Over most of the country, winter driving presents new challenges and dangers for motorists, including slippery road surfaces, limited visibility, and freezing temperatures. Incorporating these helpful habits into your daily winter routine, in addition to being aware of your surroundings, will make you feel less vulnerable to the elements and more in control of a situation:
Before Heading Out
• Review Your Route. Go over your directions in advance and take note of any alternate routes in case of accidents or traffic.
• Know Your Roadside Assistance Information. Keep the phone number to BMW Roadside Assistance handy (800-332-BMW), as well as important information such as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and license plate number nearby. For non-BMW Group vehicles, check if you are covered by a Manufacturer’s Roadside Assistance Plan or a roadside assistance service such as AAA.
• Bring Your Cell Phone. Charge up your cell phone and keep it handy for emergencies.
• Don’t Drive Drowsy. Be sure to get a good night’s sleep before setting off (inattention is often caused by fatigue and drowsiness).
• Always fill the gasoline tank. Stop to fill up long before the tank begins to run low. Keeping your tank as full as possible will minimize water condensation inside, providing the maximum advantage in case of trouble.
• Check Your Vehicle’s Fluid Levels. Check all of your fluid levels (oil, coolant, transmission, windshield washer) to make sure that they meet the recommended operating levels listed in your owner’s manual.
• Inspect Your Tires. Check your tires for unusual wear and tear and do not forget to check the air-pressure in all the tires (including the spare). If snow tires are appropriate for your driving conditions, make sure they are installed correctly on all four wheels.
• Clear off the snow and ice before driving. Take the time to thoroughly brush snow off your vehicle and scrape any ice from the windows. This will ensure that you have optimum visibility and that no large clumps of snow fall off of the vehicle once you begin driving, which can be a hazard for other motorists. In addition, headlamps and taillights may need to be wiped clean from road salt and grunge.
• Watch Your Wipers. Make sure your windshield wiper blades are fresh and in good working order.
• Wash your car. Keeping your vehicle clean during the winter keeps snow and road grime from caking on your head and taillights, which makes it easier for you to see and be seen. In addition, it will protect your vehicle’s finish, and prevent damage to other components. Anti-icing chemicals can cause corrosion so you want to wash them from your vehicle. All the chemicals are water-soluble so rinse your vehicle thoroughly before applying soap.
• Inspect Your Child Safety Seats. Check to make sure your child safety seats are secured properly according to the manufacturer directions.
• Bring Emergency Provisions. Pack blankets and warm clothes in case you are stuck in a snow or ice storm. For longer trips, bring drinking water and light snacks in case you get stranded. Flashlights with fresh batteries are also a necessity.
• Limit Your Distractions. Bring along games and puzzles to entertain the kids (it helps to minimize distractions).
Driving Tips
• Allow Extra Time. When road conditions get icy, allow yourself additional drive time to reach your destination.
• Accelerate slowly to reduce wheel spin. If starting from a standstill on slick snow or ice, start off in a higher gear so the vehicle is less likely to spin the tires. The automatic transmissions on some vehicles have a winter mode that automatically starts in a higher gear. STEPTRONIC-equipped vehicles can be manually-controlled to start in Second.
• Reduce your speed and drive smoothly. In slippery conditions, tires lose their grip more easily, affecting all aspects of your driving: braking, turning, and accelerating. The key is to drive as smoothly as possible, avoiding sudden actions or rapid movements of any kind. Drive as if you have a bowl of water in your lap and don't want to spill any.
• Perform one action at a time when accelerating, braking, and turning. Asking a vehicle to do two things at once—such as braking and turning, or accelerating and turning—can reduce your control. When taking a turn, for instance, slowly apply the brakes while the vehicle is going straight. When it's at the right speed to take the turn, let up on the brakes and smoothly turn the steering wheel. After you're through the turn, slowly depress the accelerator to regain your speed.
• Allow longer braking distances. Plan on starting your braking sooner than you normally would in dry conditions to give yourself extra room, and use more gentle pressure on the brake pedal. Remember that trucks are heavier than cars. Trucks take longer to safely respond and come to a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
• Leave Additional Space Between Vehicles. Snow and ice make stopping a vehicle much more difficult. To be safe, leave more room between your vehicle and those ahead of you. In addition, leave extra room for maintenance vehicles and plows. Stay back at least 200 feet and do not pass on the right.
• Know Your Car. Not all vehicles have the same handling characteristics. You should be aware of how winter weather can affect your vehicle’s performance. If your vehicle is equipped with a Sport Package, it may have sport tires that are not ideal for driving in the snow. Consult your owner’s manual to find out if your car has antilock brakes and traction control. You should know how they work and how they help in winter weather.
• Avoid sudden actions when cornering. A sudden maneuver—such as hard braking, a quick turn of the steering wheel, sudden acceleration, or shifting a manual transmission—can upset a vehicle's dynamics when it's taking a turn. In slick conditions, this can cause it to more easily go out of control.
• Be ready to correct for a slide. Should the rear end of the vehicle begin to slide during a turn, gently let off on the accelerator and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide. This will help straighten it out. If the front end begins to plow off course, again let up on the accelerator and hold the steering wheel in the direction you want to go. Once the car slows enough to regain traction, it should begin turning again.
• Be Alert. Look farther ahead in traffic than you normally do. Actions by cars and trucks will alert you quicker to problems and give you that split-second extra time to safely react. Drive slowly and stay alert.
• Don’t use your cruise control in wintry conditions. Even roads that appear clear can have sudden slippery spots and the short touch of your brakes to deactivate the cruise control feature can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
• Stay With Your Car If You Get Stuck. Do not panic and leave your vehicle. Stay with your car and keep warm. Try to conserve your fuel and be careful of exhaust system components that may be in contact with grass or other flammable items. In addition, if the car is idling, there should be adequate ventilation if you are in a confined area.
• Don't let four- or all-wheel drive give you a false sense of security. 4WD and AWD systems primarily provide extra traction when accelerating, but may not increase all aspects of performance in the snow. There is no great advantage in braking or cornering maneuvers. Use the above tips no matter what type of vehicle you're driving.
• Be extra wary of other motorists. They may not be driving as cautiously as you.