Unless you are a cast member of the History Channel show Ice Road Truckers, you are probably not an expert at driving trucks in snow and other icy conditions. And while spring is just a few weeks away, the East Coast has been bombarded by snow recently. In fact, it is snowing right now in Maryland. Are you prepared to drive in the snow and icy conditions?

According to the Federal Highway Administration, roughly 190,100 crashes occur annually as a result of icy conditions. So let me ask you again; are you prepared to drive in the snow and icy conditions?

Driving Tips for Trucks in Snow and Icy Conditions

1. Proper Maintenance: It is important to keep your truck in tip-top shape. Make sure your battery, tires, and windshield wipers are in good condition. Check anti-freeze levels.
2. Slow it Down: Drive slower than you typically would and keep your distance. Slick surfaces require a longer stopping distance.  And know your brakes. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), like most vehicles nowadays, apply continuous pressure. If your vehicle isn’t equipped with anti-lock brakes, pump on the brakes intermittently.
3. Don’t Panic: If you do find yourself sliding on the ice, do not panic. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advises letting up on the gas and steering your truck in the direction you wish to go. DO NOT hit the gas or brakes until you have control of your truck.

For specific tips on driving rear wheel drive trucks in the snow, please Click Here to read our previous post on the subject.

If you have any questions about our blog, “Driving Tips for Trucks in Snow and Icy Conditions,” or one of our many other Interior, Exterior, and Commercial Truck Accessories please contact Trick Trucks today by calling 1-866-60 TRICK or click here! Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

How to Keep from Spinning Out on Slick Roads (And What to Do If It Happens) Allstate

The post Driving Tips for Trucks in Snow and Icy Conditions appeared first on Trick Trucks.

If you own a rear wheel drive truck, you are probably already well aware of how poorly these vehicles handle in snowy or icy conditions. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can help improve the performance of your truck.

Driving Tips for a Rear Wheel Drive Truck in the Snow

1. First and foremost, Add Weight. One of the main reasons a rear wheel drive truck handles so poorly in slick conditions is the lack of weight over the rear wheels. To compensate for this you have several options: sandbags, cinderblocks, or, my personal favorite, fill your truck bed up with snow. The additional weight will aid traction and help you handle better in slippery conditions.
2. Another option is using Snow Tires, which can help improve traction in snow and ice.
3. Of course, you will need to Change Your Driving Habits. For starters, drive slower and give yourself more room to stop. When it is time to slow down, brake early and softly to avoid slipping and sliding. Be particularly cautious when approaching turns in the snow. Slow down much earlier than you normally would.
4. Finally, Practice. Take your rear wheel drive truck to a snow covered parking lot and practice driving in the conditions. The more you know about how your truck handles in the snow, the better you will be able to adapt your driving.

Good Luck!

If you have any questions about our Driving Tips for a Rear Wheel Drive Truck in the snow or if you are looking for any truck parts or accessories that could help you, please contact Trick Trucks today. We are here for you. If you have any questions, please contact Trick Trucks by calling 1-866-60 TRICK or click here today! Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well.

The post Driving Tips for a Rear Wheel Drive Truck in the Snow appeared first on Trick Trucks.