A Beginner's Guide For Winter Driving: How To Tips To Stay Safe in the Snow

[@Donslife]

linktr.ee/donslife - Links to all of my products and discounts

[@moyamorrison2807]

This will be my first time driving in the winter. How long should you heat your engine up before you move off the vehicle?

[@Donslife]

@ newer vehicles, especially with smaller engines only need a few minutes unless it is dangerously cold, then you may want to let it warm up for 10 mins

[@Landen-Torres]

Lifelong winter driver here. These are excellent tips.

[@Donslife]

I thought they were pretty good as well. Thanks for watching

[@jasonschlesinger5343]

Use 4 winter tires. Check your tires pressure at least every 4 weeks and adjust it if there are major changes in temperature. Make sure you have new wiperblades and top up your washer fluid. Use your low beams during winter to make sure you can see and be seen.

[@gwsheipang]

Not sure about US, day time running lights are mandatory in Canada, so no need to use low dream

[@jasonschlesinger5343]

@@gwsheipang I am in Canada. Low beams make sure your full headlight system is on, and most importantly, your taillights are on so you can be seen.

[@MEdGrant]

Yes…tire pressures drop 1 psi for every 10 deg F (approx 5 C) that are below the temperature that you set your pressures at. Set the pressures at 33 psi in a warm garage (10C) and then go outside when it’s -20C and your pressures will now be at 27 psi.

[@LB14745]

If the vehicle behind you is not keeping enough distance, keep double distance from the vehicle in front of you - 1 distance for you, and another 1 for the vehicle behind you, so you can slow down gradually and stop very slowly.

[@deividasradziunas3696]

Duuuude, this is smart. First time hearing this tip. I have about 6 months of driving experience, will use that this upcoming winter

[@LB14745]

@@deividasradziunas3696 Thanks, I think it's a good driving tactic. Only issue is those drivers who like to cut you off and take advantage of this large distance in front of you, so keep an eye for those.

[@cowboysmfoo2]

Besides winter tires slowing down is 90% of the work you need to do in winter. On snowy icy days I drive 10 km below speed limit at least unless the road is properly cleaned

[@injuriouss]

If you live in a place where snow is very thick like I do, I keep my distance and always slow down without the brakes, I am letting the snow do the slowing down for me. With ice i increase my distance even further.

[@meghadhamija1796]

Today will be my first time driving in snow because I absolutely have to. Thanks for this video.

[@Beanboi2225]

Same I’m very nervous about it I’m also a new driver

[@HeatherFlash]

Lifelong winter driver here. These are excellent tips.

[@allmyvids400]

I've skidded a few times at somewhat slow speeds when driving on the snowy roads.... Luckily I haven't veered into another car or something. I've regained control every time so far but I should probably train myself to drive a lot slower in the snow from now on.

[@Donslife]

Be careful out there ✌️

[@TheBeatenPaths]

Thanks for mentioning blinkers!! It's a wise policy, in Winter to turn them on earlier, to give others note advance warning of where you're turning. And, never totally trust another cars blinkers. Far too many people leave them on and don't know it lol .

[@Donslife]

Good Point - I like to get in front of those folks and turn my blinkers on randomly until they get the hint

[@_sunchildd]

3:59 i remember in driving school the teacher taught us to just always turn our lights on no matter the time of day. to make it a habit when you turn your car on, turn the lights on. about 10 years later and i still remember that and still do it every single day i drive 😊

[@Donslife]

Great advice. My uncle did the same thing

[@SMG2fanatic]

First big snow of the winter for me tomorrow. My place of work is only 10 mins away but I hate snow driving! 😓

[@Icanteachnow]

Haven’t had any bad experiences yet during winter. As a new driver, I take serious consideration like drive slowly just to be safe. Nice video

[@Not_a_witch]

I’m from the desert and moved somewhere where it snows but not enough for the city to clear it, so I’m so scared to drive. First time will be today I think these tips will help me out

[@8JLZ8]

How'd it go?

[@Energy0124HK]

​@@8JLZ8😭

[@JuanitaClarkGarcia]

Same here.

[@emelegukibau7679]

Thank you for simplifying it. New Winter driver here

[@Donslife]

No problem 👍 I hope it helps ✌️

[@Beefy-Tech]

I remember being stuck in a -15 blizzard with ice everywhere while driving on a steep mountain road...not only that, but it was it a 2 door sporty vehicle😂 It was the slowest drive off my life, probably 5-20km/h the whole 10km drive...maybe less🤣 but I'm here, and the car has been sold without damage a year ago...so take your time, have winter tires, and don't drive during heavy blizzards if possible...I recommend it xD

[@SpankyDaTanky]

That just happened to me but in a 4wd Yukon first time I’ve ever even seen snow it was surreal

[@T1337P]

Great tips, as a new driver who havent experience really bad weather or winter, this was really helpful. I just hope other people follow this, cause im so used to people almost kissing my rear bumper all day :/

[@Donslife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Rindex]

You must be a slow driver then.

[@ItzAlief]

Facts

[@billcorwin3316]

4:03 ​@@Donslife

[@pimpc4619]

Great tips and also for new drivers make sure to check your fluids. Mostly brake and wiper fluids. Get your battery tested. Driving in cold conditions drains battery. If you’re unable to get winter tires, or if you don’t get a lot of snow in your area a decent set of all season tires work just as well.

[@Donslife]

Thanks for the extra advice 👍

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

Brake stops you. break means something is broken. Don't know why people cannot get this right.

[@pimpc4619]

@@scrambler69-xk3kv What in everything holy are you scrambling about? Brake stops you? Obviously that’s what breaks are for Mr Obvious it’s always important during winter to have fluids checked. Along with tires wipers etc your comment is irrelevant to what I mentioned.

[@therealtomshady]

​@@pimpc4619so if the brake fluid is low in the reservoir, do you just add brake fluid back to the full mark?

[@pendlera2959]

@@pimpc4619 They're correcting your grammar. Brake =/= break.

[@anthonyglennmenor2738]

this coming winter will be my first. and i expect to do a lot of driving. so this video is very useful. thanks.

[@Donslife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@shivanpriscilla]

A new driver here Ive never driven in snow before and im absolutely freaking out

[@Donslife]

You’ll do fine. Good on you for doing some research

[@alexajohnsl3960]

@@Donslifesame I’m terrified just moved to NY I have to drive hour n half to my school everyday 😭

[@choyMM]

Great tips. One thing I do and think is very basic with winter driving is hitting rhe brakes is the last thing you'd want to do. Release the accelerator early, switch to manual mode and apply engine breaking. If your tires slip and you're trying to stop it spinning, you lose control. But if they're turning, you can regain control. Of course at some point you need the brakes to fully stop. But slowing down first using other means helps you stay in control better before finally getting on the brakes.

[@Donslife]

Great tip!

[@somethingbig3797]

I moved from Florida 2 years ago to 10000 feet in the middle of the Rocky Mountains. I just started a new job that takes me about 31 miles every day. These are excellent tips, and stuff I found out quickly my first winter. Luckily I have all wheel drive and some brand new Blizzak winter tires. I keep my battery jumper,blanket, roadside emergency kit and kitty litter just in case. I also Always make sure I have a full tank of gas if I know the weather is going to be really bad and I have to drive. Never know how long you might be stuck in traffic up here. Driving in snow still scares me a little, but I'm getting used to it.

[@coolkid9967]

Thanks for this video. I wrecked my SUV about a year ago because I didn’t know much about how careful you need to be when turning. Went through a corner at about 15mph at 6am in icy conditions. Having mostly done summer driving, I thought that speed was slow but sadly not

[@Donslife]

Thanks for sharing and I am glad you are okay!

[@chinr604]

Good video. My fellow Vancouverites should watch this.

[@Donslife]

There are in over their heads right now 😞

[@c.l.h3281]

It is so crazy there right now!

[@janhansen554]

Winterdriving is all about tires. I have 3 top tip on driving on winter. Tires, tires and tires. Top brand in winter tires is expensiv but it worth any dime when i comes to driver safety. It cost a grand to buy these on your car, but its worth it.

[@somethingbig3797]

100% agree. Snow rated all weather tires will never be as good as high quality snow tires

[@nickautomatic9377]

Thank you! I find this video very helpful specially to the people like me who is a new comer and do not have experience driving in snow

[@daniel-oe4et]

Thank you the great tips for driving in the snow. I just moved to Lake Tahoe and l am anticipating driving on the snow.

[@SCraig-Handsome]

Great video… there should be more of these. If it is a bad storm avoid driving if you can… that’s what the Internet is for, order food, shop online and if you can work online or remotely do that, I.e. Hybrid

[@Donslife]

Thank you for watching!

[@northern5mokepnw880]

Good tips in this video. Also please keep both hands on the wheel 9 and 3 (gives you more manoeuvrability in a situation ) if you actually get in an accident the way your driving with one hand on top of the steering wheel if the airbag will deploy and your arm will smash you right in the face. Most crashes happen when you follow to close. Follow 3-4 seconds in the summer double that in the winter. Control Speed that gives you space space gives you time time gives you options.

[@Ginnetix]

Thanks, I just moved to AR from southern TX. This was helpful

[@s.s.6593]

This coming snowy days will be my first time driving experience snow, that too as a new driver. I m scared to the core. 😢

[@TheCokeMan3]

I knew everything, but great basic tips for the newbie snow drivers. Thanks for the video.

[@burnthecandleatbothendz]

and when driving in deep snow take turn off the anti tire slip mode ,you get more power and speed to get through the snow ,but keep it on on the interstate .

[@rachelschendel2476]

What does that even mean?

[@burnthecandleatbothendz]

@rachelschendel2476 sorry ,I meant traction control .I forgot the word .

[@andvell]

First tip should be... don't leave home if you don't need to.

[@ClashingwithTofu]

People should also know not to pace in someone’s blind spot too, either back off or pass

[@Donslife]

Good tip

[@agentorange153]

@@Donslife Where I live (SF Gay Area), some people do it ON PURPOSE! Filthy perverted bastards!

[@amyanderson4981]

Great tips . Thank you for taking the time to share!!

[@KehcYah-yi5kc]

Really appreciate this life saving information. Thanks boss.👍

[@Donslife]

Happy to help

[@lilvic372]

The amount of people I see with their day time running lights on and no tails after dark is 🤯 they need to fix that

[@divinecosmicmirror]

thank you for making this video it was helpful for us floridians 🤪😎

[@Donslife]

No problem 😊 ❄️

[@JuanitaClarkGarcia]

New snowy driver in .Idaho. Dreading going out, but I have too

[@jenniferfrazen5268]

Very nice video...i grew up in Maine but this is always a good reminder

[@Donslife]

Thanks for watching

[@fieryeurochick3194]

I drive like a snail in the snow. Driving in the snow terrifies me! I just try and avoid it.

[@misterfunnybones]

Newton's first law often defeats the hubris of the self-declared invincible. AWD, traction control, & 4X4 do nothing to increase braking performance. Traction is based entirely on the friction between the vehicle & the surface material, often just four small areas on the tires.

[@Donslife]

Good ‘Ol Newton

[@maddisonmoliga4306]

I’m moving to Alaska and I need to learn how to drive in the snow 🎉❤

[@donnakotoff9949]

Thank you for this excellent information! So Grateful!

[@Donslife]

You are so welcome!

[@MikeBMW]

Great video! I've been in Florida for over 30 years so I no longer have to worry about that but I did grow up in the Nort'. I remember all of this when I was driving in the snowy and icy climate, One good thing about being in Florida is I was able to get a one owner BMW e34 rust free (Florida car and my third BMW) so, yeah, use the turn signals! I drive a truck as a daily (Silverado) and, again, great video! Really good information, as well.

[@Donslife]

Thanks man. Glad you liked it and took a trip down memory lane

[@MikeBMW]

@@Donslife Thanks! I have many stories about ice and snow but, sadly, we didn't have cams back in the day as we do now. I have driven on snowy roads when I visit up Nort' and, thankfully, it all comes back to me like riding a bike. Still, it is a learned skill - and one everyone should know if they face these conditions. And, again, great info!

[@MovelikeJiggy]

Should have seen this video before i bumped my cousins car. thanks for the tips!

[@Donslife]

Happy to help!

[@kiransharma7848]

Thanks for sharing these valuable tips.❤

[@KevLaswiss-c4u]

We are coming to your Province of Saskatchewan from Toronto my friend has to pick something up there as no real transport there. We are going to get a car drive in Saskatchewan should be fun in March

[@Donslife]

It’s more interesting driving around the great lakes in the US first.

[@fredp3088]

I need to share this video to everyone that lives in TN, hahaha!

[@Donslife]

They might thank you!

[@Snowyblitz555]

Thank goodness for remote start

[@Donslife]

Absolutely!

[@nathanchan1135]

Thanks for sharing your important information, because you explained very well.

[@Donslife]

You’re welcome and thank you for watching.

[@sallysue8176]

Moved to MN. Thanks

[@mickl8212]

Excellent tips there.

[@cuneyt4313]

Some cars disengage cruise control when you go through a puddle or lose traction.

[@bama256baby]

Madison county al here trying to figure out some tips😅😅

[@LB14745]

Get the best safety features you can afford, but never trust any of them. This way of thinking can keep you safe.

[@Stargirl_-wz8ub]

That was helpful. Thank you!

[@Donslife]

You're welcome!

[@b.d.1145]

Clean snow from the roof not because it can be blown away on someone else car do it because it can slide on your windshield when you brake.

[@junecapulong]

sending this to everyone in stoon

[@Donslife]

It’s rough here in Saskatoon today

[@DonKnight-qi4tu]

30 years of pay cheque driving. All season tires are not winter tires and slow the F down.

[@basrinak6372]

Good information, but I'm sure your neighbors would appreciate if you found a nice empty parking lot in which to perform those maneuvers.

[@ForumRocker]

Great advice, thanks.

[@mohamaddanfarhan]

Very informative, keep it up

[@Donslife]

Thanks, will do!

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

And slow down you cannot drive at the same speeds you do in the summer because the grip is simply not there. When you start down a hill, keep you speed slow. You do not want to be going too fast and try to slow too abruptly. This is known as shocking the tires. and they will break lose now your tire grip is lost and you are sliding out of control.

[@occamsox5331]

Step one. Slow down. Step two. Slow down. Step three. Have the right tires. Step four. Slow down. Step five. Four wheel drive. Step six. Slow down.

[@Donslife]

Thanks

[@Cernunn0s90]

If there is snow or ice on the ground, and you don't have 4 winter tires on your car, then you don't have a car. Don't drive it. Stay home. Tires are everything. Having AWD is no excuse, yeah you get unstuck easier, but you slide off the road all the same. It makes no difference at all except when you're accelerating.

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

Some all season tires and most all weather tires are more than adequate for winter driving. In frigid cold traction actually increases. Dedicated winter tires are great for extreme winter driving especially if the temperature is right around freezing with lots of slick ice and refreeze. Cars (aka sedans coupes etc.) shouldn’t be driven in the winter even with winter tires. They don’t have enough clearance.

[@DonKnight-qi4tu]

All season tires are fine for Florida, I live in Canada, they are useless. All season are adequate at everything but excel at nothing, winter tires have a different make up and excel when temperatures drop below 7C. They also have deeper grooves to channel the snow and slush. Getting moving is not the hard part, turning and stopping are.

[@MEdGrant]

Use your bloody signal lights BEFORE you start your move! Some drivers seem to think that signal lights are to confirm that you really did intend to do what you just did!

[@salvadorsanchez447]

Great video!

[@Donslife]

Thanks!

[@FlexSZN23]

The number tip is to drive slow and steady

[@kidbeanss4259]

Light snow conditions with snow, no snow, snow road conditions do you go 4hi or stay 2hi?

[@25cloud]

This was great thank you

[@Donslife]

You are so welcome!

[@daleschmitt2919]

Thank you

[@carcontrolschool]

Well Donslife - we run specialized Winter Driving courses in Ontario and there are some issues with your tips. First off "wrist driving" is the wrong way to use a steering wheel especially in winter driving. Always have two hands on the wheel in the 9 and 3 position for the best control. Your steering technique is a good "how NOT to" way of steering. We also don't recommend the "auto" setting for headlights as that system doesn't recognize situations like, snow, fog, rain etc. when all drivers should have their full lighting system on. Drivers should know these conditions require full headlights. Your other tips are good though. ILR Car Control School

[@Donslife]

Probably not a good idea for me to talk to a camera while driving either

[@carcontrolschool]

@@Donslife Bang on. Merry Christmas.

[@richardsimms251]

Great video.

[@Donslife]

Thanks! I am proud of it

[@Donari]

All you need is good tires

[@slimetimeoutdoors9692]

Have you done a video on engine auto shutdown when parked? Trying to figure out how to disable it! 2019 sierra denali

[@Donslife]

Do you mean auto stop/start when coming to a stop?

[@slimetimeoutdoors9692]

@Donslife nope. I have to start. If I drive up to a store, get out, leave the truck running, leave key fob in, lock it. Walk away. It will shut off after a certain time. Looked into it, 2020 an up , you hold the engine start button, i believe, for 10 seconds or something to disable it. 2019 6.2 denali

[@LiftWeightsLoveGod]

I planned a trip to go to Colorado in late January till early February, 6inch lift,35’s, and 4wd. I should be fine, long as I keep alert of the road. Any tips you would recommend, I seen I might need tire chains but boy them things are expensive haha,

[@Donslife]

Good tires for snow and ice should be fine in most situations

[@devawarewolf]

yeah you should always leave some cap betweeen cars i see alot of time getting almost so close it almost touches other cars

[@agentorange153]

Thanks for the advice! I've lived all my adult life in California (but I'm most emphatically NOT a Californian -- I'm an American stuck in the California Soviet Socialist Republic against my will), but I'm planning to move to New England when I can, so I've never driven in the snow before and these common-sense tips are VERY useful!

[@shanescarlife]

Wow, you didn't wait! Or did you already have this recorded? Lol

[@Donslife]

I didn’t wait. I hope you enjoyed the end

[@shanescarlife]

@@Donslife ROFLMAO!!!!!! I'm almost offended you didn't mention me by name. Awesome!!!

[@Donslife]

Look deep into my eyes 👀 at the very end. That slow mo clip was just for you! 💥

[@waynebeck7801]

Drivers on Vancouver Island need these tips. We have had some winter weather this year!

[@gabriellaaresto6484]

Is it ok to drive with chains on if the tires are best for snow and you don’t want to buy new tires?

[@l.pmeyer1586]

Do you have any tips for passes

[@Donslife]

For passing other vehicles? Yes, if you need to do it, perform your pass on a dry section with gradual acceleration and gentle steering movements. Any sudden or hard movement at higher speeds can throw off your center of gravity and potentially contribute to losing control. A smooth and planned trajectory is better than a quick exit and re-entry back into your lane. Honestly, it might be safer not to pass at all if the conditions are too severe.

[@FelipeRodriguez-eh6ty]

I heard to not use chains on wet pavement with no snow because they can break but what about Ice? Should chains still be used?

[@Donslife]

Chains will wear out and can create lots of sparks on exposed pavement. In my experience they are typically used for ice and packed snow.

[@FelipeRodriguez-eh6ty]

@@Donslife thanks bud

[@_sunchildd]

HEY i do use my single light! hahaha

[@Donslife]

😂

[@benlara941]

From Southern California here, going up the mountain in a winter storm, should I get chains?

[@Donslife]

Tough to say with limited information. Having chains with you to put onto your wheels is always a nice safety option. If you have food quality winter tires, you may not need chains even if there are areas with some snow on the roads.

[@cmbrown86]

I have a similar truck (trail boss with a 6.2). I'm getting a light ticking noise from the engine. Took it to the dealership and they said it was normal... Any thoughts on that?

[@Donslife]

Light ticking is pretty normal. My F-150 v8 does it too. Often it is the belts

[@Rabid-Pinocchio]

There's an ancient solution to driving in snowwy or icy weather. I believe it was discovered by an Italian Monk. This amazing solution to this age-old problem is summed up in the following quote from that monk, "Physicis legibus immunis non es. Moron te morabor." Which I believe is tranlated to, "You are not immune to the laws of physics. Slow down you moron."

[@JSFGuy]

This one🙋🏻

[@MrHelipilot]

Booster cables?! 🙀

[@Donslife]

CTEK made the cut 😜

[@onemilkyway]

Dont be a dufus and tailgate the person in front. Either pass (maybe be in the ditch)😂 or slow down. Had a good snow storm and I was in the far right and the idiot wouldn't pass me. He was tailgating pretty close. After a mile i merged over to the left to let him pass and he still didnt pass. I slowed down so i could merge behind and idiot also slow down. This was on the freeway late at night with just us two .

[@_sunchildd]

i keep seeing in other videos ppl talking about either applying your car into neutral, and hitting the breaks. then other saying NOT to hit the breaks. i don't know if some just aren't explaining correctly which technique is for which thing. say if you are sliding down a hill, you would want to apply it into neutral and hit the breaks, right? but if you are sliding on ice on a roadway you would want to take your foot off both pedals and over steer? are both of these statements true or no bc i am confused after watching about 5 videos lol

[@Donslife]

www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/culture/commuting/true-or-false-should-i-put-my-car-in-neutral-to-stop-on-ice/article16330576/

[@trumpssleepparalysisdemon8569]

I'm too broke for winter tires. Can I just use snow chains?

[@Donslife]

You can certainly add that

[@kureijigaru]

Is that Laval? It kinda seems like that 😅

[@Donslife]

Actually Saskatoon!

[@Itsme-vo4fx]

People get confused, thinking their full light system is on because they see their electronic dashboard lit up. Like he mentions in the video, just set your light settings to AUTO. Your lights will go on automatically when it’s dark outside (no mater the time of day) and will automatically turn off when it’s bright outside. You only need to set your light controls to AUTO once and you’re okay for as long as you own the car. Why wouldn’t anyone do this is beyond my comprehension.

[@agentorange153]

I prefer to turn on my headlights manually -- I don't trust the automatic system! And yes, I can tell when my headlights are on!

[@rachelschendel2476]

Yeah, I am not used to it cuz previous car was a 2005 and didn't have that fancy of options 😂

[@vulnikkura]

Yes tell me. :>

[@janhansen554]

Alot of good tips, but u holding your wheel totally wrong. U just ask to crash some day with your holding of your wheel. Its amazing how many cars which is crashing in Norway after around 1 kilometer on a straight roads. Reason is simply, your hold of the wheel.

[@Donslife]

Just tips 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@janhansen554]

@@Donslife Have your left knee high and rest your hand on your knee, and that hold the wheel at 8 , or/and hold right hand 5 oclocl. resting on your right leg. This makes u not wobbling, which result in loosing controll

[@jordansims5947]

Be that person who has the snow blow off in the highway. Windshield wipers are a thing

[@darkillusion2070]

Driving in the snow, should be illegal

[@zoltanv7289]

american tend to overestimate the importance of drivetrain. you could have the best drivetrain on the planet if your tires are bad, you are going nowhere. you guys underestimate a good 2wd, especially FWD car WITH PREMIUM WINTER TIRES. Use winter tires! They are NOT snow tires, some people tend to call them snow tires but its false. there are specific snow tires, but only for scandinavia. WINTER TIRES are mandatory in some places, but in most states you guys think if you have a pickup you dont need winter tires cuz you have 4wd. well when braking, every vehicle brakes all 4 wheels, so you have no advantage. you actually have disadvantage, because the rear of a pickup doesnt have enough weight on the rear axle so it has less traction. BUY WINTER TIRES and use them from the end of fall till spring. winter tires are also better in low temp dry conditions, wet conditions and of course snow. but its not snow tire, dont just use them when its snowing, think of it as LOW TEMP TIRES. from low temps it acts better overall then summer tires

[@SCraig-Handsome]

You can also get a cheap car with 2WD and a Slip Differential… it’s better for stopping in the winter and just as good as 4WD systems. Infact I would say it’s better because you have slower response times from 4WD / AWD. All wheels apply the brakes but you actually brake faster if the front wheels apply the brakes. That’s why Performance brakes are 4 or 6 piston on the front

[@Wigglythegreat2]

I skipped right to the end. 😃

[@Donslife]

Skipped the tips! Thanks for watching