space to slow the momentum of your vehicle.
The rule for 2 to 3 seconds stopping time, or 10 feet per 10 mph of space between you and the car in front of you, should at least be doubled if not tripled. Less traction means slower stopping time and less control.
Keep on moving. You know the story of the tortoise and the hare. The hare blazes from stop light to stop light slamming breaks and peeling out, while the tortoise creeps along never stopping unless necessary. The hare ends up in a ditch and the tortoise makes it safely home. It’s easier to work with your momentum than stop it or create it when the roads are slick.
Avoid hills if possible. This is easier said than done in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Hills are trouble in snow and ice, and the best way to tackle them is not at all. If you must, try and get some momentum going and let it help carry you to the top. Don’t floor it on a hill, as this will just set the wheels spinning. Do what you can to keep moving since it’s tough to get moving up an icy hill.
Go slow and stay in low gears. Take your time and get to where you are going in one piece.
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