Royal Purple

Issue date: 11/4/09 Section: Opinion

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It's that time of year. Snow is approaching. Here's some tips to avoid being one of the ditch-bound drivers with no concept of how to handle a vehicle when traction is at a premium.

First, there is the issue of being mechanically prepared. If your car's steering wheel pulls consistently in a certain direction during braking, acceleration or really any other circumstance you have alignment issues. In very basic terms, this means your car's wheels aren't pointed straight. This makes getting going and stopping very difficult when conditions are poor.

Secondly, check your tires. Shallow tread (heavily worn) and/or summer-only tires are practically useless in snow. Snow tires are infinitely better than all-seasons (the type found on most cars), but are very expensive-expect to pay north of $400 for a good set.

Third, be aware of whether or not your car is equipped anti-lock brakes, or ABS for short. Those drivers with older or poorly maintained vehicles might want to check to make sure the ABS is still functional.

Then comes the issue of handling a car properly in the snow. The best advice one can give here is take your car to an empty parking lot during a snowy day and practice emergency maneuvers. Slam on the brakes. Induce a slide. In the snow it won't hurt your car, and by getting a feel for how to react in these situations you'll be less likely to panic if it occurs on the road.

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