# Moving into a snowing area. Advice? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 3, 2015, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-into-a-snowing-area-advice/708864 "2015-01-03T18:08:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2015, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-into-a-snowing-area-advice/708864/21 "2015-01-03T21:42:23Z")
> [@callander](#): > > Personally I think snow chains are overkill given the amount of snowfall you mentioned , (then again I am Canadian) and aren’t even allowed on certain roads, just saying. Agreed. But California _makes_ you carry them. I’ve driven in snow my entire life since getting a license and used them exactly once. Nice thing is, you can get sets in thrift stores for about $5. Toss 'em in the trunk and be done with them. Also, _The Weather Channel_ is your friend. Your female friend who talks constantly and only about 1/5 of anything she says is worth a damn. 😃 Get used to watching the “local on the 8’s”, even though they are frequently on the 7’s and over by the 9’s and when they show the west coast, its often for only a couple seconds and the giant names of cities block out most of the info you are interested in on the radar. You’ll be fine. ---
**Author:** ![GrumpyBunny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bc8723/32.png) [@GrumpyBunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrumpyBunny)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2015, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-into-a-snowing-area-advice/708864/22 "2015-01-03T22:33:25Z")
I grew up in Florida and never had to drive in snow until I got a job in New England. I learned to drive in the snow when I was 38 years old. On my birthday. 😃 Literally, it snowed the night before my bday, and I found an unplowed parking lot to practice driving around in. Go slow. Get used to how the car feels when you stop and start. How it feels if it starts to slide. How it feels if you jam on brakes too fast in the snow. It’s a good way to learn. I have an AWD Hyundai Santa Fe, and it hasn’t failed me yet. > [@jz78817](#): > > FWD or not, get winter tires for your car. I haven’t bought winter tires in the 7 years I’ve lived near Lowell, MA. Since the streets are kept well-plowed and there aren’t any mountains near me, this hasn’t been a problem. I have a basket of winter stuff that lives in the back of the SUV – ice melt, plain kitty litter, a few extra blankets/scarves/earmuffs, a shovel, and your brushes/pushers and other snow removal stuff. Also, extra gloves and hand warmers. And a book and snacks. I know people who’ve been stuck in traffic for hours. ---
**Author:** ![chiroptera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/df705f/32.png) [@chiroptera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chiroptera)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2015, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-into-a-snowing-area-advice/708864/23 "2015-01-03T22:36:53Z")
> [@Gatopescado](#): > > Agreed. \*\*But California _makes_ you carry them. I’ve driven in snow my entire life since getting a license and used them exactly once. \*\*Nice thing is, you can get sets in thrift stores for about $5. Toss 'em in the trunk and be done with them. > > Also, _The Weather Channel_ is your friend. Your female friend who talks constantly and only about 1/5 of anything she says is worth a damn. 😃 Get used to watching the “local on the 8’s”, even though they are frequently on the 7’s and over by the 9’s and when they show the west coast, its often for only a couple seconds and the giant names of cities block out most of the info you are interested in on the radar. > > You’ll be fine. They do? Cite? (Bolding mine.) I used to live in Northern California, and would often drive up to the Reno area for skiing. I also drove a semi over the road for three years. And since 1986, I have lived in wintery states and I drive a lot. Only once (when driving truck) did I need to use chains. And although I stand by my advice to get dedicated winter/snow tires, I’ve rarely bought them myself, and have mostly had RWD vehicles. No accidents or incidents apart from the very occasional slide-off-the-road or get stuck/high centered deal. Which does remind me, in winter I do make sure I have a snow shovel and old carpet scraps in the van. That’s gotten me, or other drivers, out of a stuck spot more than once. ---
**Author:** ![callander](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ed655f/32.png) [@callander](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/callander)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2015, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-into-a-snowing-area-advice/708864/24 "2015-01-03T22:43:56Z")
> [@Gatopescado](#): > > Agreed. But California _makes_ you carry them. I’ve driven in snow my entire life since getting a license and used them exactly once. Nice thing is, you can get sets in thrift stores for about $5. Toss 'em in the trunk and be done with them. > > Also, _The Weather Channel_ is your friend. Your female friend who talks constantly and only about 1/5 of anything she says is worth a damn. 😃 Get used to watching the “local on the 8’s”, even though they are frequently on the 7’s and over by the 9’s and when they show the west coast, its often for only a couple seconds and the giant names of cities block out most of the info you are interested in on the radar. > > You’ll be fine. That’s interesting, I had no idea that chains are mandatory to have in the vehicle. Clearly not the case in my neck of the woods ---
**Author:** ![chiroptera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/df705f/32.png) [@chiroptera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chiroptera)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2015, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-into-a-snowing-area-advice/708864/25 "2015-01-03T22:52:37Z")
> [@callander](#): > > That’s interesting, I had no idea that chains are mandatory to have in the vehicle. Clearly not the case in my neck of the woods Not according to [this](http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/chcontrl.htm) in California. It’s not universal. Just during winter, just in some mountain areas, and depends on what type of vehicle you are driving. > [@](#): > > During the winter months, motorists may encounter traction chain controls in the mountain areas within California. When chain controls are established, signs will be posted along the road indicating the type of requirement. Question Authority. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2015, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-into-a-snowing-area-advice/708864/26 "2015-01-04T00:14:12Z")
> [@Telemark](#): > > 25" of snow doesn’t require snow tires IMO, unless you are expecting repeated icing conditions. Driving carefully and slowly, and avoiding driving in the worst weather and you should be fine without snow tires. Just make sure your all season tires aren’t bald. I completely agree with this and with others who have said snow tires are overkill for the trip and the area. I live north of the OP in an “occasional-snow-and-ice-storm” area. In ten years have never felt the need to buy snow tires. Way different to when I lived in Utah, Idaho and Montana. They are expensive and are not needed most of the time. The chain requirement in Oregon – and it sounds like in California as well – is during winter months and only over areas where and when they become necessary. If they do become necessary, there will be a notice and/or an officer on the road that requires you to pull over and put on your chains before you head over the pass. There are also people who make a living on such days putting chains on vehicles for people who don’t know how. In my opinion, the OP is not qualified to drive in such conditions at this point – let alone with a tow attached and/or in an unfamiliar vehicle. I feel sure he would agree. I keep chains in my car during winter and have had occasion to use them exactly once traveling south on I-5. But if you’re traveling over the passes in bad weather, the Highway Patrol officers **will** make sure you’re carrying them before allowing you to continue your journey. Like **GrumpyBunny** , I also carry some items in case of delay for warmth and comfort. Honestly, I think if **Reply** picks his day(s) carefully, he’ll have a pleasant, scenic trip with snow only on the mountains and not on the road. Once he is living in that area, he can assess his need for snow tires in the winter. I don’t think he’ll need them much, but I haven’t lived there so of course allow I could be wrong. ---
**Author:** ![johnpost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f17d59/32.png) [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2015, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-into-a-snowing-area-advice/708864/27 "2015-01-04T00:31:42Z")
unless you have snow on the ground constantly then get all weather tires. front wheel drive handles good in snow. ---
**Author:** ![Charlie\_Wayne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4bbf92/32.png) [@Charlie\_Wayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Wayne)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2015, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-into-a-snowing-area-advice/708864/28 "2015-01-04T00:36:56Z")
If you have never driven in the snow, I would recommend you try to practice a little bit in a big parking lot covered with snow. Driving on snow takes some real experience to get used to and if you just go and try to drive on snow like you would on ashpalt without snow, you will be at great risk of causing an accident. Snow tires are important. But following at a safe distance and adjusting your speed to compensate for the weather is far more important. Good luck. If nothing else, maybe you could read some tips on driving in the snow. It’s not as good as actually practicing on some real snow. But it will def help you. P.S. If you have any mediccal condition like a bad back or something that would cause you to slip and fall, it would prob be good to practice walking on snow too. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2015, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-into-a-snowing-area-advice/708864/29 "2015-01-04T01:35:44Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > If you are not a seasoned snow driver, I would avoid driving in severe storms at all costs. \ I think this is the best advice in the thread. I have 32 years experience driving in snowy and icy conditions, and I don’t drive in bad road conditions if I don’t have to. We see people who are new to Canada trying to drive every winter - it’s a disaster. They have no idea about any of the things you do differently in winter driving conditions. One of the biggest mistakes people make in winter driving conditions is thinking that four-wheel-drive means they’re immune to icy road conditions - it doesn’t work that way. I’ve seen more 4WD vehicles in the ditch than I can remember. > [@GrumpyBunny](#): > > \ > I have a basket of winter stuff that lives in the back of the SUV – ice melt, plain kitty litter, a few extra blankets/scarves/earmuffs, a shovel, and your brushes/pushers and other snow removal stuff. Also, extra gloves and hand warmers. And a book and snacks. I know people who’ve been stuck in traffic for hours. I would also add a warm pair of boots and thick socks - you might get stuck somewhere in dress shoes, and you’re going to lose toes if you have to walk in those. > [@Charlie\_Wayne](#): > > \ > Snow tires are important. But following at a safe distance and adjusting your speed to compensate for the weather is far more important. > \ Agreed. Stopping takes much longer on icy conditions, turning can be an adventure, and panic stops are right out - if you’re tailgating and someone stops suddenly in front of you, you’re almost guaranteed to hit them. I think you’re getting very bad advice about snow tires in this thread - if you are going to live someplace that gets regular snowfalls in winter, you should get snow tires (also known as winter tires). They make a _huge_ difference in driving in winter. I have a front-wheel drive Corolla; my husband has a rear-wheel drive Mustang; we both put winter tires on every year, and we both find it worth the money and the effort. If you can get snow tires put on your car and make two trips, that’s what I would do. I think that’s your best bet. If the forecast calls for snow, hold off on your trip until the highway conditions are being reported as clear again. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2015, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-into-a-snowing-area-advice/708864/30 "2015-01-04T01:41:04Z")
[QUOTE=Cat Whisperer] I think you’re getting very bad advice about snow tires in this thread - if you are going to live someplace that gets regular snowfalls in winter, you should get snow tires (also known as winter tires). They make a _huge_ difference in driving in winter. I have a front-wheel drive Corolla; my husband has a rear-wheel drive Mustang; we both put winter tires on every year, and we both find it worth the money and the effort. [/QUOTE] I agree entirely. A lo-cost set of snow tires is far better in snow than an expensive set of “all-seasons”, which really aren’t winter tires. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2015, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-into-a-snowing-area-advice/708864/31 "2015-01-04T01:49:28Z")
I was once riding shotgun on a snowy forest hill in Connecticut. Driver was a Texan, and it was his first time driving in snow, let alone on steep winding roads going downhill. :eek: He asked me for advice. I said to go slow and to take curves carefully. Keeping well back from other cars is good advice. Personally, if I start skidding, I’m never coordinated enough to figure out that “turn into the skid” thing. Rather, I always keep a relatively loose grip on the steering wheel, and if a skid starts, I take my foot off the gas. DO NOT hit the brakes. Locking the wheels, by either the brakes or by holding the steering wheel too firmly, is one of the worst things you can do, because that makes it more likely that the car will spin out of control. (It’s better with modern braking systems, but I’m old school.) The Texan and I were both pretty nervous, but we got to the bottom of the hill okay. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2015, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-into-a-snowing-area-advice/708864/32 "2015-01-04T01:59:09Z")
I misread your OP - you said 25" of snow this time of year, and I read that as 25" per year. It looks like the annual snowfall is significantly higher, is that correct? Snow tires make a lot of sense, but also the recommendations that you make decisions to avoid driving when the forecast is very bad. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2015, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-into-a-snowing-area-advice/708864/33 "2015-01-04T02:35:20Z")
> [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > \ > Personally, if I start skidding, I’m never coordinated enough to figure out that “turn into the skid” thing. Rather, I always keep a relatively loose grip on the steering wheel, and if a skid starts, I take my foot off the gas. DO NOT hit the brakes. Locking the wheels, by either the brakes or by holding the steering wheel too firmly, is one of the worst things you can do, because that makes it more likely that the car will spin out of control. (It’s better with modern braking systems, but I’m old school.)\ That’s what I do, too - foot off accelerator, no braking, and I also downshift very carefully to use the engine brake to bleed off speed. ---
**Author:** ![Twoflower](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/twoflower/32/22_2.png) [@Twoflower](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Twoflower)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2015, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-into-a-snowing-area-advice/708864/34 "2015-01-04T02:59:57Z")
The State of California wisely assumes that all of its residents are idiots about driving in snow. Snow tires are fine, but when conditions require extra traction, you still need chains unless you have all wheel drive. Plus, the California climate is such that the roads are typically clear and dry again within a couple of days after a storm. That said, I assumed the OP is moving to Mt. Shasta City, or somewhere else like Weed or Yreka that is right near I-5. If we’re talking McCloud, or elsewhere in the hinterlands around the mountain, investing in snow tires, and in the long run AWD, would be wise. ---
**Author:** ![GusNSpot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gusnspot/32/436_2.png) [@GusNSpot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GusNSpot)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2015, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-into-a-snowing-area-advice/708864/35 "2015-01-04T04:00:48Z")
Minor points :: If saving a can of gas for a small engine, try really really hard to get and run gas with no ethanol in it. Even the products like Stay-bil™ will not let me keep gas in a carburetor or fuel tank without turning into glue. Depending on where you are & where you normally drive, in general in the winter I fuel up anytime the gas gauge gets to ½. And we don’t get much snow here in Arkansas. But it has been to get cold and that sucks in shorts & ‘T’ shirts. With the proper equipment and an attitude of having fun even if you can’t get out of the yard and if you don’t die of stupid, or the 4 “P’s” \* you will live a fun life in an area like that. - Piss Poor Prior Planning. ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2015, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-into-a-snowing-area-advice/708864/36 "2015-01-04T05:17:55Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > If you are not a seasoned snow driver, I would avoid driving in severe storms at all costs. Even if it’s not a severe storm, and just a moderate one, don’t go out into it unless you have to. You’ve got to get home from work when a storm started mid-day, well, sure, you need to drive. But you can do without a gallon of milk or a loaf of bread for one night if it means going out into a storm for something dumb with little to no experience driving in one. Instead of going out for frivolous reasons after you’re already safely home, it’s best to learn to plan ahead, be that getting extra of what you need ahead of a storm, or making sure you hit the grocery store on the way home _before_ road conditions deteriorate. Lots of people end up damaging their cars, themselves, and other people’s property by driving when there’s no real reason to. ---
**Author:** ![RandMcnally](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b782af/32.png) [@RandMcnally](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RandMcnally)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2015, 5:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-into-a-snowing-area-advice/708864/37 "2015-01-04T05:40:48Z")
I’ve never understood the “turn into the slide” thing. What does that mean? ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2015, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-into-a-snowing-area-advice/708864/38 "2015-01-04T05:56:55Z")
> [@RandMcnally](#): > > I’ve never understood the “turn into the slide” thing. What does that mean? It just means to steer in the direction your rear end is going. So if your rear end skids to the left, turn the steering wheel gently to the left. And vice versa. ---
**Author:** ![Kenm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bc79bd/32.png) [@Kenm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kenm)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2015, 6:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-into-a-snowing-area-advice/708864/39 "2015-01-04T06:12:03Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > So if your rear end skids to the left, turn the steering wheel gently to the left. And vice versa. I think it’s reflexive and doesn’t have to be taught at all. If you’re on a bicycle and about to fall to the left, you don’t put your right leg down. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2015, 6:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-into-a-snowing-area-advice/708864/40 "2015-01-04T06:48:57Z")
> [@Kenm](#): > > I think it’s reflexive and doesn’t have to be taught at all. > > If you’re on a bicycle and about to fall to the left, you don’t put your right leg down. Oh, I think so, too, but somewhere in the distant recesses of my mind, I remember being told during instruction it wasn’t as intuitive as it seems to be. Also not always effective, as the following link demonstrates: [Video that Shows Your Best Bet is to Pick a Non-Snowy-Or-Icy Day to Move](http://icyroadsafety.com/correct.shtml). [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-into-a-snowing-area-advice/708864.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-into-a-snowing-area-advice/708864.md?page=3)