The Concordian

We all grew up with the idea that snow is fun. Remember all the cool things we could do – sleigh riding, building snowmen, doing snow angels and having snowball fights. Honestly, it was the best time of the year. Now that we’ve become adults (well, some of us at least), we have started to discover that having the ground covered with snow isn’t as fun as it used to be, and actually brings a lot of dangers to our daily routines.

Two weeks ago a lady slipped on the stairs in the Student Center and emergency teams had to be called. Several other people also got hurt as a result of the slippery conditions. I also got slightly injured, but that was mainly my fault. It turned out hitting the ramp in the valley with a fast sled going 20+ mph wasn’t such a great idea. The last thing I remember is going down the hill, realizing “That’s gonna hurt!” The next few minutes are just a blur. People say I had a small concussion. Who thought that sleigh riding could be dangerous?

I probably wouldn’t have done that if classes weren’t canceled. Boredom makes me think of thing that I’m not supposed to do…to do. Just last week I decided to test how my car handles in the snow. Everything was normal and rather safe. I started to wonder why people are complaining. But then…I reached s somewhat tight curve on the road. I wasn’t going fast, but nevertheless the rear end of the car decided to slide rather joyfully. A small amount of skill and huge amount of luck stopped me from crashing.

This made me think of all the things I know about snow driving, and I thought I would share a couple of tricks with you, in case you have trouble in the snow.

The first problem that students run into is actually taking their cars out of the parking lot. The university maintenance does an excellent job in clearing the roads on campus, except for one thing. When they bulldoze the streets all the snow is being pushed in front of the cars which are parked on the side. Brilliant!

The best tool that you can own at this point is a shovel. It is important to shovel the snow in front of your car, in order to prevent serious some serious damage. Snow by itself is harmless. Sometimes though, huge lumps of ice can be pushed in front of your car. These can be dangerous, as they can puncture your oil pan or your rear brake lines. The first is catastrophic to the engine of the car, the second is catastrophic…when you reach the first stop sign.

After you have cleared all the snow in front of the car, it is time to actually try and get out of the parking place. Usually the surface under the tires is solid ice, so applying the throttle will only create massive snow fountains and tire smoke. The proper procedure is to rock the car back and forth, switching from Reverse to Drive several times. This creates momentum, which on ice is more important than power by itself. Move just a few inches back, then a few inches forward. After a few times, apply the throttle more when going forward and you should be able to go out without much trouble.

While we are on the subject of being stuck, there is another trick that should be used only in extreme situations. Situations where you are stuck on the road, you can’t get out, and you have to go home before a blizzard hits really bad. In that case – partially deflate your tires. A half-flat tire has a bigger contact surface and will help you get out of the deep snow. It’s the same principles used in tanks…although they use chains. Yes, if you have a tank you won’t have any problems in the snow. Start saving up.

Deflating the tires will likely ruin the tires, but at least it will get you out and will save your life. In all other cases, make sure your tire pressure is correct. It is statistically proven that most punctures happen in the winter, when there is a lot of salt and small rocks on the road. Under inflated tires puncture very easily.

The last thing about tires is to make sure you have decent tread left on them. Tires usually last up to two years. A common misconception is that two new tires on the front wheels are all that you need on a front wheel drive car. Studies have shown that it is actually better to have the new tires fitted on the rear wheels, because it will prevent the car from sliding in the snow and from aquaplaning in the rain. My suggestion is – get a set of four new tires, just to be safe.

We still like the snow and enjoy playing in it occasionally. Driving in the snow doesn’t have to dangerous, as long as you are being cautious. Just remember to be careful, protect yourself and have a good set of rubber on your wheels. Actually, not just on your wheels…

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