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

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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.

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Use Matching Tires

This applies to driving in any situation, not just snow. Don’t’ drive on tires of different circumference as it can damage the driveline of the truck and create handling problems.

Slow Down

The slower you go, the better, especially when there’s a lot of snow on the road. Going into a curve or turn with too much speed can cause you to spin out.

Try Two-Wheel Drive Downhill

If you’re going down a hill in low gear, shift to two-wheel drive. This will prevent the front wheels from sliding and loss of control of the truck.

Uphill, Turn Off Traction Control

Turn off traction control systems so they don’t stop the truck if the tires start spinning when you’re trying to make it up a snowy hill. Try to get a little more momentum before going up a hill, but not so much that you lose control.

Practice

The more experience you have driving in the snow, the better you’ll be. Practice in an empty snow-covered parking lot if possible. Remember that while four-wheel drive can help you get going in the snow, it won’t help you stop.

Truck Parts in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, & WV

Interested in getting parts for your truck? If so, head to the Trick Trucks nearest you. Trick Trucks has been helping people just like you customize their trucks for over 30 years. Let us help you too!

Trick Trucks offers a full line of exterior accessories, from bed liners and headache racks to running boards and, of course, grill guards. All of our exterior products can be purchased in our showroom and professionally installed at anyone of our convenient locations throughout Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Delaware.

All products and installations are fully guaranteed.

If you are interested in commercial equipment for your truck, or if you want more information on one of our many other Commercial Van or Commercial Truck Accessories, 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.

Source

https://www.liveabout.com/winter-driving-tips-3273511

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