Winter Driving Tips
*Obey the cardinal rule of four-wheeling: Never go out alone. A buddy in another 4x4 can be of invaluable help if you need to be tugged, or dug, out of a snow bank or an ice-covered stream. He could also give you a ride back to town if you need to find a tow or medical help.
*Proper vehicle maintenance is crucial. Make sure you have the right mix of coolant and water in the radiator, that you're running the proper oil weight for temperature conditions, that your windshield wipers are in good working order, that your headlights and taillights are working, and that your battery is fresh.
*Before you leave your driveway, brush snow off of the hood, windshield, windows, roof, headlights, and taillights. You want maximum visibility, and you want to be seen by other drivers.
*Keeping your gas tank at least half full will reduce the problem of moisture gathering in the tank. It will also add weight to the back of your truck, which could help with traction.
*Every 10-degree drop in ambient temperature reduces the pressure in your tires by 1 to 2 psi. Have a tire gauge handy.
*Layer your clothing so you can pull off the bulky items when behind the wheel. You don't want heavy clothing to restrict your movements or visibility.
*Use the heater to keep the temp in your cab warm, but not hot. If you're overheated you'll tend to get drowsy.
*Knock the snow off your boots before you get into your truck. Melting snow in the cab can cause moisture to build up inside, which can fog your windows.
*It may sound silly to run the A/C in the winter, but the air conditioner will help to dry out the air in the cab, making it easier to de-fog the windows.
*Keep a light touch on throttle and brake controls. Sudden acceleration or braking can cause your truck to spin or skid.
*Use your low beams during snow storms, as high beams will just reflect off the falling snow (as they would in fog).
*If you get stuck in a snow bank, don't spin your wheels. Use First and Reverse to rock the truck out.
*If you can't get the vehicle unstuck and you're waiting for help, don't run the engine continuously, or you risk building up carbon monoxide in the cab. Instead, start and stop the engine intermittently to run the heater.