Sorry second post but I just remembered something my mother used to do when I was younger that might help someone: To keep your windscreen from gathering condensation and freezing place cardboard on it the night before.

Any unfolded uncoated cardboard box will do but cover as much of the area as possible and use your wipers to hold the bottom edges down. My mum also used the flat side of a couple pieces firewood to hold it down at the centre.

Twodeadpoets

I've got two big plastic totes in the back of the Jeep. In the totes I've put a couple hundred pounds of bagged sand. I've also got a few smaller totes with my medical kit, emergency roadside kit, blankets, etc.
The totes keep all the sand inside them, and out of my cargo area. I can take the smaller totes (with the non winter-specific gear) out and leave them in the back of the Jeep whenever the forecast isn't calling for ice.

fatalbush

I'm all for keeping a shovel and winter clothes on hand, especially when highway traveling. Thanks to those of you who reminded me of the mighty cassette case window scraper! Why hasn't anyone mentioned an interior car warmer yet? If you're using a block heater then consider plugging one of these in, too.

I also recommend keeping a couple squares of carpet in the trunk. They lie flat so they don't take up space, which is nice. When my tires start spinning, the carpet scraps lend considerable traction. They're handy for helping other drivers out of slippery situations, too.

cheesebubble

@Dr. J: no

hector7g

Wouldn't it take a diamond ice scraper to mess up the windshield?

Dr. J

Time and again I hear that snow tires are worth it (though this does vary with climate...)

If you put the snow tires on their own rims, changing tires becomes a whole lot easier, and you save a lot of wear and tear by not switching your tires on and off the same set of rims.

Binks

For the brisk New Orleans winters I like to prepare by driving with the windows down more often.

A strolling player

@ras07: Same for Charleston. Although there is some frost on the windows at times during the winter, so I guess I would add go out and warm the car up for about 10 minutes.

SA

Don't use the emergency break if it's really cold and snowy because the break might get stuck (newer cars may have safeguards against this). Last year my family was stuck (in a 2000 Chevy Suburban) for an hour or so while we tried to break ice off the e-break cables. If it does happen, and if you have enough space (we were in an empty parking lot), after trying to break the ice off manually you can try to drive around in circles until your wheels become unstuck (one by one). (Someone who knows as better method should chime in... I admit I don't have that much experience)

Also, instead of credit cards use one of those member cards (Safeway, Starbucks, etc). But seriously, a decent ice scraper is like $10.

goodman

Since I live in Lisbon, Portugal, the answer is nothing! :)
We don't have snow, only rain and low temperature so I guess the only thing I need to prepare is myself.
Driving slower and more careful is the key for wet roads!

Luis Neng

I remember the days of using a cassette case as a scraper...CD cases were an upgrade!

I forgot the battery cables, yes, cars with bad batteries hate the cold. Also, keep a cell phone car charger in the car in case you get stuck and your phone dies.

Jarick

A credit card as an ice scraper?! whoa... that should be one those those sayings like cleaning the bathroom with a toothbrush or finding a needle in a haystack.

chris-mcc

@Kafka: I've never scratched my glass with the metal edge of my scraper. I never even thought about it. Then again, driving a 18 year old volvo, I've kind of given up on keeping up it's appearances. But, seriously, I've never scratched the glass.

I can't imagine a credit card working on an ice-covered windshield. If worse comes to worse and there isn't a scraper in the car, then just put the window defroster on full blast until the ice is somewhat melted.

geekgrrl77

@GEEKGRRL: People who have to read this to know what to do will probably mess up their glass trying to use a metal edge scraper. On that note, if you don't have one in the car a credit card works fine, though you may mess up the card.
Great point with the bag of kitty litter. Using a board hasn't worked in my experience (Wyoming); the board just gets slick with partially-melted and compacted snow.
I've used winter tires a few times; the only difference I noticed was lower mileage.

Kafka

OH! sorry to repost but jumper cables. Batteries tend to die in the cold it seems.

AnthoMacP

In Nova Scotia, Canada: tie the dogs to the front of the car. Just kidding. Ice scraper, winter tires, extra antifreeze in the car since it's useful for many things and believe it or not it's handy to have a plywood plank in the car. This is for those times when you get a wheel stuck in snow somewhere and can't get it out (happens in our driveway a lot). You wedge the plywood under the wheel and into the snow* to get out. It's been snowing here for the past week and a half almost non stop.

* if it's not wedged properly it becomes a projectile either into the underneath of your car or elsewhere.

AnthoMacP

Hmmm... well, I'd say "Do what we did, move to Los Angeles," but way too many people have done that already and none of them know how to drive in the rain.

infmom

Get a couple scrapers with with a metal edge- that is the best for scraping ice off of the car. So much better than the plastic ones! And having 2 on hand is always better than 1!

I usaully get new windshield blades when it gets cold too.

Put a bag of sand or cheap kitty litter in the back of your car (especially if you have a volvo wagon like me, the weight helps driving) and you can use that when you get stuck.

And a little shameless self promotion-- I have a guide to getting a car unstuck from the snow on my blog. As a native Mainer/Mainiac I have lots of experience with this--
[watershed.wordpress.com]

geekgrrl77

Regarding reliability, I just decided to buy new. Got a Toyota, so I shouldn't have problems for many years from what I've heard. Also, it's crucial in these northern parts to hook up your vehicle with a remote start/keyless entry system. The $99 one should suffice! It's heaven to have a toasty car to come to, completely de-iced and ready to drive during this hell we call winter. You don't have to spend $500 on the 2-mile range one like I did. ;)

I live in Ohio, and today we are having an ice storm. There's about half an inch of ice covering the tree branches, power lines, etc. It's only supposed to get worse. So it's nice to have a garage to keep your car in. If yours is cluttered, good winter prep would be to clean it up to make it car-friendly! It's even better if you don't have to go out on days like these.

If your boss requires you to show up, and you have a computer/desk job, tell him you're working from home on bad days (ask for forgiveness, don't bother begging for permission). Then just access your PC or MAC remotely with the free and excellent Log Me In: [www.logmein.com]

Scott

My car is ALWAYS prepared for winter... it's a Subaru Outback!

Twodeadpoets

For Minnesota:

Put ice scraper in the back of car, maybe some salt/sand in the trunk if you park where you might need traction in case of ice. Bonus points for a small shovel in case you need to shovel out of somewhere.

Keep a hat and gloves in the car in case of emergency, maybe even boots and a blanket if you're cautious.

Wiper fluid (low temp), and a full wash and wax with synthetic sealant to prevent salt damage.

Sand bags in the trunk of RWD cars, preferably get the tires rotated and make sure there's plenty of tread. Snow tires for sports cars.

Jarick

Up here in Maine there's two things you do.

1st. Never drive anywhere first snowstorm, people are idiots by nature and forget how to drive in slippery conditions over the 4 months we don't have winter weather.

2nd. Put the car in the garage, and bring out your truck with plow.

Bilbs

@ras07: It has been a while since I've had to do it, but I remember driving around on ice & snow in Austin on more than a few occasions. But point taken, I guess.

justbrag

Step 1: put the convertible top up.

Step 2: wait about a month.

Step 3: put the convertible top back down.

And that's all there is to winter driving in Austin ...

ras07

Put an ice scraper in the car and a shovel in the back.

If you have RWD put some weight in the back, over the rear axel. About 100-150 lbs total, more for larger vehicles, it makes a big difference when driving in the snow.

Get studded snow tires too.

Gary

work at a private school. we get RAIN delays/days off; and since it's private, we don't have to make them up at the end of the year =)

discounteggroll

Denver here. Similar prep to what other people do. We have a blanket and ice scraper in the trunk, and we don't leave the house w/o gloves, hat and snow boots. We had chains with our old car, but haven't bought a set for the current one. We do need to get a new battery and windshield wipers, and refill the washer fluid. We had several inches of snow this weekend, and visibility was pretty bad :-\.

jtimberman

Blizzaks!

Friends help friends buy winter tires.

Something that really helped me to improve my driving skills was to sign up for a winter driving class offered by a local car club chapter.

For $100 we got a full day of classroom training in the mechanics behind a car when you apply speed, direction and braking. This was balanced with time behind the wheel with an experienced driving instructor. These were not the sleepy kind because the driving class was run by the BMW and Porche chapters. These guys showed you how to push your car and yourself. They flooded a field the students could get experience on ice and understand ABS vs. threshold braking. I took the class 2 years in a row and I no longer drive with a stiff back and knot in my stomach. I enjoy driving more than I ever did and actually look forward to the snowfall. This is also coming from someone who bought a stick shift in October 2005 with no idea how to drive it yet I've had no winter accidents and can change put on my own snow tires ;)

Other tips:
-Slow Down! - Your family will miss you once you impact at 70 mph

-Space - Make sure you leave 2+ car lengths between you and the car in front. If the car behind is riding you, change lanes.

-Steady - Make sure your changes in speed and direction are smooth

-Stay off the Cell Phone! - Can you imagine soldiers talking on cell phones in battle? How about a preist answering his phone during a baptism? You are behind the wheel to drive, not multi-task

-Both hands - We humans don't do most things with hands (brush teeth, sandwiches, writing) but good driving requires it. Hands at 11am and 2pm on the steering wheel

-GPS - Improve your bottom line by not pulling over to figure out if the turn was at "Lane" "Boulevard" "Court" or "Center Drive". How many times has a gas station attendent really been helpful with directions?

-Brakes are not a fashion accessory - Look ahead and plan your vehicle's route. Don't floor it and then brake when the car in front hasn't caught on there's a race in progress. Don't brake when approching a green light intersection. The problem is you're going to fast. No need to "check" your brakes are "still working" every few hundred feet. Other drivers are not impressed that you know where your brake pedal is

adria.richards

I like the carpet square idea... Better than throwing a messy bag of sand into the trunk.

Our interior windows tend to fog up, so we've started "treating" them by rubbing in some shaving cream foam (Barbasol cans) on the inside. Works fantastic.

pham

Sounds like most things have been covered, but where I am in Saskatchewan I have some experience in extreme cold.

1. Winter tires make a huge difference (though this is the first year I've ever been able to afford them).

2. Battery blanket (is an electric blanket that wraps aroud the battery which you can plug in when you plug in the block heater). Makes the difference in -45C (-49F). Also need to keep battery charged - middle of winter is no time to neglect a poor alternator.

3. Synthetic oil makes big difference - it doesn't thicken nearly as much as conventional. Since I do my own oil changes twice a year I like to do it in late fall/early winter so that I'm not freezing my fingers off in February.

4. Metal ice scrapers are a no no - even frozen plastic ones do enough damage. Personally I've found the cheap 1.99 long wooden handled brush/scraper work best since you can quickly brush off snow one handed and they are lightweight. I've broken a few credit cards (they crack when frozen - this can actually help with bad spending habits). Covering the windshield, like Twodeadpoets suggests does work.

5. Command start is common on cars here - it is also much easier (on you and the glass) to scrape once it has warmed up a little.

5. @cheesebubble: great tip about the carpet - I've launched many plywood boards and 2X8 planks - this is way better solution.

6. top up anti-freeze if its low - besides overheating, a low level also prevents the heater from working well.

7. I've never gone in for the cardboard on the grill technique, but I did use the winter grill cover on the bra last year seemed to run a little warmer.

8. Make sure tires are matched (tread and pressure) to help avoid spinning out on ice.

9. For those without a garage, like me, park in the underground at the shopping malls once in a while to help thaw and dry the car out, especially after the car wash (prevents doors and locks from freezing) I also like to crack the windows and get the moist air out of the cabin too.

Fierock

I don't know why this wasn't mentioned earlier, but switching engine oil to a lower viscosity (syrupiness), usually from 10w30 to 5w30, will benefit the engine, and switching out for a higher (yes higher) temperature thermostat will make the heater effective faster.

If you are traveling rurally, be sure to have a shovel (small enough to remove snow from under you car, because that's where you'll need it most) and a good length of strong rope to tie to a bumper support so you can be pulled out (or help pull someone else out) of a ditch, god forbid the need arises. Quality sailing or climbing rope is usually best, but the crappy yellow twisted stuff will hold a lot more than it's rated for, and it's probably cheaper and easier to find.

Oh yeah: if you do get stuck, the biggest problem I see with novice winter drivers is their assumption that more gas equals more traction, not at all true. You always have far better grip when the wheels are touching the surface they're rolling on than when they are spinning: it doesn't matter how fast you are going.

I actually find that unless you're doing long distance commuting (50+ miles), which is where tire based efficiency becomes more significant, all season radials can benefit from losing a few PSI (~5 max, any more than that and you're sacrificing lateral stability). This can help traction A LOT, especially on hills. Your drive wheels will probably benefit most from it. Always follow the recommended pressures for winter and Mud+Snow tires though, as their designed pressure generally already compensates for the needed traction.

!important If you're running summer tires in winter you're asking for trouble, it's like wearing sneakers on an ice rink. Just feel how hard and plasticy the rubber on your summer tires feels out in the cold, if you need a demonstration just put your iPod earphones in the freezer for just a few seconds and feel what it does to the cord. Winter tires are made of far softer rubber and their treads are far better suited for dealing with ice.

samkingston

A mechanic suggested remembering to run the A/C for a couple minutes every few weeks to keep everything lubricated, especially the seals.

jonadair

@5h17h34d: which ideas specifically? and where do you live?

Fierock

Wow.

Never saw so many foolish ideas in my life.

5h17h34d

@cheesebubble: As I've grown wiser with age, I've learned that gloves, and mitts, are a man's friend - yet I'm still stubborn enough to occasionally go barehanded. But now that I think about it I can't even remember the last time I saw a metal scraper? Anyways I'm glad for the relatively mild winter we've had so far I haven't even plugged the car in yet...

Fierock

@Fierock: As a fellow Saskatchewanian, I enjoyed your points. Folks from our neck of the woods should know best! An addition to the "no metal" scrapers argument - the cold metal will stick to your bare hand whereas plastic won't!

cheesebubble

I fill the window washer reservoir with cheap (but very potent) vodka, since it's so alcoholic it both won't freeze, and will easily defrost your windscreen.

Of course if you're pulled by the police and you car stinks of vodka you might have some explaining to do, but it's seen me right for years.

Also, a small kit of essentials should i get stuck somewhere random. Not a survival pack, just crisps, spare pack of cigarettes, water, random stuff to keep me happy sat at the side of a road.

trstn

Experience with Estonian winter (-10C) with snow and ice every year says me:
*. Winter tires. Absolutely must in snow and ice.
*. Winter screen wipers (snow blades)
*. Use cold weather washer fluid
*. Check vatteries and Corroded Cables. If needed change them.
*. Plastic Ice scraper (not metal - metal will scratch your windshield)
*. Deicer for windshields.
*. Lubricate your door seals with silicon lubricant
*. Keep small showel in car.
*. Brush to wipe snow off.
*. Check anti-freeze level.
*. Jumper cables (if you dont need them then someone may need some help).
*. If you can afford, install additional remote controlled car heater (if you dont have garage).
*. Check your lights
*. Change the oil and filter. Dirty oil can give you trouble in the winter.
*. large box of facial tissues (or something to wipe mist off inside of car)
*. Small stuff: matches, work glowes, flaslight etc.
*. Allways keep spare bottle windshield washer fluid in your vehicle

olaviivalo

@trstn& olaviivalo: I don't dare use any washer fluid (and I've tried them all) when it gets below -25C, unless cars been idling with defroster going hot, or else I'm stuck on the side of the road waiting for the rapidly forming crystals to evaporate. I suppose a new windshield would help (cause of all the little pits on old glass).

As for the inside make sure not to use recirculated air (even if it is warmer) if its really bad turn on the A/C and crack the window a bit - that seems to dry the air inside quite quickly.

Fierock

Here are some tips that I've picked up by observing fellow drivers here in Wisconsin:
Turning on your 4 way flashers will enable you to go 20-30 mph faster than surrounding traffic. The light bulbs must quickly melt snow while they are flashing, or something.
If you drive a RWD vehicle and start to fishtail, floor it! I guess the gyroscoptic actions of a wheel spinning at 90mph will help straighten your vehicle out.
If you drive a big fat SUV you don't have to worry about road conditions at all; 4WD scares the ice and snow into submission.
If you do get stuck and decide to abandon your vehicle, leave the four ways on. That way your battery will be nice and dead when you do get your car unstuck.

Happy winter driving and stay the hell away from me.

milw123

Not to poopoo all the 'sand/weight in the trunk' thoughts ........but check your insurance policy fine print. This voids most policies. As most cars are front wheel drive, this is moot anyhow.

4 Snow tires are a must.

Wiper blades - get a summer and winter set. The kind with the metal exposed hinges ice up and suck in winter weather. Cold weather blades have a rubber 'bag' that prevents the hinges from icing up (Newer ones have no hinges and are are one piece that flex to the windshield).

Danomite

well the list looks pretty good so here are my 2 cents.

1. instead of cardboard freezing to your windshield during ice rain, cover it with snow and it comes off in one big chunk.

2. a putty knife is handy to unstick your frozen side windows. nothing is more frustrating than going to a drive thru and your window frozen in place

3. snow tires are a gimic, if your in the market for tires get a decent set of all season tires.

4. drive slower than normal on crappy ice covered roads.

5. the usual ice scraper/snow brush, windshield washer fluid, candle, sleeping bag, tow strap or come along,

6. common sense when driving.

well, that's 6 cents sorry

DSaddict

You guys have it pretty well covered, but I also want to chime in that Rain-X brand de-icer wiper fluid is a life saver when you're running later and still need to scrape ice off the windshield. I've used it along with the defroster blasting to clear the windshield after a few wiper swipes. I'm sure other versions of this stuff work well too but seriously, it's like pouring hot water on the car without it refreezing later.

Excalibur

@DSaddict: yeah cardboard on windshield in freezing rain would definitely suck - I'd suggest it only in colder climates that stay frozen all winter. Your putty knife is a good tip to get your windows unstuck, but doesn't it do damage to the seal/weather stripping? I don't know about "snow" tires, but I can tell you good "winter" tires like blizzaks or X-ice's are certainly not a gimmick - they make a huge difference for traction on ice/copmacted snow (I don't know if they help in the deep stuff because I haven't slid off the road with them on yet ;)

Fierock

I am from Maine so have lots of experience in driving in the snow. Here the local public works department will give you free salted sand to put in a tote in your trunk. Booster cables are a must when the temperature goes to -15 to -20. All you need do is open the hood and stand by your vehicle with your booster cables in the air. The first car will stop. Much quicker than calling AAA with your cell phone. When I was a carpenter the sample formica chips (free at your lumeryard) made great ice scrapers. Toss a few in the glove box for emergencies. Last but least 4 snow tires will make a front wheel drive vehicle hold the road better than any SUV equiped with all season tires.
Good luck, the best advice all is stay home if it bad. If you must drive go slow

whiteears37

Better still: keep your bike inside while you're home. It'll start for you on the first try, every time, guaranteed!
[commutebybike.com]
However you travel, though, don't do it on ice.

savethekudzu

I've got a fairly new car, about 2 year old and last winter I missed snow. This year though they announced some heavy snow, so here's what I did:
First got the oil and filter changed. While at the service I also asked them to check the suspension, direction kits and all the moving parts underneath. Also asked them to fix up the tires, or replace them if needed (they only needed some re-inflation).
Next I added new winter-ready windshield cleaning fluid - these parts they last up until -40C and they do a good job in getting rid of the ice in the mornings.
And for the last part I added a shovel (a plastic one that folds) in the trunk.

civascu

We have harsh winters here in my neck of the woods, and I do nothing--NOTHING--to get my 2005 Honda Accord ready for winter. The scraper and blankets are still in there from last winter because I was too lazy to take them out. If we were to be stranded we have ample food supply from the droppings in the crevices of my children's car seats, and water would come from the 50 half-full sippy-cups buried somewhere in the back.

onesix18

Get a remote starter. I cannot stress this enough. You get into a cozy warm car with little or no ice on the windshields. Because the car is warm when you get in, your core body temp stays up, helping you stay warmer when you leave your car at your destination.

Despite that fact that most people near me have needed a scraper most mornings for the past 2 weeks, I have only needed mine once.

I am also a big fan of heated seats and 4WD or AWD vehicles in the winter.

MiddleGeek

Modern snows tires from almost any reputable manufacturer. Bridgestone, Dunlop, Michelin, Yokohama, Nokian, Green Diamond, etc. Some of the cheaper brands (Hankook especially) make excellent snows that cost under $60/ea. They are absolutely, positively NOT a gimmick and the only people who think so haven't driven on them. Tread compounds designed for use on cold, icy pavement are vastly superior to any all season. On ice, good snows will have you stopping about 40 to 60 feet shorter from 30mph than all seasons.

Own an AWD/4WD vehicle? Try remembering this: YOU DO NOT STOP OR CORNER BETTER IN AN AWD VEHICLE. The _only_ thing AWD gets you is the ability to accelerate faster. IMO, except in the absolute worst weather or on a steep hill where a FWD car can't get moving under its own steam, AWD just makes you way, way overconfident. I've lived in Michigan and/or the Northeast my whole life and have only been actually stuck a couple of times in 15 years of driving.

I'm still of the opinion that snow tires + RWD is the safest way to go in the winter, because with a RWD car you know damn well when it's slippery and it's hard to get moving too fast. :)

PatrickAustin

I ride a bike. So all I do is put on rain clothes and watch out for idiots not paying attention to braking distances.

fakegray

i grew up in buffalo so i've had my fair share of snow. i live in san diego now, and i don't miss the 5 and a half months of snow at all. here's some of my tips:

-after parking your car at home, take an big, old blanket and throw it over your windshield and wipers (at that little vent in front of them) it's a lot easier than scraping ice off and you can clear a great deal of snow with just one pull. the blanket does get stiff though, so make sure you shake off the snow and put it on your porch or something while you're away.

-keeping two small pieces(like 1'x2' is what i've used) of plywood in your trunk to wedge beneath your tires if you get stuck comes in handy. a couple pieces of carpet work sometimes, but if it's sticky snow, it doesn't work nearly as well as the plywood. be aware though, if you floor it(which i don't recommend for freeing yourself), you can shoot them pretty far. keeping a little bag of sand to sprinkle for traction can help too.

-if you can, install a remote starter, having to get up 20 minutes earlier to clean off your car and dig it out then getting into a warm car is so worth it. plus it helps melt the ice on your windshield. be sure to clear off the vents in front of your wipers before anything else if you do have this though.

-keep a scraper/brush in your car, AND in the house by your door. trust me, you want to do be able to clear your car off before opening your car doors if you can help it.

-4 wheel drive mostly helps idiots get in the ditch faster. snow and ice is not your friend and can get unpredictable really fast. drive cautiously at all times. if not for your safety, then for other people on the road.

-wash your car frequently and when doing so, have it waxed and get the undercarriage sprayed down too. the salt does bad bad things to your car.

-finally, if you're scared to drive in the snow, stay home(or call a cab), you're not helping anyone, in fact you're probably making it more dangerous.

ruindpzzle