Winter Driving!!! Danger!!! David Johnson Many ideas generously taken from David Wentzlaff and Christiaan Adams’ Lectures from WS Past

Overview Before You Go Driving Riding

Preparation is the Better Part of Valor

Before Winter Starts Oil level Wipers & fluid Tire pressure Battery terminal contacts Defroster Headlights and taillights Antifreeze Tire tread (more to come)

In the Trunk  Jumper cables  Antifreeze, oil & wiper fluid  Ice Scraper  Shovel  Water  Food  Blanket & warm clothing  Flares  Jack + Lug Wrench  INFLATED spare tire.  Flashlight + Batteries  First Aid Kit & fire starter  Tow strap Don’t plan on an emergency situation, but be prepared for one. Sure, you brought a jack, but how do you use it?

Trip Prep Check car, fluids and supplies again before each trip. Discuss the possibility of backup drivers, if appropriate. Discuss possibility of pulling over to nap or grab coffee. Organize music. Check weather! Keep fuel in your tank! Low fuel levels can allow condensation to form which can freeze in your fuel line! Clear snow off you’re car. Don’t forget the head/tail lights!

“An RWD, AWD and FWD walk into a tire center … “ Winter tires are best All-season at a minimum Check all tires (including spare) for... Uneven tread wear. Tread wear and tear. 1/16” is legal minimum. Tire pressure

At the Helm

Weather Can Vary Plan ahead, check the weather Be prepared Know your limits Know your car

Cold

Wet

Snowy

Icy

Cold, Wet, Snowy and Ice (Wintery Mix)

Fog and the Night

Slowing Down Be the tortoise! Drive slowly in winter weather. Increase distance between vehicles. Your job is to get there safely, not quickly. Slowly press the brake pedal. If your wheels lock up “pump” the brakes ONLY if you don’t have ABS. How is winter driving like facing a T-Rex in Jurassic park? Sudden movements could get you killed.

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) & Traction Control System (TCS) ABS attempts to prevent wheels from locking up. This helps to adds traction and decrease stopping distances. ABS is not perfect. Don’t rely on it. ABS does not make dangerous driving safer. ABS makes safe driving safer. TCS attempts to prevent loss of control in a variety of conditions. It works by altering brake force, throttle and power. TCS is not perfect. Don’t rely on it. TCS does not make dangerous driving safer. TCS makes safe driving safer.  ABS and TCS should NOT be treated as performance enhancement options  ABS and TCS are SAFETY enhancement options.

“Take a left turn on Halls Brook Road, not into the ditch.” Apply brake smoothly before turns. Do not brake hard during turns. Turn wheel smoothly and slowly. When in doubt SLOW DOWN. Lane changes are turns too.

Oversteering Rear tires lose traction. Oversteering results in a spin. Caused by entering turn too fast, cornering too hard, braking too hard in the turn or poor tread/traction performance of rear tires. What to do: Depress accelerator. Keep wheels pointed in the direction you wish to go!

Understeering Front tires lose traction. Understeering is a result of the front tires having poor tread/traction performance, or taking a turn too fast. The car will drift off at an angle without spinning. To correct, turn the front wheels into the direction of the skid to give the front tires more traction. Once traction is regained gently try to slow down and maneuver the corner. Do not brake hard or turn quickly or you will oversteer.

So you got stuck Add traction: sand, kitty litter, sticks, etc. Keep your wheels straight Rock out: gently move the car back and forth. Push (careful not to run down helpers) Deflate tires a little to add traction. Tow straps and a friend. Differential lock (if you have it)

Practice

Being a Driver Do... Get a good night’s rest before the drive. Respect passenger’s wishes if they feel unsafe. Drive cautiously and safely. Allow passengers to operate music and navigation. Swap out drivers or pull over and nap if you are tired. Show up to the pickup location ready to go. Have your car winter driving ready. Be prepared to share awesome music. Don’t... Drive while tired. Race back to Boston. Feel guilty about asking for money from passengers. Feel obligated to let your passengers all sleep while you drive.

Being a Passenger Do... Have fun and chat with the driver. Be patient if circumstances result in late arrival. Bring good food to share for the ride. Bring excellent music to share! Bring cash and offer it to your driver. 15$ suggested per direction. Driving to the whites is expensive. Show up promptly at the pickup location. Notify the trip leader if you cannot make it. Have a discussion about helping to drive. Speak up if you do not feel safe. Don’t... Fall asleep on the ride leaving the driver as the only one awake. Insist on quiet music and the perfect temperature to help you sleep. Make the driver ask you for money. Pressure the driver to get you home early. Expect to always be dropped off at your door. Leave a mess in the car. Backseat drive.

Questions? Thanks to Jacob Sargent and the WSC David Cain Kayla Maduna David Wentzlaff and Christiaan Adams for past lecture slides Kris Brewer Alistair Firth Zavi Dogic