Driving in snow?

Question

my boyfriend and i are going to the snow for the first time in july, (aus winter) we will be driving there, but our hotel is 20 mins from the ski field. we will be taking a 4WD is there any advice or specific information anyone would be able to provide me with on any special considerations or safety measures that we would need to ensure while driving in snow or on roads that have snow on them?

Thankyou

Answer 1

A 20 minute drive is not a long distance at freeway speeds, it is a days walk if you are on foot.Know the road you are traveling, carry emergency supplies, 3 days food for each person per day of the trip. Canned goods like peaches, fish, so on in case you get lost and stuck somewhere. This is for emergency survival, not for meals, also water 2L/person/day.

About driving, slow down, AWD keeps you going, it does not help with stopping. Carry the chains, know how to put them on and remove them. A small shovel and a plastic tarp are also helpful. A survival blanket per person takes up very little space, but can save a life. Now that I've scared you, be aware of your surroundings, follow the posted speed limits or less, despite what the other drivers are doing.  If you are late, you are late but alive.  Save the speed thrills for the ski slopes and enjoy your vacation. There are many winter driving tips posted on line, but the best advice is to be cautious. There are also postings about car kits for survival, that are useful even in the summer. If this is just a one time trip, use the chains when required, if a long term use snow tires also.

Answer 2

cary a shovel in the car. if you slide out of control dont use brakes or you will skid. use your gas pedal to keep your wheels spin under control

Answer 3

Do everything the first responder said.  Also, if your back end starts to swing around, always turn into it.  For example, if your back end starts swinging out to the left, turn the wheel left.  If you turn with the back end, you will just spin around and around...

Answer 4

first and foremost:respect it. dont start driving like an idiot because you have a 4WD. take your time wherever you are going. if the car start to slip DO NOT STOMP ON THE BRAKES. you do that and you are bound to skid. when the car starts to slide turn the wheel to attempt to regain balance. due to this do not tailgate or you are bound to crash into someone. know your terrain:if you are going up hill and it is covered in snow, probably a good idea to find another way or wait until the plows come thru some. pay more attention than you normally do as you may go to change the tune and start to skid. lastly, dont trust other drivers to know as much as you. if some yahoo is tailgating you, let them go around and then laugh at them when they end up in the snow bank. have fun

Answer 5

Even though you have 4WD, some states require you have chains on your vehicle when is snow, if so respect the law and put those chains on, or it might cost five times the lift ticket or more.