How To Safely Drive In The Snow - Winter Driving Tips, Tricks and Techniques

Today's video is all about safely and effectively driving in the snow. I go over multiple tips, tricks, and driving techniques that will help you maintain traction and avoid sliding and crashing. This video is specifically for a front wheel drive car, although the basic principles are similar for rear wheel drive and all wheel drive cars.
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[@CashedOutCars]

Save up to 60% on winter tires at Priority Tire (Affiliate links for which I may be compensated) bit.ly/39dT1RV Stay safe out there, winter tires make a HUGE difference! (Affiliate link. Purchases help support the channel at no cost to you!)

[@doubletroublerainbow10]

1.) be gentle and be smooth with controls 2.) plan ahead 3.) get breaking in a straight line before turning 4.) don’t stop on a hill 5.) turn, accelerate, and break separately 6.) increase following distance

[@SonOfTheDawn515]

Cries in living in a hill area with stop signs everywhere.

[@Relrellz]

@@SonOfTheDawn515 😂right. I’m like sir what do you mean 😭

[@hydraboss1208]

@@SonOfTheDawn515 run that shit lay on your horn and tell them you ain’t stopping lol

[@lesliem.534]

So, I recently moved from San Diego to the mountains at 4500 ft. I'm used to 70 degree winters and now I'm expecting my first snow storm. I don't have to drive much, BUT my street is an uphill dirt road that isn't paved and requires a 3 pt turn...uphill. I have a 4x4 truck, but really have never needed to use it. I'm watching a bunch of videos so I don't look like the idiot city girl and get myself stuck. Any advice for going from a flat road to 3 pt turning up a snowy, gravely road? Thanks so much!!!

[@christinez5593]

Thanks for the notes.

[@soldierlokz4052]

More people from up North needa post videos like this. You're saving lives doing this. Thank you. Us up North grew up in this stuff so its second nature to us. It would blow my mind when I moved down south and I would see cars in the ditch left and right from only like 1 inch snow

[@largefamilyadventures681]

Absolutely! I'm from south Carolina and moved to wv. We got 8in and I have no idea how to drive in this at 34 which is embarrassing. So I found this vid

[@chriswoolard7962]

Yep, we can't handle the snow down here man. A cat 4 hurricane I'll drive all day in buy any amount of snow and I panic.

[@dylanisntvibing]

by the time winter hits again for me in michigan and the snow comes, i would have already gotten my permit and license, so yeah..

[@informativeclassics]

Exactly I’m from New Jersey and I’m in Tennessee now and they drive in the snow like it’s dry ground. 🤦🏾

[@benjaminsteenhoek3842]

Thank you man. My wife just moved to Iowa from Hawaii and has never driven in the snow before, and I don't feel equipped to teach her by myself. This vid is very well structured explanation of what we have to keep in mind.

[@benjaminsteenhoek3842]

Great example at 5:36 of looking both ways while turning as well

[@raymondcarter1137]

Hahaha…I’m from Hawaii and I’m living in Washington right now and the first storm of the year is here and my car has normal tires. I freaked out a bit sliding around and my ABS was screaming at me. Turned around and went back because I chickened out. I definitely don’t know what I’m doing but me and wife are scrambling to get all weather tires.

[@michaelgerman5666]

As a native Floridian who is currently on vacation in Northern Illinois I'm now stuck in a winter storm. I really appreciated your video. Since I have VERY limited experience driving in snow I was searching for some good advice because I'll be (nervously) starting my journey back to Florida first thing in the morning. This is a great video with detailed, concise and articulate information. Thanks so much for posting this. Wish me luck!

[@jaws2003]

I'm a Floridian as well. How was your trip back down? Thinking about going to Ohio for new years.

[@michaelgerman5666]

Hey. Thanks for asking. All was good. The streets in the relatives' neighborhood were pretty thick with snow, but once we got onto I-57S, the pows had already been to work, and everything was salted. All the best. Merry Christmas.

[@TheCookiecupcakes]

Another tip: Leave a lot of distance between you and the person in front of you at a stop light so if someone is dumb behind you and cant stop in time, you can move forward to hopefully avoid them hitting you.

[@orix6050]

This year is gonna be my first year driving in the winter so I'm a little nervous but this video really helped!

[@CashedOutCars]

Be safe out there and take it slow at first, best of luck!

[@coreyanderson2613]

Lots of snow in southern England today. We ain't used to it so needed the tips 😂 thanks bro good vid 👍

[@CashedOutCars]

😂😂well I’m glad I found this video and that it helped you out, enjoy the odd weather!

[@silverthread7254]

Great video man. I might add that it's important not to use cruise control on snowy or slippery surfaces. The car may not recognize that the wheels are spinning and this can exacerbate a skid.

[@1badtubeman]

Not only that, but it can make a skid worse.

[@andreabrechka2757]

Thank you for this! I’m a Floridian who’s driven flooded roads in blinding rain but I’m going to CO soon and the snow/ice in combination with the different terrain has me terrified. This definitely made me feel a little more confident!

[@Gotham_Media]

it’s like hell here, I’m surprised you lived!

[@EnchantedRiversPhotography]

I drove in Portland Oregon and the snow was so breathtakingly beautiful and deep

[@jamesgreen1015]

Thank you so much I’m terrified to drive in the snow I’m a new driver.

[@CashedOutCars]

You're welcome, I'm glad this helped! Be cautious and think ahead and you'll be in good shape. Stay safe out there!

[@B01]

My general rule has always been to cut everything by a minimum of 3rds. Speed, turning angles, brakeforce etc. That's in decent snow. Not icy. This vid was awesome btw, thanks for taking time to actually "show" us the tips

[@cammiekls1]

Thank you...I have a new SUV that has front wheel drive and it's definitely different driving in the snow, especially with braking and trying to turn. I appreciate your tips!

[@toby4167]

Thanks to you I am now confident to make my 2 hour road trip in the snow today. Wish me luck.

[@charmy31]

Thank you for the tips!! It’s my first week driving in the snow (I lived in Asia most of my life). I had one encounter of having a very hard time driving downhill for continuous 2.5km with turns included to my one job. Thankfully, I was able to make it safely but I am now avoiding that side road and am now trying to use the main roads which are flatter and more maintained with salt. I still have mini swerves sometimes but I just try to stay calm and steer or brake gently. I would definitely use your tips of braking, turning and accelerating separately to see if the drive will be easier. Thank you!! (P.s. got stuck in a hill once and had to be rescued by my brother on a hill, they said i might have been going a little too slow on that hill. That’s my only hiccup so so far and hopefully the only!)

[@TrivialTwit]

thank you for the tips! I feel much more prepared to drive in the snow now.

[@jessegonzalez9422]

Have an emergency and on my way to Nebraska am freaking out about driving today. Your video is very helpful

[@crisrobinson3092]

Thanks for the tips and information!! Helped my wife and I get from Arlington Tx to Dallas Tx this morning. We aren't used to this down here.

[@CashedOutCars]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SirGlockALott]

Thanks for all the tips, I am going to implement them and pass the knowledge on!

[@alexandrahill9176]

Thanks for posting this with the specifics of driving a FWD in the snow! I'm getting a FWD car after my old one died (just realized this today lol) and though I've been driving in snowy conditions all my life, I'm pretty sure this is maybe the 2nd car if not the 1st with FWD and not AWD. Now I know to take special precautions when I start driving this in snowy weather. Thanks again!

[@skateata1]

My FWD car is almost paid off and I'm trying to decide if I want to keep it or get AWD to handle snow better.

[@grantsantos5690]

I will be moving to South Dakota from California in about 6 months and I've only ever seen snow a few times in my life let alone driving in it. Thank you for posting this video it will be super helpful to me very very soon

[@christinez5593]

Live in Middle West US,just practicing how to drive ok snow yesterday. thanks for the timely video.

[@coolcats4summer82]

Thank you so very much for this video. I feel better about driving in snow now.

[@gingertroy6329]

I've lived in Arizona my whole life and I'm moving to Colorado this video calmed my nerves a little

[@J0Z0_]

Very helpful and informative video since there's a severe snow storm heading towards New Mexico this weekend. Thank you so much for this and keep up the great work! 👍🏼

[@CashedOutCars]

Thank you, stay safe out there and enjoy the snow!

[@aliciahackett4945]

So helpful, thank you!

[@pancake7408]

You probably don't even check the comments on this video, but I've lived in sunny central North Carolina my whole life. My girlfriend lives in the mountains of Pennsylvania... and I'm expected to be there. This a major help, thank you!

[@CashedOutCars]

I check all my comments :) have a safe trip up there!

[@sandiepandieuk5066]

Thank you so much for this educational video

[@hondacivic.japanese8265]

Bro, you gave me a lot of valuable information about driving in the snow☝️

[@VeganWellnessTribe]

Thank you for the help young man!

[@CashedOutCars]

You're very welcome!

[@Cultura_hotwheels]

Thank you for the tips I be going to new York and I have never drive in the snow this will help me a lot

[@anissae231]

Watching tons of snow driving videos. Ill be doing my first drive soon. Up and down a very winding road...my hubby works far away so i drive him back and forth.

[@tonycorradi9107]

This video helped. I'm have only lived in Louisiana for the majority of my life and the most snow I've seen was a quarter centimeter when I was 5. I'm getting stationed in Alaska next month so definitely got a lot to learn about snow in general😂

[@HenryRodriguez-wt8hc]

I'm going to the snow tomorrow. This helped a bit. Good lookin out ma boy

[@lanabug9616]

Being from texas and living in ohio for school this really helps me! I've never had to drive in it till last winter and this winter. I just bought a new car that is 2wd tho vs my old truck that was 2wd so that should help a ton as well. Thank you😁

[@Relrellz]

Thanks I just moved to NL and I’m so nervous driving in the snow. I never did before.

[@johngotti299]

I just moved to Colorado this is helpful thanks

[@tajhussain6230]

Thanks dude..its very informative and helpful tips

[@stephencannon3140]

Keep some extra weight in the rear of the vehicle, cargo area or trunk preferred to help balance out the weight distribution and believe it or not this is probably where the 40/50 lb bag of dog food that you forgot to remove before the storm might be beneficial and safety to keep in the vehicle for another day or two. Fuel tank should be kept pretty full, my personal minimum is 1/4 tank but I am Mostly in North Texas. If for some reason I travel back East in the winter the minimum goes up to 1/2 tank...... Yes more frequent fuel stops but look at it this way......more opportunities to get some free windshield cleaning and more in your tank for when it is needed on the road. Make a note of your fuel tank location on the underside of the vehicle, sounds weird but hear me out. I am talking about the tank location not what side the fuel filler door is.......... If the tank is center line mounted then add the ballast behind that. If fuel is along side of frame then ballast might work better on the opposite side. Tips that probably not a lot of people think about but noteworthy just the same. In addition to cleaning the front windshield wipe off side windows and ear window. I even go so far as cleaning the rear camera lens. The people not getting hit by the sheet of ice/snow will silently thank you! Clean exterior lighting ALL drivers behind you can see you brake and adjust their speed, oncoming traffic can see you better....assuming they followed the same rules above. Remove ALL precipitation from the vehicle before starting out on the trip. Common sense but in some states is actually in a motor vehicle vehicle code/law. Good video with actual real world conditions instead of a simulator video. If a slide/spin is unavoidable steer towards the softest object available, could be a snow bank/drift and as long as nothing obstructs the bank/drift the impact damage maybe reduced. The impact speed may not but damage could be. They say stay in the car but I am not totally 100% on that. To me getting out and far away from the roadway can be safer if another vehicle comes along and hits you. The damage and life life you save might be your own and your passengers. Don’t forget the cell phone just in case. Personally I would prefer being alive and cold instead of dead and warm!! The vehicle can be replaced not your life.

[@giulianita66]

Thank you so much for your tips. I’m planning a trip from Los Angeles CA to Washington State so I’m going to save your video 😌

[@stevejam767]

Excellent video. Thanks from the UK.

[@marcellaoliver6971]

I ❤ you for this video!! Thank you!!!

[@izzyisdizzy5752]

Gotta drive my mom too the vet tomorrow too pick up our cat😂 needed some extra tips ty! (First winter driving btw lol)

[@CashedOutCars]

Good luck, be safe, and I hope all is well with your cat!

[@aidenwhitaker8792]

It would be great if you made a video on how to correct yourself if you start slipping on a freeway or highway, somewhere faster.

[@CashedOutCars]

I'll see what I can do! We haven't had much snow yet this year

[@wanderlea1507]

Thanks for the tips. Very informative video 👍🏻👍🏻 ! I’m from Malaysia with no experience driving in winter at all 🥲 i will driving in iceland next month. Super nervous!

[@ghw1985]

My mazda 3 is a front wheel drive and it is a beast in the snow pumping the brakes helps too

[@kalvinreese8387]

Informative, thanks

[@CashedOutCars]

You're welcome, I'm glad this was helpful!

[@davidcampbell1899]

As a Canadian, I can tell you one of the most important thing for driving in the snow is a good SET (not pair) of snow tires! Always keep your best (least worn) on the back wheels and do all the other tips from this video.

[@CashedOutCars]

I fully agree, I always run a full set of snow tires! Only once did I run all seasons, and I won't do that again😂

[@sc818]

Very useful sharing, thanks for the great video

[@alfredspicer3697]

Trust mi bredda i haven't never drive in the snow before and so i like your advice

[@diidimeh]

Omg thank you for this video. I'm from Florida, but I'm currently stationed in south Carolina and it snowed this morning, so I was horrified to get on the road. Lol

[@thesweetyguy]

Great video will watch again

[@simplylogan93]

Solid video man, thank you

[@marcuswalton2922]

In some places the speed limit is 65 or even 70. Some people do not understand that does not mean when the snow is falling like crazy!

[@NicholasStroudMusic]

Have family that are 20miles on a gravel road from the main highway. Brutal in winter to get to at times

[@CrashRebootL3]

good tips.

[@Marwa.AR2019]

Thank you so much. Question how can i drive while its snowy rain and its my first time driving in the snow. New driver

[@travisbergen2807]

If it's freezing to the road you have to be extremely careful, you have almost no traction on ice. You slip while walking so imagine a 2 ton chunk of metal slipping and sliding everywhere. Go slower than speed limit if you think it's necessary, and slow down much earlier. I dont know about sleet specifically but I think these and the video still stand. But unless it's actually frozen to the road you'll be fine.

[@williamparish1474]

I liked the video. I found the suggestions and tips consistent and helpful. Except for the comment about suggesting the anti-wobble 5 and 7 hand position vs. the more conventional top 3 and 9 positions, I found the bulk of the negative comments could have been more helpful. I don't see any value in adding a negative comment without being willing to explain what they would do differently and why (such as the hand position argument). I'm a big fan of more information. It is better and letting the final application of those facts be with the student.

[@PROstrelqn]

I should have watched this video before I hit the throttle hard on the snowy road today :D

[@Bk-uz3pk]

Thank you

[@koreath]

Thank you so much.

[@safinahmed775]

Well done explaining bro, thanks.

[@CashedOutCars]

You’re welcome, I’m glad this helped you!

[@serenawatman6003]

I live in the Rocky Mountains & I am sharing this video with a coworker who just moved here. The only thing I would add is if you are going downhill, you should downshift to slow down, not ride your brakes..

[@rixyz7013]

Just put your car in 2nd or 1st gear before you even start going down

[@louisvilaros9066]

Whats with the passenger side seat good vid

[@blurayne1974]

I get so nervous driving in snow. My route to work looks similar to your route. I will use your tips and let you know how I do

[@CashedOutCars]

Good luck!

[@hoperobinson3980]

Thanks for this videoa

[@zebgorah48]

First one I click on is the same car I drive😂 love it, have a mk5 gti myself

[@CashedOutCars]

Awesome man, enjoy it! Mine met an untimely end after an oil pump failure unfortunately

[@koolkevinc]

Thank you very much

[@carloscabrera8591]

Going to Utah in a few weeks. I have stock tacoma tires with 4 wheel drive. I plan on airing my tires down a bit while up there. Think I will run into any problems? I don't want to buy snow tires because I plan on lifting my truck and purchasing the bigger tires in the near future. Any other suggestion would be highly appreciated.

[@4rnnr117]

I think the most basic lesson from this is, dont be cocky, go slow and easy, which is what my Minnesota mom taught me

[@CashedOutCars]

Yup that's the basics of it!

[@arti4621]

thanks

[@CashedOutCars]

You're welcome!

[@neoxblack7611]

I'm from NH and already do all this but my little 2005 Toyota Corolla just cannot handle snow. I'm lucky if I can drive 25mph without spinning out.

[@yashwanth990]

That was a really helpful video 👍

[@CashedOutCars]

Glad this helped you out! Stay safe!

[@sokawaiibeauty3571]

anyone from texas watching rn? LMAOOOO

[@CashedOutCars]

Hahahah I've got friends down there who said lots of power outages and most things are shut down, best of luck with your newfound weather!

[@Sayah162]

Im in Shreveport Louisiana watching this lmao. Never thought id be in this situation. 😭😭

[@hitman9083]

The sip

[@crisrobinson3092]

You know it. Im 40 and have seen this three times.

[@crisrobinson3092]

Snow this deep that is.

[@JourneyofmyLifeJahid]

NICE

[@palemonvazquez1982]

could you wear your breaks or anything else from front wheel drive if you come to a stop and you break kind of late

[@elizabethshort6347]

Which way do I turn the wheel when the car starts to slid? Some say turn wheel against the slid, some say turn wheel towards the way the car is sliding.

[@CashedOutCars]

That depends on the situation and the drive type of the vehicle. FWD, you can point into the turn and apply throttle if you haven't rotated to the point that you'll spin. RWD, usually countersteer to catch the slide. Going and sliding around in an empty lot when there's snow is a good way to get a feel for your car, in a safe environment of course

[@trusteezy]

Dude is smashing

[@hydraboss1208]

Hey perfect I drive a MK4 Jetta lol on all seasons

[@PaulDeAngelo-h7o]

Can't beat a gti

[@Hey_its_Koda]

Im in New Mexico and it snowed and im clueless how to drive in snow. Because it hardly snows here. People drive crazy down here.

[@mma1st105]

Where I'm currently living the hill are huge. Even with 4wd I get off the hill before it's bad and walk up. It sucks but don't wanna wreck.

[@CashedOutCars]

It's certainly better to be safe than sorry! Enjoy!

[@B01]

Snow tires are your friend

[@lunchroomdad]

I have continental tires on my VW. How do I know when to apply chains?

[@DPLZNT]

Driving to Washington and a lot of snow is expected. Do I need snow tires?

[@kyanite1434]

I don’t have ABS and I’m in a little civic. The snow tires do wonders to help though

[@CashedOutCars]

Civics are pretty decent in the snow!

[@kyanite1434]

Mines a tiny one, so it kind of slides easily 😅

[@sonson5jadamshuzu111]

Anything

[@Carla-bk3zu]

Can I please borrow you and have you drive me up to Utah lol but thank you this was very helpful!

[@CashedOutCars]

Flying out now.. good luck with your trip, safe travels!

[@gsdlovef9351]

I’m moving to Michigan from California and a bit nervous about driving in the winter. Do you have a suggestion on the best vehicles to own for winter driving? Thanks!

[@rixyz7013]

4 wheel drive

[@eleung6806]

Can I use the break while riding down the hill in the snow, with a FWD 7 seater and snow chain on?

[@fieryeurochick3194]

Can’t I just drive like 10mpr? And I always fishtail! What am I doing wrong?!

[@cskkhuen1079]

was your car in the video on winter chain or just winter tires?

[@CashedOutCars]

Just winter tires!

[@__Peter]

how about a 2017 jetta ?

[@B01]

To all the SUV drivers: YOUR VEHICLE IS NEARLY 2X THE WEIGHT OF A CAR. YOUR VEHICLE SUCKS IN THE SNOW AND IF YOU THINK IT DOESNT WAIT UNTIL YOUR AAA SERVICE TECH IS ON THE WAY TO REALIZE HOW PHYSICS/WEIGHT WORKS TO STOP SOMETHING SO HEAVY!!!! You have a single advantage over a car and that is GROUND CLEARANCE. Otherwise, an awd car poops all over SUVs in anything inclimate weather related. Please drive as such and SLOW THE EFF DOWN THINKING YOURE IN A VEHICLE THAT HANDLES SNOW WELL

[@rockerdriver]

If you don’t want to run off the road,then don’t get 4WD/AWD! Other than tractor trailers,what vehicles do you typically see that ran off the road? I,of course,am half joking. Just remember 4WD/AWD doesn’t have an advantage over 2WD once you’re up and running. That’s the mistake a lot of people make.

[@CashedOutCars]

Good too, Lots of people don’t understand that! AWD doesn’t help you brake harder!

[@skateata1]

My car is almost paid off. It's FWD. I'm trying to decide whether or not to buy a new car for winter weather. Cars are so exspensive now.

[@CashedOutCars]

I personally would keep the FWD car and use snow tires! Also, typically I’d pick up an older used car for winter rather than a new one just for winter, since winter is extra hard on vehicles with salt and corrosion. Good luck!

[@comuseli123]

I have a 2WD SUV with all season tires, should I even bother to drive out??

[@CashedOutCars]

You'll have to be super careful if you do, I wouldn't unless there's something you can't wait for!

[@artSFCA]

Pumping your brakes will assist to slow down

[@slipknotflippinrocks]

Why no chains ?

[@lja1229]

I just moved to 7k ft elevation in the high country of Arizona and it just snowed 2ft and counting... I'm terrified to go out and drive.

[@CashedOutCars]

Don't be worried, just be cautious! Snow tires do wonders too!

[@overcominglifestrials5316]

Well, I’ll be headed out Monday seeking new tires. I have a front wheel drive SUV and I couldn’t make it up a small hill.

[@CashedOutCars]

I'm sure they'll make quite the difference!