How to drive in snow and ice, for dummies...

[aldo98229]

Unless you are a Scandinavian race driver, everyone is a dummy in the snow.

The problem is, half of the people on the road are unaware of it.

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[Eeshasdon]

Great advice from all.

I would add the brake is not your friend on the snow and ice. Rather than use it, take your foot off the gas and slow down gradually. If you feel slippage in your wheels, take your foot off the gas and coast.

If you MUST use the brake, a light touch is best.

When you get to a place that has snow, find a large open area and have some fun. Get a feel for what the Jeep will do and how it reacts in snow. Give it a little gas to help kick the back end around to see what happens. Please note, make sure there are no obstructions in the area.

Good Luck!

 

[Chrysler-Factory-Warranty]

I will be leaving tomorrow for a trip to North Alabama for a day or two, then into the great frozen tundra that is East Texas. As a Southerner, i don't have a lot of experience driving in snow and ice...although i have watched three seasons of Ice Road Truckers. Is there any advice from the Yankee contingent of the forum as to the Do's and Don'ts of driving in these conditions? And I can't stay home, it's a work trip and I'm OGAF.

Here's a picture of me for reference.

Drive slow, don't slam on the brakes, turn easy, if you have 4 wheel drive or AWD, then use it when necessary.

 

[cosine]

well its the first day of driving for @Stormin’ Moorman and he hasnt checked in yet. he's either still driving or didnt make it out of his driveway, stuck in the snow bank. calling to all jl members that are close to his travel route, keep an eye out for him.

 

[JohnT]

Freezing rain and an ice-covered road are no match for any vehicle. Stay home... or drive the whole way in the ditch in 4WD. You'll get better traction there.

 

[Stormin’ Moorman]

Started the day like pic 1. Middle of the day pic 2. Ended the day in pic 3. Tomorrow is going to suck

 

[JayJay]

Only one comment as I'm late to the party: You can shift from 2wd to 4wd hi at 55 mph but don't ask about that on this forum. You are welcome.

 

[LDJD79]

I’m in Canton TX we’ve got ten plus inches here. The Jeep has been our daily driver this week! Had to pull 3 people up hills this morning during my short trip to town. We go to SW Colorado several times a year so I have decent experience driving in winter conditions, however most people here have never seen this much snow let alone drove in. Definitely take it slow and watch out for the other people on the road.

 

[cosine]

hey @Stormin’ Moorman your jl looks good in the snow.

 

[Mtpockets]

OP
Good pics and safe travel.

 

[Volstock]

Others have provided a good list of do's and don'ts as well as supplies. You may also want to throw a bag of kitty litter in the back. This can be used to aid in traction if you get into a slippery spot and don't have chains.

 

[RubixWNC]

Torque is not your friend when you get on ice. Use a higher gear (not for a higher speed) and ease into the throttle to keep the motor barely engaging. Nice and slow... imagine you are walking on ice. It's all about which way is gravity going to drag you, and what little amount of delicate friction you have to keep you going. I LOVE IT.

 

[Buzz11]

All great advice. What about the "Traction Control" button. Should traction control be turned on or off in snow?

 

[BullMoose1776]

Drive like it's Sunday morning and your momma gave you an uncovered full pot of chicken gumbo to get to memaw and papaw's for lunch after church.

That gumbo is unsecured sitting on your back seat.

Assume everyone else around you is an hour or two behind on their trip to Talladega for the race that day.

 

[The Fixer]

Others have provided a good list of do's and don'ts as well as supplies. You may also want to throw a bag of kitty litter in the back. This can be used to aid in traction if you get into a slippery spot and don't have chains.

When I drove RWD vehicles I always carried 2 (maybe 3) 25lb. bags of kitty litter in the trunk. That extra weight was great for traction right over the rear axle, and I could always crack one open if necessary and pour it under the tires to get me moving if I got really stuck.

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