Winter Driving in California: Tips for Navigating Snow and Rain 

What if the weather outside was anything but delightful? 

During the winter months, driving in California can be downright dangerous due to factors like the snow and rain. And even if you’ve given yourself the early Christmas gift of great cheap car insurance, the last thing you want to do is get into an accident and have to file a claim. 

To keep you, your vehicle, and your pocketbook safe, it’s important to know how to drive in even the worst weather conditions. Ready to learn how to navigate even the worst weather with confidence? Keep reading to discover our best winter driving tips! 

Introduction to Winter Driving in the Golden State 

Those outside California are often surprised residents need to worry about winter driving safety tips at all. That’s because they mostly associate the Golden State with sunshine. As residents know, however, snow is surprisingly abundant during the winter, from Yosemite National Park to Lake Tahoe. 

And even if you don’t live directly in snow country, you have to deal with harsh and often freezing rain during these cold months. These kinds of road conditions make accidents, from freeway pileups to holiday parking accidents, all too common. Fortunately, knowing a few good winter driving tips can keep you and your family safe this season. 

Essential Preparations Before Hitting the Road 

As the California Highway Patrol likes to remind residents, a safe drive starts long before you get behind the wheel and even before you start getting the snow off your car. With a few easy steps, you can make sure your vehicle is just as ready for this icy drive as you are. 

What are these steps? Below, you’ll find everything you need to get your car (and yourself) in gear before your next road trip. 

Vehicle Readiness for Icy and Wet Conditions 

For starters, make sure your brakes, windshield, wipers, and defroster are all in good condition. As needed, add some concentrated windshield wiper fluid to keep your windshield from icing over, and make sure you have enough antifreeze. Don’t forget to top off your gas tank before going on any long journeys. 

Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have a healthy tread. Even if you don’t think chains are required, it’s important to have them on hand. If you live deep in snow country, you may want to bring a shovel and even sand in case your tires get stuck in the snow. And no matter where you live in California, be sure to pack an ice scraper. 

The Role of Tire Chains and Snow Tires 

During winter, there will be stretches of road where chains are required for passage. Driving without putting on chains could result in a citation from the California Highway Patrol. Usually, the speed limit in such areas is 25-30 miles an hour. 

When you see the signs about these requirements, be sure to pull over to the side of the road before putting on chains. Otherwise, you could cause traffic delays or even deadly accidents by simply stopping in the middle of the road. 

Top Driving Techniques for Inclement Weather 

Once you verify your vehicle is in good, working order, you’ll need winter driving tips to keep everyone safe during even the most inclement weather conditions. For starters, avoid cruise control on icy roads and make sure everyone is wearing a seat belt. Top the gas tank off before hitting the open road because storms or other weather issues may make it hard to find a convenient gas station. Pull over and use the ice scraper as needed to clear your windshield and maximize your visibility. 

Drive slower than usual and keep more distance between your vehicle and others. The speed limit might be 65 miles per hour, but that doesn’t mean you can safely drive that speed when the roads are icy, wet, or both. Remember that bad weather can often cause traffic delays, so you’ll want to factor a potentially lengthy delay into your next trip. With the right planning ahead of time and safety precautions, you can avoid accidents, keeping you and your ride in perfect working order for the holidays and beyond. 

Stay Safe on California’s Winter Roads! Get a Free Quote for Auto Insurance and Protect Yourself from Unexpected Winter Mishaps 

Now you know the best winter driving tips to keep you safe this season. You also know more about preparing your vehicle and how to use important gear such as chains. But do you know who is ready to help protect your vehicle every season of the year? 

Here at Cost-U-Less, we specialize in offering the best protection for drivers just like you. Ready to keep the family vehicle safer than ever during winter and beyond? Give us a call at (800) 390-4071 or get a fast car insurance quote online. You can also find a Cost-U-Less office near you. 

Addressing FAQs for Winter Travelers in California 

You now know more about the most effective winter driving tips, including the gear needed to get snow off your car and the importance of keeping your tires properly inflated. But beyond this solid advice (and, of course, the need to wear a seat belt and avoid using cruise control), you may still have a few questions about winter driving. 

Below, you’ll find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about winter driving in California. 

Clarifying Chain Control Policy for Rentals and Trailers 

If you’re towing a trailer, you are required to use chains, and at least one axle must be chained. If you’re driving a rental vehicle, the company may not allow you to put chains on the vehicle. However, you are still required to put chains on during certain stretches of road and can get in legal trouble for failing to do so. 

Best Practices for De-icing Windshields and Gusty Wind Conditions 

In addition to the ice scraper, you may need to use de-icer spray. Before that, make sure to start the car to warm things up. It can take 15 minutes for your car to fully defrost, so be patient. Whatever you do, avoid putting warm or hot water on the windshield because this may crack it. 

If it’s a particularly windy day, make sure your tires are in good condition before leaving your driveway and that you leave extra distance between your vehicle and others while driving. Take your time and drive slowly…you may be worried about a lengthy delay now, but the last thing you want is to get into a scary accident!