oceanblue2019
Well-Known Member
Be smooth and no abrupt steering, brake, or throttle inputs.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.
If you feel the Jeep drifting in a turn do not over correct or slam on brakes - just gentle corrections.
Watch the highway for signs of ice (frozen rain, etc). This is the nastiest stuff as you don't see it easily. If it looks like the cement/asphalt but a bit "glossy" be cautious. I ran into some on the weekend and almost looped the Jeep on the highway. It is more prevalent on bridge decks (cold from below so freezes faster) as well as coming out from an underpass.
Have a plan on your emergency response when in closer traffic - eg: I have a big enough shoulder, etc, etc.
If you are somewhere they put gravel down it typically gets thrown away from where most people place their tires - the "ruts". Shifting your placement to get tires on gravel is a good tactic. If no gravel it can be helpful to put the tires on snow or chunky ice versus the ruts. The ruts will be polished ice especially coming to stop lights, etc.
If you can't find tire chains you can buy a couple bags of sand to use in an emergency if you find yourself stuck on ice. Take a shovel.
Also a couple candles and a couple coffee cans make good heaters if you find yourself stranded and risk of freezing. Put candle in coffee can and it will radiate heat to keep you from freezing. Have window open a crack for oxygen - but jeeps don't seal that well in the first place.
Couple blankets, good boots if you need to dig out, good gloves, etc, etc.
Also make sure your fluids are topped up. Washer fluid should be rated to -'ve temps as putting the summer kind on your window in freezing conditions is not good.
Lastly have some people know your route you plan and some check-in times so we know when to come looking for you.
Sponsored