How to Get Better Traction on Snow-Covered Roads

Driving on snowy or slushy roads can be intimidating, but there are ways to help your vehicle drive better in these conditions. Read our latest blog for some tips on how to get better traction when driving your vehicle in the snow.

Add Weight to the Rear in Rear-Wheel Drive Vehicles

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicles get their power from the back two wheels of the car. The two front wheels are typically used for steering.

Adding weight to the back of an RWD car or truck helps weigh the tires down into the snow and prevent them from “spinning out.” Since the front wheels receive no power, they cannot help out instances where both back tires are spinning and cannot get enough traction to grip the snow and push the car forward. Putting weight in your car’s trunk or truck’s bed can help the back wheels get a better grip in the snow.

Some easy ways to weigh down your RWD vehicle include:

• Sandbags
• Salt or Ice Melt 
• Cat Litter
• Firewood

Put on Some Tire Socks

Tire socks are essentially what they sound like, giant socks for your tires! Just maybe not in the traditional sense. The large pieces of fabric go around the outside of your tire and are made so that the material grips the snow, giving your tires better traction. They make a great alternative to snow chains since those are not allowed in many areas.

Related Post: 5 Tips to De-ice Your Windshield and Keep Ice Off of It

Purchase Snow Chains

Snow chains go around the outside of the tire and are relatively easy to install at home. They help your wheels to grip the snow or ice, making it easier to maneuver your vehicle in rough conditions. Be sure tire chains are allowed in your area before installing.

Drive in Previous Tire Tracks

If you can easily see tracks where cars have previously driven, it may be safest to follow that route. The snow shouldn’t be as deep and loose in areas where other vehicles have passed through, so it should reduce your chance of getting stuck.

Related Post: Winter Car Emergency Kit FAQs

Slow Down

This may sound like an overly simple solution, but slowing down will reduce your chances of sliding all over the road, being unable to brake, and hitting another car. You will save yourself and the other driver a lot of hassle by reducing your speed and driving extra cautiously.

Invest in Snow Tires

If you live in an area impacted by heavy amounts of snow every winter, it might be practical to invest in snow tires. These tires are made to perform well in snowy, slushy, and icy conditions and prevent excess sliding.

If you know you will frequently be driving in the snow, snow tires are an excellent way to protect you and your family.

Winter Driving Tips From Thompson Sales

For more winter driving tips, follow our blog, or contact Thompson Sales in Springfield, MO, online or by calling (417) 763-6811.