How to: Put on Snow Chains and Drive Safely

If you travel to the mountains or snowy areas regularly, sooner or later you’re going to have to use tire chains. Start by getting the right set for your vehicle at your local Les Schwab.

Quick-fit chains are not your grandpa’s tire chains. They are MUCH simpler to put on and take off. Here are a video, step-by-step instructions, and driving safety tips for installing quick-fit tire chains on your vehicle.

Do These Two Things Before You Leave

When you need chains, driving conditions are nasty. Snow is coming down, passing traffic is spraying slush, dirty water is dripping off your wheel wells, the road is slick, and it may be dark. Don’t make this the first time you put on your chains.

1. Practice installing your new chains once BEFORE you travel. Take advantage of a dry garage or driveway to make sure your winter tire chains are the right size and you’re comfortable putting them on. If needed, the professionals at Les Schwab Tire Centers can help.

2. Put together a simple winter road trip safety kit with warm gloves, waterproof layers, and other items to make your winter driving more safe and comfortable. In the winter, always carry this emergency kit and tire chains in your vehicle.

When and How to Install Your Tire Chains

Once you’re comfortable installing your chains, you’re ready to hit the snow.

1. Be Safe. If you’re on the road, pull off as far as possible onto a safe shoulder. Flip on your hazard lights. Put on your waterproof layers, hat, headlamp, and gloves from your winter road trip kit.

2. Identify the Correct Tires. If your vehicle is front-wheel drive, the chains go on the front. If it’s rear-wheel drive, chains go on the back. If it’s all-wheel drive, please check your owner’s manual. If you’re not sure, you can ask the experts at Les Schwab for help.

   

3. Pull Out Chains & Instructions. With your vehicle parked, open the bag and pull out your instructions and your first chain. Each bag comes with two chains. The plastic instruction mat that comes with your chains can be used as a barrier between you and the snow to keep you dry.

   

4. Untangle Your Chains. Holding them from the plastic-covered cable, make sure everything is straight and the chains are not looped over one another. Hold up your chains so the yellow end is in your left hand and the blue end is in your right.

   

   The chains should hang loosely and the metal hooks seen along the yellow and blue sections should be facing away from you so they don’t damage your tires.

   

5. Place Chains onto Your Tire and Connect the Cable. Lay your chains on the ground and push them behind the tire, yellow cable end first, from the right side to the left.

   

   Once the chains are centered behind the wheel, grab both ends and pull them up over the top of the tire. You should feel the chains against your axle.

   

   This will allow you to easily connect the yellow and blue ends of the cable by slipping one end into the other and pulling them into place.

   

6. Connect the Red Hook. Now that the cable is connected on top, look for the red hook directly opposite the cable connection. Connect the red hook on the right to the first available gold link on the left.

   

7. Check the Diamond Shape. Push the connected chain over the top of the tire. You should see the diamond shape in the chains against your tire. Between each of those diamonds is the center rail, which should be placed down the middle of the tire tread.

   

8. Connect the Red Chain Along the Bottom. Now that the cable is connected on top, look for the red hook directly opposite the cable connection. Connect the red hook on the right to the first available gold link on the left. Push the connected chain over the top of the tire.

   The bottom of the chains includes a red draw chain with bungee on your right, and a chain guide on the left. Pull these out towards yourself.

   Take the long red chain and run it through the chain guide and pull as tight as you can with both hands. Don’t pull using the bungee. As you pull, one of the chain links will find its way into the notch on the red chain guide, locking it into place.

   

   Using the bungee end of the red chain, pull it through one or both of the red loops and secure it to a gold-side chain opposite the red loops. If you can’t get it through both loops, that’s ok, pull tight through one and attach it to a side chain to the left of the loop.

   

9. Repeat on Second Tire. Repeat these steps to install chains on the other side of your vehicle.

10. Drive Forward Slightly. The next step is to drive forward about 15 feet, or a full car length. This gives the chains a chance to relax and settle on your tires.

    

11. Re-tighten Chains. To take up any slack, unhook the rubber end of the red draw chain and pull it tight again. Once it’s tight, guide the red chain through the loops and, again, securely latch the bungee end to the gold-side chain.

    

The chains should be tight on the tire. And, be sure to stop if you hear them making any contact with your vehicle. If your chains are still loose, unhook the bungee and adjust the red hook straight across from the chain guide. Unhook and reattach to the tightest position on one of the three gold chain links. It’s okay if the extra links are hanging loosely. Now, you’re ready to reattach your bungee.

How to Drive with Snow Chains on Your Tires

While driving with tire chains, listen for a loud sound of slapping, or metal on metal. If you hear any indication that a chain may be broken or hitting your car, STOP as soon as safely possible. Loose or broken chains that flap can wrap around a strut or shock component, causing big damage to your vehicle. To help prevent damage, here are a few tips for driving when you have winter chains installed on your vehicle.

• Don’t go over 25 miles per hour, or else you can damage the chains or your vehicle
• Never drive on bare pavement
• Avoid locking or spinning your wheels by starting or braking suddenly

Removing Snow Chains from Your Tires

Pull over in a safe location and remove the chains. Start by unhooking the bungee and chain from the guide, removing them from the tensioner. Unlatch the red hook, and then undo the blue and yellow cable connection. Once all of your chains are off and lying flat on the ground, pull backward or forward slowly a few feet so you can safely pick them up.

How to Pack and Store Snow Chains

At the end of your trip, lay your chains out in the garage and let them dry. If you pack them wet, they can rust.

Also check them for wear, especially if you’ve driven them on asphalt for any distance. Look for flat spots, and replace the chains if you find some.

We’re Here to Help

Remember, if you don’t use your chains all winter long, you can return them with proof of purchase to any Les Schwab for a full refund in the spring.

Get your next set of Quick-Fit chains, along with a few tips on how to install them, at your local Les Schwab, where doing the right thing matters.

Want more tips on winter road safety? See 19 Winter Driving Resources You Can’t Do Without.

10 Tips for Long Distance Driving

Are you planning on taking a fun road trip or driving long distance? Safely getting there and back home again isn’t about luck. It’s about planning, maintenance, and a trip to your local Les Schwab. We have some long-distance driving tips to help you and your family enjoy every highway adventure, wherever you plan to go.

1. Get a Free Pre-Trip Safety Check at Les Schwab:

   Our pros will check the air pressure on all your tires including the spare. They’ll also do a visual inspection of your tires, wheels, alignment, shocks and struts, brakes, and battery. If we find anything, we’ll make recommendations to add safety to your road trip. Schedule your safety check now.

2. Assemble a Road Trip Safety Kit:

   Depending on the time of year, must-have items include water (for your vehicle), flares, a battery-operated radio, and a fully-charged jump-starter (which can be used to charge phones if your vehicle battery dies). You’ll also want seasonal or leather gloves, a hat (for either shading your face from the sun or a warm hat for warmth), and blanket to kneel on if you need to change a flat tire on the side of the road. Learn more about what to include in your road trip safety kit as well as these winter-specific driving tips.

3. Top Off All Fluids:

   Fill your gas tank right before you leave. Other fluids to check and fill as needed include your windshield wiper fluid, antifreeze, brake fluid, power-steering fluid, transmission fluid, and oil. For electric vehicles, charge the battery the night before. Double-check that your cup holder has your favorite fluid (soda, coffee, tea) ready to go.

   

4. Change the Oil:

   If it’s time to change the oil in your car or truck, some Les Schwab locations can help.

5. Check Your Visibility:

   This includes how well you can see the world and how well other drivers can see you. Check your windshield wipers, headlights (including your high and low beam bulbs), taillights, backup lights, and the lights on your rear license plate. Replace them as needed. Clean your side mirrors and remove the film on your headlight and fog light lenses.

6. Verify the Spare:

   Make sure it is properly inflated and that you have a jack. Confirm that your lug wrench fits the lugs on every wheel. If you have a locking lug on each wheel, be sure you have the socket key. Don’t have a spare tire in your vehicle? Check out our article titled Do I Even Need a Spare Tire.

7. Inspect Your Shocks and Struts:

   The shocks and struts on your vehicle help with ride control, comfort, and safety. The pros at Les Schwab can do a free visual inspection of your shocks and struts. If you’ll be towing a trailer, we’ll help ensure your tow vehicle’s shocks and struts can handle the load.

8. Get Plenty of Sleep Before Every Drive:

   This can help keep you awake and alert while behind the wheel. And take a quick pit stop every 100 miles, whether you need it or not. That break will help invigorate you and your passengers.

9. Bring Some Entertainment:

   Find an audiobook everyone will enjoy. Or suggest highway games such as “find all the state license plates,” “I spy,” and “20-questions highway edition.

10. Pack Snacks and Water:

    This can include healthy snacks, fruit, and pre-packaged meals that don’t require refrigeration. And don’t forget to pack plenty of water and other beverages.

Make Sure Your Car Is Ready To Go at Les Schwab

Schedule a free pre-trip safety check at any Les Schwab location. We’ll give your tires, wheels, battery, brakes, shocks, struts, and alignment a visual inspection and make recommendations if anything needs attention.

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Winter Driving Tips: Getting Real-time Road Conditions

People always want to talk about the weather. Not because it’s interesting, but because it has a huge impact on our daily lives. Especially if you’re driving in it. Lucky for all of us, technology has made predicting what the weather will do, and how to prepare for it, a lot easier.

Know what’s happening right now. Here in the west, we know the weather can change things. Current road condition resources are available with web cameras, current conditions, chain requirements, and extended forecasts.

Get your local forecast. AccuWeather offers a free hyperlocal app for Apple or Android devices. What is hyperlocal? It means you get a forecast based on your exact location.

Weather happens in the country too. That’s why the Weather Underground app for Apple and Android devices was created. Download it and get up-to-the-minute forecasts and information in your neck of the woods.

Plan Ahead in Any Weather

It’s probably no surprise that a lot of auto crashes happen in bad weather. Over 1.2 million of them a year. And almost half occur in the rain. You can avoid joining club fender bender by slowing down, especially on wet pavement and snow-covered roadways.

Winter Driving Tips: How to Drive in All Conditions

Living anywhere in the Western U.S. means you’ll eventually drive in the rain, snow, ice, or fog. Sometimes all on the same day.

If you’re driving at just 35 miles per hour on dry pavement and hit the brakes, you won’t stop right away. That’s obvious. But did you know it will take up to 97 feet to come to a complete stop? Rain, ice, and snow require even more distance. This winter, give the guy in front of you plenty of room.

Here are a few more of our favorite tips and resources that can help you navigate anything winter might throw your way.

• Hydroplaning can happen on slick roads. The heavier the rainfall, the more likely your vehicle is to leave the pavement and ride on top of the water – even if it’s just for a moment. This guide will show you what to do if it ever happens to you.
• Stay safe while driving on ice. These how-to icy driving tips will help keep you and your car on the road.
• Become a snow driving expert. This guide will teach you stopping distance, how to drive downhill, and where the road is most dangerous.
• Recover from a skid. Learn how to pull out of a skid, especially when you don’t want to be drifting around a hairpin curve on an icy mountain road.
• Drive safely in the fog. Check out these fog-related tips for those times when the thick stuff makes driving difficult.
• Download a winter driving guide. This one from Car and Driver has plenty of advice, including the difference between traction control and stability control. Hint: stability control is better for winter driving.

Want to know more? Learn about snow tires here.

Winter Driving Tips: How to Drive in Snow

According to the Federal Highway Administration, about a quarter of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on snowy, slushy or icy pavement and 15 percent happen during snowfall or sleet.

Now for the good news. With the right preparation, you can travel safely even when the weather turns on you. Hint: properly inflated tires in good condition are near the top of the list. This is a must so you have the traction you need.

When you find yourself driving on snow or you’re caught in a storm, remember the following advice on vehicle handling.

How to Drive on Snow and When It’s Snowing

• Here’s a winter driving checklist to prepare and stay safe.
• Clear off snow from windows, mirrors and roof before you leave. When you brake, snow on top can slide forward and cover your windshield.
• Brush off snow from your lights, so you have the best light on the road and other drivers can see you.
• Reduce your speed and leave more space between you and the vehicle ahead. A good following distance is about eight to 10 seconds from the other vehicle, depending on your tire tread, weight of your vehicle, road slope, amount of snow on the road, and visibility. You may want even more.

Stopping Distance on Packed Snow

• How much stopping distance will you need? For the reasons above, safe stopping distance varies by vehicle. For a cars traveling 35 mph on dry pavement, it can take anywhere from 60 to 97 feet for thinking and braking distance. Double that for driving on wet pavement. Triple it for packed snow. Ten times for icy roads. (See this stopping distances chart for calculations at multiple speeds.)

Avoid Skids

• Avoid sudden stops, abrupt downward gear shifts and quick direction changes. Brake gently to avoid skidding or sliding. If the wheels lock up, ease off the brakes.
• Know what to do before you go into a skid. Skid car classes on how to drive on slick roads are a great idea for young drivers and anyone else traveling by road a lot in winter.
• The rules for getting out of a skid depend on a lot of factors: whether you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), if you have front- or rear-wheel drive, if the road is icy, if you’re going downhill, if you have extra weight in your vehicle. Read more about skid correction.
• The way to drive downhill on packed snow depends on whether you have ABS. If so, start at the top of the hill as slowly as possible. Leave your auto in normal drive gear and use light, steady pressure on the brake pedal to stay at a safe speed. This allows your antilock braking system to maintain traction by making sure all four tires slow at the same rate when you apply the brakes. (Learn more here.) If you don’t have ABS, proceed slowly and lightly pump your brakes on the way down.

• Don’t be overconfident just because you have all-wheel drive (AWD). Here’s why. You'll get the best traction for driving in winter conditions with snow tires mounted on all four wheels.

Use Extra Caution

• Stay in your lane, especially when visibility’s bad from driving snow. Think twice about passing. More hours of darkness and foul weather mean we just don’t see as well on the road in winter.
• Give trucks and snowplows plenty of room. Stay well into your lane and don’t follow closely. Big vehicles blow a lot of snow around which lowers visibility.
• NEVER pass big vehicles on the right. Debris, rocks and ice that can crack your windshield get sprayed in all directions from snowplows.

• Don’t drive through snowdrifts. They may cause your vehicle to spin out of control.
• When it’s snowing, don’t use your brights. They will reduce, not improve, road visibility.
• If you’re noticing snow turn to sleet or ice, kick your defroster into high. If ice builds up on your windshield pull over when you’re in a safe place and use an ice scraper. Don’t try to squint through a small section of your windshield.
• Use extreme caution when approaching off-ramps, bridges and shady spots where snow or ice on the road may be worse.
• Never use cruise control in snow or when there’s a chance of ice. It can cause your tires to spin faster when you hit a slick spot then fishtail your vehicle when the tires regain traction.

About Using Snow Chains

• Carry chains and know how to use them, including which wheels you need to put them on.
• Near chain-up and removal areas, slow down even more and watch for people in the road.

• If you have to pull over because conditions are too bad to go on, get as far off on the shoulder as safely possible, turn off your headlights and turn on your hazard lights.

Remember that your best bet for driving this season is to make sure your tires can handle the winter conditions. Last but not least, be flexible. Sometimes it makes the most sense to stop somewhere for a while or the night to wait out the weather.

Read our winter driving series to learn how to avoid hydroplaning, to drive when it’s icy or foggy, and get real-time road conditions by state.

Winter Driving Tips: The Dangers of Using Just Two Snow Tires

When driving in winter conditions, including ice and snow, staying in control and on the road is the top priority that starts with equal traction on all four tires. Installing snow tires on just the front or back of your vehicle won’t do the job, and could put you and your family in danger. Here’s why it’s important to install snow tires on all four wheels before facing winter’s fury.

SHOP WINTER TIRES

Is it Okay to Put Snow Tires on the Front Only?

The short answer is no. Your vehicle might have front-wheel drive, but installing snow tires on the front and not all four wheels could end with you oversteering or fishtailing around corners or when applying the brakes in certain weather conditions — even at low speeds. Essentially, your back end will spin around, facing the front of your vehicle in the wrong direction. This can be especially bad if you’re out of control around a mountain corner and sliding into oncoming traffic.

Why does this happen? Even if there is no power to the back wheels, they still play a vital role in cornering and braking. All-season tires aren’t designed for cold weather and harden up when temperatures near freezing. Because they’re harder and have less traction, they easily slide on the snow and ice. Winter tires are designed for the cold and stay softer in low temperatures, helping provide grip.

Is it Okay to Put Snow Tires on the Back Only?

Again, the answer is no. Mostly. While it’s not recommended, the only time this could work is on rear-wheel-drive only vehicles. Even in these cases, we still recommend four matching snow tires for optimal performance. Anything else, including 4x4s, front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive vehicles should have a full set of snow tires for best traction. Installing a set of snow tires on just the back wheels can easily cause your vehicle to understeer.

Why does this happen? When the front wheels have no traction it can become difficult to steer and stop. At that point, your front wheels are only helping guide your vehicle. Where you end up on the road is anyone’s guess. Additionally, installing snow tires on the rear only can cause anti-lock brakes and electronic traction control systems to malfunction.

Get Your Tire Chains and Snow Tires at Les Schwab

The weather can shift and worsen quickly in the West. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a full set of snow tires and carry traction devices for your vehicle. Stop by your local Les Schwab for expert advice on the right tires and chains for your car or truck. Check out our article How to: Choose Snow Tires for advice on finding the right snow tires for your needs.

Winter Driving Tips: Top Safety Reminders

There are always a million things to do when you’re heading out for the weekend. But planning ahead for winter driving can really pay off. All it takes is a few safe driving tips and checklists.

• Don’t use cruise control on slick surfaces. When it’s raining or snowing, cruise control can spin your tires and send your vehicle out of control.
• Create a winter driving safety kit. Already have an ice scraper for your windshield? Congratulations! You’re almost there. Here's a quick list of other items you may want.
• Learn how to drive on ice and snow with AAA.Whether you grew up driving in the winter or not, it’s always good to refresh your skills with these easy-to-understand tips.
• Print our before-you-go checklist. These quick infographics list out everything you’ll need for your winter drive.
• Know what to do if you get stuck in the snow. You might be one of the lucky few who never gets stuck, but, to be prepared, check out these helpful tips.

Be Ready for Any Weather

Even if the roads are clear when you head to work, they can be covered in snow and ice on the way home. The same goes for any weekend away, driving up to the slopes, over the passes, or through the canyons. Be prepared by getting your vehicle winter ready. That includes checking your tire pressure, tread, tires and devices.

Not to Worry: 27 Tips for Safest Night Driving

Driving at night can be a travel delight. Your favorite playlist, the open road, a feeling of adventure — what could be better?

But night driving brings into play some serious safety issues. The overall nighttime crash rate is about one-and-a-half times the daytime rate. Night crashes are statistically more severe, with the fatality rate three to four times that of daylight crashes.

The main problem is lower visibility. Visual cues like pavement markings and road signs are harder to see. Your depth perception, ability to make out colors and peripheral vision are all worse at night. Older drivers can be especially challenged: A 50-year-old driver may need twice as much light to see as well as the average 30-year-old.

Another safety issue is fatigue. Our bodies are programmed to get sleepy when it’s dark. If you are a parent taking advantage of young kids’ sleep time to log travel miles, you may be fighting exhaustion.

Plus, it takes a lot more concentration to drive at night. Here are some tips for getting to your destination safely during your night travels.

Before Your Night Travel

1. Have the right tires mounted for the time of year, and make sure they’re properly inflated.

SHOP TIRES

2. Avoid having to change a flat after dark by checking your tires for wear. Uneven or too much tread wear makes tire failure more likely.

3. Adjust your headlight beams. The aim can get a bit off over time, when the assembly loosens or your vehicle suspension sags. Follow the instructions in your vehicle owner’s manual or in this video.


4. Make sure your headlights are clean. If they look foggy or hazy, you can polish them in a few minutes with some toothpaste and car wax to get a lot more light on the road.

5. Clean your windshield. Glass with smudges or streaks on the inside or dirt on the outside make it even harder to see when it’s dark. You’ll also get tired quicker from straining to see.


6. Dirty mirrors can increase glare. Clean your side mirrors and adjust them slightly downward so you can keep glare from other cars’ headlights out of your eyes.


7. Refer to our summer road trip checklist or winter road trip checklist to make sure everything else on your vehicle is ready.

While You’re Underway

8. Turn your headlights on an hour before the sun goes down and keep them on an hour after dawn. This improves your visibility to other drivers when the sun is low in the sky.


9. Stay within the speed limit. You can’t see as far at night. With your low beams on, you can only see a maximum of about 250 feet in front of you on unlit roads. You’ll need that much or more to come to a stop, depending on your speed and the road conditions.


10. Keep alert by frequently checking all your mirrors. Staring straight ahead for long periods will strain your eyes and lower your attention level.


11. Don’t fight drooping eyelids or wait until you’re nodding off to stop. Do something to get your blood flowing and increase your attention, like doing a few stretches or taking a short walk. Get yourself a cup of coffee, or even take a short nap.

12. Any time you need to stop, pull as far over onto the shoulder as you safely can and turn on your hazard lights.


13. Clean your windshield whenever you make a pit stop or fill up your gas tank. Extra wiper fluid and a clean towel or some rags are good items to have in a road trip safety kit. Create one for summer and one for winter.


14. Increase your following distance. Know that feeling when someone is tailgating you with their headlights shining into your rear-view mirror? It’s nerve-racking and the glare in your eyes can make it even harder to see potential problems ahead or by the roadside. Give yourself and others enough space to react.


15. Watch roadsides for the reflections of animals’ eyes. Slow way down if you spot them. If you see one deer, there are likely others, so go slowly to be sure you’re past them all.

16. Turn off interior lights. They can create glare that makes it harder to see the road.


17. Dim your dashboard lights.


18. Keep your car clear of cigarette smoke. It reduces vision.


19. Don’t look directly into oncoming headlights. If light from a car coming the other way is blinding or creates glare, watch the white fog line on the right side of the road. You’ll still be able to see the oncoming traffic through peripheral vision while staying in your lane.


20. Use high beams when there aren’t oncoming cars and it's right for the road conditions (no fog or heavy rain). They let you see about twice as far ahead as your low beams (350 to 500 feet) and expand your field of vision to the road shoulders. You must turn them to back to low at least 500 feet from an approaching vehicle and when you're within 200 to 300 feet of the vehicle you’re following.


21. Use your fog lights for better visibility if it’s truly foggy, but don’t if it’s not. Using them when it’s clear out is unsafe for other drivers and may be a traffic violation.


22. Only use any auxiliary lights you’ve mounted on your vehicle if they’re approved for road use. They can blind other drivers and make it hard for your eyes to adjust when you switch down to regular beams.


23. If your rearview mirror has a night setting, use it.


24. When you see signs for construction zones, be prepared for redirected traffic lanes, equipment and rough roads.


25. Be on the lookout for people on foot or bike. Not everyone knows to wear reflective gear.

26. Put down your cellphone. It’s a dangerous distraction, day or night, and it’s a traffic violation in many states to use your cell while driving.


27. Above all, be a defensive driver during weekend nights, when there are more drunk drivers on the road.

Night driving can be a great way to beat the traffic and enjoy a little peace and quiet. Just be prepared and drive smart.

Get a free pre-trip safety check at any Les Schwab Tires.

7 Things To Do When Your Car is Stuck in Snow

A blizzard is on the way. You’ve stocked up on candles, hot cocoa and batteries. But what if you have to leave the house? Do you know how to get your car out of the snow if you get stuck?

From driving techniques to using props, here are seven ways to get your car moving again, plus some advice about how to prepare for a snowstorm.

Before It Snows

There are two key things to do BEFORE the storm arrives to be sure you can get your vehicle back on the road after a big snow. They can make the difference between looking like a genius and having huge hassles.

Have the right tires in the right condition.

If you live somewhere where storms can bring a foot or two of snow at once, you should definitely be running snow tires, not all-season tires. (Find out how to choose snow tires.) Before the snow starts falling, get your air pressure checked and make sure your tire tread’s in the proper condition.

Keep a snow shovel in your vehicle.

Not only will this come in handy for you, but you may also be a hero to those who are caught unprepared. (Speaking of preparedness, here’s a winter safety kit checklist of other items to keep in your car so you’re ready for pretty much any winter road condition.)

Before You Turn Your Vehicle On

Turn off traction control.

Both drive wheels will need to have traction for you to get unstuck. These are the front tires on a front-wheel-drive and the rear tires on rear-wheel drive, AWD and 4WD vehicles. Turn off the car’s traction control system (usually with a button somewhere on the dashboard or console).

Clear a path around the tires.

• Starting with the drive tires, dig the snow out from in front, underneath and in back. Clear a path long enough for wheels to move forward and back a few feet, assuming you have that much space on either end of the car. Remove any snow around the tires that’s higher than the ground clearance of the car. Dig out snow from under the front of your car. If you’re high-centered, with snow or ice under the vehicle blocking your exit, you won’t be going anywhere.
  
  If you don’t have a shovel handy, try using a screwdriver, ice scraper or another tool to at least break up any ice that’s formed below the tires. A rougher surface area provides more traction.


• Also dig out the tailpipe before you start the engine. People have lost their lives from carbon monoxide building up inside a vehicle when they didn’t know the exhaust pipe was blocked.

1. The Forward-and-Back Technique

Start your vehicle, roll down your window and take off your hat or earmuffs so you can hear clearly. Even better, stick your head out the window to watch your front tire. You’ll get the best traction by straightening the wheel, so do this as much as your parking situation allows.

Put your vehicle in the lowest gear. If you’ve got a four-wheel drive SUV or pickup, engage the low-range gearing. Move forward just a bit.

Now slowly back up. Don’t rev the engine. Stop, then put it in forward and apply a little gas. This can tamp down loose snow and maybe give you enough traction to get out.

Listen carefully. If you hear any tire spinning, take your foot off the gas immediately.

2. The Braking Technique

If your vehicle didn’t move at all or a tire is spinning, try braking while at the same time that you’re giving a little gas. This should decrease the spinning and transfer some power to that wheel.

If you have a front-wheel-drive and there aren’t curbs or other cars blocking your way, try turning the wheels slightly the other way and see if that gives you more traction.

Don’t try this braking method for more than a few seconds. It can overheat your brakes which can compromise braking until they’ve cooled down.

3. Find Some Muscle

Sometimes a push from a few Good Samaritans will do the trick. Be 100 percent sure you use only the gear that keeps pushers out of harm’s way (Forward gear only if they're pushing your vehicle from behind.). Ask your helpers to push on the count of three as you gently apply the gas.

4. Use Snow Chains

If you’re still stuck and you have snow chains, it’s time to chain up. That almost always does the trick.

5. The Rocking Technique

If you don’t have chains, and your vehicle is moving forward some but then stopping, try “rocking” back and forth between forward and reverse gears. Give it a little gas just as the vehicle starts to swing forward out of reverse. This may give you enough momentum to drive out. But be aware that this kind of rapid shifting can overload your transmission. Only try it a few times or you could end up with expensive damage. It will be much cheaper to just call a tow truck.

6. Add Traction with Sand, Kitty Litter or Cardboard

If you’re still spinning, you can put something on the ground to add traction that won’t damage your tires. Try sprinkling sand or kitty litter in front of the drive tires (and behind them if you’re planning on backing out).

DON’T EVER USE ANTIFREEZE TO TRY TO MELT SNOW AND ICE. Antifreeze is toxic to children, pets, and wild animals, and it can find its way through storm drains to waterways where it can poison marine animals. Plus, in some states, it’s illegal to pour antifreeze on the ground. Using salt as a deicer is also a bad idea for the environment — and your vehicle. It’s corrosive to metal (like the undercarriage of your car) and becomes less effective below 25 degrees Fahrenheit anyway.

Another way to get traction is to lay cardboard, plywood, two-by-fours or even your vehicle’s floor mats down in front of the drive tires (or behind them if you’re starting in reverse). If you’re in the middle of nowhere, you can use weeds or branches from the side of the road. But caution: Clear the area and go very easy when accelerating. Sometimes the wheels can make whatever you put down for traction shoot out. And be aware your mats could get ruined. Again, it’s probably less out of your pocketbook to get a tow truck.

7. Let a Bit of Air Out of Your Tires

The last resort is to let a little air out of your tires, just enough so they look visibly lower. Only do this if you have a way to get them quickly refilled someplace close by. Driving on underinflated tires puts more rubber in contact with the ground and will give you better traction for a short distance. But driving this way isn’t safe and it could damage your tires if it’s a long way to the filling station.

Be Prepared When Your Car Does Break Free

If you’re in forward gear, don’t stop right away but drive somewhere you can see there’s less snow and you can safely stop. If you’re in reverse, keep backing up for a few yards, then take your foot off the gas. The snow will stop you. Next, put it in low gear and gently accelerate forward in the tracks you’ve made, just fast enough to break through where you were stuck.

Once You’re Unstuck from the Snow

Re-engage your traction control system, if you turned it off. If you engaged your low-range 4WD, disengage. Make sure your radiator has air flow. Snow packed into the front of the grille can cause engine overheating.

Go immediately to the closest service station and refill your tires if you let any air out.

If you notice a vibration in your steering wheel, check for snow packed into your wheels. Pull over someplace safe and knock the snow or ice out with an ice scraper or shovel.

Want a complete list of resources for winter driving safety? Here’s our guide for safe driving in winter, from prepping your vehicle to driving in bad conditions.

Important Notice: The information provided above is from a variety of resources deemed reasonably reliable. The operation of your vehicle, or the repair or replacement of your vehicle’s equipment, may be different than for a typical vehicle. Please consult your owner’s manual for specific warnings, notices, and other advice relative to the above.

What You Need to Know About Road Conditions Right Now

If you’re traveling by car this winter, you’re going to want to bookmark the following guide for Western states, so you can find out what you need to know about road conditions right now. See current road reports, Road Cams, chain requirements, Weather Reports and Winter Storm Warnings for Alaska, California, Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Guide to Real-time Road Conditions in Western States

For more on winter road safety, see our guide 19 Winter Driving Resources You Can’t Do Without.

How to Drive Safely in High Winds

The times to be cautious during high or gusting wind are when you’re driving a pickup, SUV, RV, van or bus; you’re towing or hauling; or you’re traveling on a multilane road with lots of large vehicles. The taller and broader the vehicle, the more surface area for wind to shove against. A big gust can force a truck or trailer suddenly into another lane or cause a rollover.

Also, if you have new tires or tall-tread-block tires like MTs, be aware that side-to-side movement from strong crosswinds may feel exaggerated.

To drive safely in high winds:

1. Make sure your tires are properly inflated for best traction.


2. Leave more time and slow down.


3. If blowing dust or driving rain are factors, turn on your headlights to improve visibility.


4. Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.


5. Compensate by steering slightly against a consistent side wind.


6. Don’t overcorrect if you get blown off course by a short gust.


7. Make steering corrections when driving from areas protected from wind to open areas. Be extra vigilant on bridges, overpasses and open straightaways where wind can spike.


8. Be prepared for unpredictable gusts when driving through underpasses, road cuts between hills and tunnels.


9. Watch for debris in the road.


10. Give other high-profile vehicles, like semis, a lot of room.


11. Pull over someplace safe if conditions become dangerous.


12. Once you’re at your destination, park away from trees and power lines.

Tire Performance in Strong Wind

High wind causes a vehicle to lift a bit, which reduces the necessary friction between your tires and the pavement. A really large surface, like the side of a fifth wheel, can act like a sail on a sailboat. A wind gust can suddenly pick up such a trailer and force it into another lane or off the road, especially if the blacktop is wet, which also reduces traction.

This effect is exaggerated when tires aren’t fully inflated or when you’re carrying a load. There’s more roll in the tire sidewall and your handling won’t be as responsive.

Be extra vigilant when you have new tires or tires with high lug-to-tread ratio and tall tread blocks, like all-terrain or mud tires. Such tires have more squirm in wind gusts, much like a skyscraper will sway more in high wind than a short building.

Driving in High Winds

If you’re towing a trailer or fifth wheel, driving a lifted truck or RV or hauling a heavy load, consider waiting out the conditions. Before you leave, check your state’s travel advisories. Travel may be not recommended or even be prohibited depending on vehicle type.

The National Weather Service also puts out alerts, including wind advisories. Weather warnings are available by county and zone (scroll down) and updated every few minutes.

The most important thing to remember is to slow down. You’ll have more time to react if you get blown sideways or another driver does.

How to Drive Safely on Ice: Top Tips for Keeping Your Car on the Road

When icy roadways are involved, the most important thing you can do to avoid an auto accident is not drive at all. Even if you have to reschedule that key meeting at work or delay that trip you’ve had planned for so long, think about staying home when conditions are bad or forecast to get worse.

If you’re caught trying to get somewhere when freezing rain starts and the highway becomes better for hockey than driving, here are 17 general tips for driving safely on black ice and snow. Of course, you should always carefully review your owner’s manual for any warnings, notices, or other advice specific to your vehicle.

17 Tips for Driving on Black Ice or Snow

1. Have the right winter tires, properly inflated. Winter tires are worth it, especially if you might be encountering ice. See why in this video that shows stopping ability of winter tires compared to all-season tires.


2. Carry chains and if the road gets slick, use them.


3. Don’t be overconfident about traction just because you have a four-wheel or all-wheel drive. These vehicles don’t stop or steer better on ice than regular old two-wheel drives. Even snow tires may not give you full traction on ice.

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Ease up on the Gas

4. Slow way down. If you do go into a skid you’re less likely to do your vehicle or yourself damage.


5. Accelerate and apply brakes slowly.


6. Increase your following distance. You’ll need ten times the stopping distance compared to what you’re used to on dry pavement.



7. Don’t even think about passing other vehicles. And if someone tries to pass you, gently steer to the shoulder as far as you safely can to give more room.

How to Tell If the Road’s Icing Up

8. Don’t use your car thermometer as the only judge of how slippery the road is. Air temperature warms quicker than pavement. So even when your thermometer says it’s above freezing the roadway may still be frozen. Look for ice on your wipers, side view mirrors, road signs or trees as other signs that extra caution is needed.


9. Avoid driving at night or very early in the morning when it’s coldest.


10. You can’t always see ice coming. Black ice is thin ice that actually looks like water on the road. Again, watch for signs of icing up elsewhere and keep these tips in mind when you’re driving on black ice..





11. Be extra vigilant on bridges, overpasses and ramps. They’re the first to freeze and the last to thaw. They get colder than asphalt because they’re concrete and there’s no insulation provided by the ground.


12. Also be alert when you’re changing elevation. On mountain passes, the worst patches of road are often the icy spots in shaded corners.


13. If you notice rain or snow turning to freezing rain while you’re driving, crank the defroster on high. Don’t let ice stick on your windshield. It’s unsafe to try to see through a small part of the windshield and just keep going. Pull over someplace safe and scrape it off. If you’ve purchased a tire from us, you’ll have the advantage of the Les Schwab Tire Warranty, including our no-hassle road hazard protection, a 60-day satisfaction guarantee, and free tire maintenance including flat repairs, rotations, rebalancing, air checks, and our free pre-trip safety check. Find a store near you to take advantage of these safety offerings before you head out on a winter trip.

Tire Stores Near You

Avoiding Skidding on Black Ice

14. How to drive downhill in slick conditions: if you have anti-lock brakes (ABS) start at the top of the hill as slowly as possible, leaving your vehicle in normal drive gear. Use light, steady pressure on the brake pedal to maintain the right speed. This allows your braking system to maintain traction. If you don’t have ABS, start slowly and keep it slow by lightly pumping the brakes.





15. Never use cruise control in icy conditions. It can cause your wheels to spin at different speeds and may make you lose steering control.


16. If your vehicle suddenly feels like it’s floating, take your foot off the gas but don’t slam on your brakes, which can cause you to skid.


17. The best way to be safe while driving in icy conditions is to be patient. Let vehicles that tailgate you go by and take your time.

Read more in the full series on all you need to know to drive safely on winter roads, including how to avoid hydroplaning, how to drive in snow, and real-time Western winter road conditions by state.

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How to Drive Safely on Mountain Roads

Driving in the mountains is different from city and highway driving. There are the added rise and decline in elevation, narrowing and winding roadways, and the ever-present possibility of snow and ice. We’ve put together some tips to help you safely navigate your way over the mountains, regardless of the time of year.

Watch the Weather Forecast

If the passes seem too treacherous for you, wait it out. Weather conditions can change overnight. In addition, county and state road crews often grade and add materials (rocks and chemicals) to roadways to melt ice and add grip.

Always be Prepared

Fill up your gas tank before you leave. Driving up and down mountain passes at slower speeds can burn a lot more fuel than regular driving. In addition, check your defroster, wiper blades, and headlights and top-off all your fluids, including wiper fluid and antifreeze. Finally, come by Les Schwab and we’ll check your tire pressure and tire condition, battery, and brakes as part of our free, pre-trip safety check. We’ve put together some additional tips to get you ready to drive in the mountains and in winter conditions.

Slow Down (a lot)

It’s not how you drive, but how you arrive that matters. Slowing down on snow and ice-covered mountain roads is the best way to reach your destination without getting in an accident or losing control. Check out our article, Winter Driving Tips: How to Drive in the Snow. In addition, we have some more advice to safely navigate mountain roads:

• Leave early and give yourself plenty of time. There’s enough stress with driving in winter conditions, you don’t need to add to it by feeling rushed.
• Avoid using cruise control. Your tires could spin too fast on snow and ice, reducing your control.
• Maintain a safe distance. It takes a lot longer to stop on ice and snow. On snow, it can take upwards of 180 feet. That’s the length of two semi-trucks. And on ice, it could take up to 600 feet to come to a complete stop. That’s the length of two football fields.
• Ease up on the gas. Slow acceleration and easing off the gas can help keep you in control.
• Shift down instead of constantly braking. If you drive an automatic, use your vehicle’s lower gear settings. Keeping your vehicle in a single gear can help improve traction. Plus it ensures you maintain a slow speed.
• Don’t pass unless it’s absolutely necessary. Again, the best way to get there without incident is to slow down.
• Don’t hug the centerline. If you skid or lose control, you don’t want to drift into oncoming traffic.
• Use snow chains. When you do, stay below 25 miles per hour and avoid sudden starts and stops.
• Invest in a set of winter tires. They are made from a special compound that stays flexible in temperatures below 40-degrees (40º F), giving them more grip in winter conditions.

Get Unstuck

If you get stuck in the snow, don’t spin your wheels. Instead, turn off traction control and put your vehicle into its lowest gear. Then give your tires something to grip. Floor mats or cardboard work great. Don’t forget to turn the traction control back on after you’re on the road.

Don’t Rely on Electronics

Map apps and your car’s navigation might work great in the city, but up in the mountains it pays to have a paper map as a backup. Print out your directions, including alternate routes in case of road closures, before going over the pass.

Watch for Springtime Ice on the Roads

Icy roads can catch even the best drivers off guard. Watch for ice in the shade where temperatures can fall below freezing. To avoid skids and losing control, watch your speed going into shaded corners. Also, watch for ice on bridges and overpasses.

Get Ready for Mountain Driving at Les Schwab

The weather can shift and worsen quickly in the West. Especially at higher elevations. Your local Les Schwab can help you decide if you need a set of winter tires. We can also check your vehicle’s most important safety components before you travel. Stop by today or schedule your free, pre-trip safety check now.

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How to Get Your Car Unstuck From the Mud

Getting out is the first priority when you have a vehicle stuck in mud. Yes, mud-terrain (M/T) tires are a smart option if you plan to do any off-road travel. But even the best tires can leave your SUV, light truck, or crossover stranded if the mud is thick enough. We have some tips to help get your vehicle unstuck.

What Are Mud-Terrain (M/T) Tires

M/T tires feature deep tread and wide channels designed to improve grip and traction, as well as move water and expel rocks from the tire surface. They’re perfect for gravel roads, backcountry lanes, unsteady or muddy surfaces, and forest roads best described as makeshift trails.

Choose a Set of M/T Tires From Les Schwab:

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as they say. A set of M/T tires for your SUV, light truck, or crossover is a great way to avoid getting stuck in the mud — and if you are stuck, they can help you get out. Stop by and tell us what kind of off-road conditions you plan to face and what you drive. We’ll show you all the options and help you make the best choice.

Stuck in the Mud: What Not to Do.

Okay. You’re already stuck in the mud. Now what? Here are a few things you should NOT do if you want to quickly be free from the muddy mess.

8 Things to Help Prepare for and Deal With Muddy Roads

You know what not to do when you’re stuck in the mud. Now we have 8 tips to help free your vehicle or avoid getting stuck in the first place.

Find Yourself in Mud Often? Try Mud Tires!

The pros at Les Schwab can help you find the right M/T tires for exceptional backcountry traction on almost any road. Whatever adventure you have planned, M/T tires can get you there.

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