newbie winter driving - tips...need some

[Zen Road Warrior]

hey folks, i'm a newbie doing winter driving for the first time. i run western region so it's the real deal. i've had some close calls through montana, colorado...

could u guys give me some tips to keep it right side up and on the road.....

so far i noticed you have to take it easy on the brake and easy on the throttle.

anything will help...thanks

someone mentioned the 4th of july in another post...where is it?

[Fourcats]

...Keep the 5th wheel freshly greased.

[LadyNorthStar]

Don't overdrive your experience and don't ever let anyone push you to go faster than than you are comfortable. Do however, pull over where possible and let the super truckers by.

One thing I've noticed since I started trucking this area, is people also go to slow. Seems to be why people spin out the most. I got stuck behind someone spun out on day and had to chain because he didn't take a run at the hill.
We were running on glare ice though, I think most state side runners shut it down when the road is like that so maybe not an issue for you.

Slow for your corners and power out of them 1/2 way to 2/3 way through. If you start to drift in a corner don't get on the brakes, you're gonna go down that way. Get into the throttle a bit. Situation permitting.

Pretty basic but make sure you have good winter wipers and good tires.

[kboomarang]

If you have the need to pass someone, lay back and wait until you have a good spot and the time to get around them safely ,flat, straight, less drifted or whatever. Also road conditions can change very fast , talk to other drivers to get an idea of how the roads are, so you can have a better idea on what actions you need to take to keep safe. And because you see "road-spray" coming off other vehicles does not the roads are just wet, that water could be laying on ice. Drove in this morning and in 197 miles I was in white out, snow packed, bone dry, glare ice, and slush in that order. Keep Safe

[Zen Road Warrior]

thanks, that all helps. much appreciated.

[jarce110]

just take your time dont let anyone rush you. screw them you only have 1 life.

keep your distance.

[carlos64030]

Most importantly, leave plenty of space between you and motorists in front of you. If you have to get on the brakes in an emergency situation, pay close attention to your trailer.... it won't take much for it to come around on ya if you're on the brakes too hard.

[wot i life]

Always carry at least 5litres of screen wash. Approaching headlights on a country road could spell disaster if you get a bad glare from them. Sounds obvious but loads of drivers never seem to carry jack-**** in their trucks...."You got jump leads mate?"...."Help me out mate, have you got...this that the other"....Common sense will see you alright. Just think

[ohiomohawk]

Try to pretend you have egg shells on gas and brake pedal and you dont want to break them!! It is a little extreme but you get the picture.


Even though the highways may be ok watch those entrance and exit ramps because the salt trucks can't get to them until later.

[Windwalker]

hey folks, i'm a newbie doing winter driving for the first time. i run western region so it's the real deal. i've had some close calls through montana, colorado...

could u guys give me some tips to keep it right side up and on the road.....

so far i noticed you have to take it easy on the brake and easy on the throttle.

anything will help...thanks

someone mentioned the 4th of july in another post...where is it?

Look up MY posts. Some time ago, I did start a thread about driving in bad weather. (Haven't looked for it myself, yet.) Mine were the major contributions to the thread, but others joined in.

[Windwalker]

1. NO SUDDEN MOVES WITH THE THROTTLE, THE WHEEL, OR THE BRAKE.
A jerk of the wheel, one way or the other, can cause, either, sideways momentum so that the intertia will carry the front sideways and out of control, or the lack of movement, so that the wheels start to slide sideways. Once you brake what little traction you have there, you may become an UN-GUIDED MISSILE. Even changing lanes. I may take up to an eighth of a mile or more to change lanes on slippery roads.

Suddenly stepping on the throttle, or even holding the throttle down can cause the drives to break traction. While the rest of the road may be fine, be very careful on overpasses. When you hear the engine rev up, but you are not increasing your spead, watch for sideways movement of the drives. And, if you do notice any sideways movement of the drives, take your foot off the throttle, and push the clutch in. The truck should (no garrantee) straighten out. Always FEATHER the throttle on slippery roads, but make sure you are able to maintain momentum going up an incline. Most drivers lose it going up a hill because they do not have enough inertia so that feathering the throttle is able to pull them up without breaking traction. 40 mph at the bottom should be able to get you about 10 to 15 mph at the top.

ABS brakes are little more than a "security blanket". The idea is for the driver to be able to maintain control better, but keep in mind that, on level ground, it will take you considerably longer to stop. There is a very curious thing that can happen with ABS. At low speeds, which you will be doing on slippery roads, all 10 brakes can lock up at the same time, or as close to the same time that the ABS computer does not recognize any difference between them. The computer says "ALL WHEELS ARE STOPPED, and the vehicle is standing still". And in actual fact, you can still be doing 10 to 15 miles an hour. If you are not on top of the crown of the road, you will slide sideways while the rig stays parallel to the road. I've had this happen on wet snow that was well packed. And, it continued to slide at a 45 degree angle until it hit the curb. And, ALL outside wheels hit the curb at the same time. If there had been cars parked there, I would have really messed up about 5 or 6 cars. Now, think about the open road. No curb to stop you. The only thing you can do is release the brakes and try to overcome the sideways momentum.

2. No two drivers have the same ability. DO NOT LET ANYONE TELL YOU HOW FAST ( or slow) you must go on a given road. DRIVE ACCORDING TO YOUR OWN ABILITY. If you aren't going fast enough for someone else, let them by and worry about your own truck. They will not take responsibility for your accident. If you do realize that you have to correct for DO NOT OVERSTEER. If you turn the wheel too far, you will get into even worse trouble.

3. The DIFFERENTIAL LOCK is for SLOW SPEED MANEUVERING ONLY!!! Use it to start out when you have a problem moving without it. But once you are moving between 5 and 10 mph, DISENGAGE IT. Leaving the differential lock engaged while going at hiway speeds will increase your chances of losing control of the drives. Without them locked, if you lose traction, it will most likely be with only one wheel, while the rest act as a rudder to keep you in line. By locking them in, you increase the chances that all four will lose it, and when that happens, you vastly increase your chances of a JACKKNIFE.

If you are standing still, and have a problem getting started because of a snow covered parking lot that is not smooth, MAKE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT YOUR DRIVES HAVE ALL STOPPED SPINNING BEFORE YOU ENGAGE THE DIFFERENTIAL LOCK. If you are under power, or if just one wheel is spinning while you engage the lock, the rears will come apart with far moe pieces than when they were assembled, and you aren't likely to get unstuck. A very expensive repair.

Don't jerk the wheel.
Don't floor the throttle.
Don't jam the brakes. (Best to drive like you do not have brakes.)
Don't over-steer.
Don't over-drive your ability.

Even with ABS brakes, it's still a matter of KNOWING YOUR EQUIPMENT, and HOW IT WILL RESPOND WITH DIFFERENT ROAD CONDITIONS.

There's more, but these should keep you busy for a while.

[terrylamar]

hey folks, i'm a newbie doing winter driving for the first time. i run western region so it's the real deal. i've had some close calls through montana, colorado...

could u guys give me some tips to keep it right side up and on the road.....

so far i noticed you have to take it easy on the brake and easy on the throttle.

anything will help...thanks

someone mentioned the 4th of july in another post...where is it?

Look up MY posts. Some time ago, I did start a thread about driving in bad weather. (Haven't looked for it myself, yet.) Mine were the major contributions to the thread, but others joined in.

What's wrong with this picture, Winter advice from someone from Florida. Maybe hurricane, swamp or beach driving tips, but Winter? 8)

[Windwalker]

hey folks, i'm a newbie doing winter driving for the first time. i run western region so it's the real deal. i've had some close calls through montana, colorado...

could u guys give me some tips to keep it right side up and on the road.....

so far i noticed you have to take it easy on the brake and easy on the throttle.

anything will help...thanks

someone mentioned the 4th of july in another post...where is it?

Look up MY posts. Some time ago, I did start a thread about driving in bad weather. (Haven't looked for it myself, yet.) Mine were the major contributions to the thread, but others joined in.

What's wrong with this picture, Winter advice from someone from Florida. Maybe hurricane, swamp or beach driving tips, but Winter? 8)

Perhaps, if you were in posession of all the facts, you wouldn't have to ask such a question. People do MOVE, don't they??? If you had kept up with my posts back when I was on here more often, you would know that I spent my first 55 years of life in Wisconsin, and my driving career spans the west coast and Canada, in all weather conditions. Knowing how to drive in some of the worst conditions, I had no problem surviving PA last winter, when they were closing all the roads, and got my load to Boston ON TIME. Today, I'm nearly 62 years old. Would you like to compare experience????? How old are you, and how many years have you been driving??? And, how many years have you been training??? Or have you been training???

[Creek Jackson]

Anyone for a jake brake comment????

All this advice and no mention of an engine brake????????????

[terrylamar]

hey folks, i'm a newbie doing winter driving for the first time. i run western region so it's the real deal. i've had some close calls through montana, colorado...

could u guys give me some tips to keep it right side up and on the road.....

so far i noticed you have to take it easy on the brake and easy on the throttle.

anything will help...thanks

someone mentioned the 4th of july in another post...where is it?

Look up MY posts. Some time ago, I did start a thread about driving in bad weather. (Haven't looked for it myself, yet.) Mine were the major contributions to the thread, but others joined in.

What's wrong with this picture, Winter advice from someone from Florida. Maybe hurricane, swamp or beach driving tips, but Winter? 8)

Perhaps, if you were in posession of all the facts, you wouldn't have to ask such a question. People do MOVE, don't they??? If you had kept up with my posts back when I was on here more often, you would know that I spent my first 55 years of life in Wisconsin, and my driving career spans the west coast and Canada, in all weather conditions. Knowing how to drive in some of the worst conditions, I had no problem surviving PA last winter, when they were closing all the roads, and got my load to Boston ON TIME. Today, I'm nearly 62 years old. Would you like to compare experience????? How old are you, and how many years have you been driving??? And, how many years have you been training??? Or have you been training???

DUDE!!! Don't you see the smilies? It was a joke. Someone has had a little too much Christmas cheer, lay off the eggnog! ***Smiley Alert*** Joke in progress!!!!

[Windwalker]

Anyone for a jake brake comment????

All this advice and no mention of an engine brake????????????

Sorry. Forgot to put it in.

If the roads are clear and dry, you may use the jake brake. The CDL manual says that if the roads are wet, do not use a jake.

Fact is, I have used the jake without a problem when the roads are wet, but nothing beyond that. If the temp drops below 40 degrees, I will not use it because of the chances of ice. Using the jake in slippery conditions will vastly increase your chances of losing control.

Most truck stops carry little electronic thermometers. About $19.95. It's an excellent reference. Keep the outside temp in mind when you're driving. I always attach the remote (outside) sensor to the mirror bracket. That is, the tubing that supports the mirror, because the back of the mirror housing may allow "mirror heat" to affect the reading. You want the reading to be just as accurate as you can get it.

Anyone that has done any listening to the CB has most likely heard the phrase: "WE'RE PUTTING UP A SPRAY, WE'RE OKAY". Watch your thermometer. If you're running I-90 across South Dakota, your outside temp says 28 degrees, and you have "wet water" hitting your windshield, you WILL be putting up a spray. But, "OKAY"??? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! You may have anywhere from 1/8 inch to 1 inch of ice on the road, with a film of water on top of that. You have NO contact with the road surface. If you stop the rig, you will likely see it slide slowly to the side. If you step out, you will promptly slide under it. It is THE most slippery condition you can drive on, and the only thing that can make it any worse is a 30+ mph cross-wind.

terrylamar, if you're qualified to comment on my post because of my current location, perhaps you could have added this little bit of information also......

[Fredog]

Anyone for a jake brake comment????

All this advice and no mention of an engine brake????????????

Sorry. Forgot to put it in.

If the roads are clear and dry, you may use the jake brake. The CDL manual says that if the roads are wet, do not use a jake.

Fact is, I have used the jake without a problem when the roads are wet, but nothing beyond that. If the temp drops below 40 degrees, I will not use it because of the chances of ice. Using the jake in slippery conditions will vastly increase your chances of losing control.

Most truck stops carry little electronic thermometers. About $19.95. It's an excellent reference. Keep the outside temp in mind when you're driving. I always attach the remote (outside) sensor to the mirror bracket. That is, the tubing that supports the mirror, because the back of the mirror housing may allow "mirror heat" to affect the reading. You want the reading to be just as accurate as you can get it.

Anyone that has done any listening to the CB has most likely heard the phrase: "WE'RE PUTTING UP A SPRAY, WE'RE OKAY". Watch your thermometer. If you're running I-90 across South Dakota, your outside temp says 28 degrees, and you have "wet water" hitting your windshield, you WILL be putting up a spray. But, "OKAY"??? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! You may have anywhere from 1/8 inch to 1 inch of ice on the road, with a film of water on top of that. You have NO contact with the road surface. If you stop the rig, you will likely see it slide slowly to the side. If you step out, you will promptly slide under it. It is THE most slippery condition you can drive on, and the only thing that can make it any worse is a 30+ mph cross-wind.

terrylamar, if you're qualified to comment on my post because of my current location, perhaps you could have added this little bit of information also......

you want a real experience? use your jake when you are bobtailing on a wet road. WWHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

[Windwalker]

DUDE!!! Don't you see the smilies? It was a joke. Someone has had a little too much Christmas cheer, lay off the eggnog! ***Smiley Alert*** Joke in progress!!!!

Well, I see you are aware of the face that I LOVE eggnog. However, I don't "spike" it.

Sorry, but when it comes to winter driving, I don't joke. Hundreds of trucks are wrecked each winter because the drivers should have been better prepared to drive in the conditions. Bring up the fact that I now live in FL might have someone ignore what I say, and could wreck a truck as a result. On the other hand, I had not thought of the fact that my location is listed right under my avatar. Someone else that might benefit from what I have to say might ignore it because of my current location. Rather an interesting way of bringing that to my attention. Thank you.

And, yes. I did see the smiles.

[Fredog]

DUDE!!! Don't you see the smilies? It was a joke. Someone has had a little too much Christmas cheer, lay off the eggnog! ***Smiley Alert*** Joke in progress!!!!

Well, I see you are aware of the face that I LOVE eggnog. However, I don't "spike" it.

Sorry, but when it comes to winter driving, I don't joke. Hundreds of trucks are wrecked each winter because the drivers should have been better prepared to drive in the conditions. Bring up the fact that I now live in FL might have someone ignore what I say, and could wreck a truck as a result. On the other hand, I had not thought of the fact that my location is listed right under my avatar. Someone else that might benefit from what I have to say might ignore it because of my current location. Rather an interesting way of bringing that to my attention. Thank you.

And, yes. I did see the smiles.

I used to live in Port Richey, I guess we are ex-neighbors. I never had much trouble with the snow there, but people drive like fools in the rain

[LA to Cleveland]

If You're on a one lane or construction zone & you hear the SuperTruckers giving you hell over the radio for not going 20 mph over the speed limit like they do, turn it off !!
Also heard some older driver say about driving in snowy / icey conditions " hit the brakes too hard & round you go", keep that 1 in mind at all times.