There is nothing like escaping the city to enjoy the outdoor recreation of Lake Tahoe and Truckee. During winter however, it is not uncommon to experience road closures and delays. Driving on ice and snow can also present challenges unfamiliar to city drivers.
These tips will ensure you are prepared and enjoy a safe ride on snow-covered mountain roads:
DRIVING
Highway 80 will have chain control check points when a snowstorm hits Donner Summit. If you have a four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle, you will not need chains. However, don’t assume that AWD or chains will make the road less icy. You still need to drive with caution.
Don’t be in a hurry – slow down. You will find that it is harder to control and stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface. You will need to increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to prepare for the extra time needed to stop on icy roads.
Be deliberate, gentle and gradual with the steering wheel and brakes. If you do feel the car skidding on a wet surface, never stab the brakes, but pump them gently. Release the accelerator rather than braking when possible. If the rear of the vehicle slides in one direction, turn the steering wheel in the same direction until the tires regain traction.
On Donner Summit, there will be many snow plows so give them plenty of space. It is dangerous to attempt to pass them and you will have a safer time driving on roads that have been plowed. They may stop or make wide turns, so give them plenty of space. If you do choose to pass a snow plow, do so with extreme caution.
CAR SEATS
While you may typically dress your children in winter coats for the ride, heavy coats may interfere with the proper harness of a child’s car seat. It is better to dress them in warm layers and place a blanket or coat around the child once they are harnessed in the seat.
WINDSHIELD WIPERS
CAL TRANS typically uses a dirt and saline mixture on the mountain roads. Along with clearing the snow, it may be dirty snow. You will find that you will go through a lot of windshield wiper fluid, so make sure your reservoir is full. You may also want to use a high quality, winter fluid that includes a de-icer.
Make sure your windshield wipers are in good working order. Visibility will be limited by falling snow, but worn out wiper blades will make visibility impossible. Next to tires, your windshield wipers are an important part of driving in snow.
Additionally, when travelling while snow is falling, ice and snow will build up on your windshield. Ensure your defroster is working properly. If you wait until the ice has built up to turn on the defroster, you will have a more difficult time clearing ice from the windshield. Have the defroster on continuously while driving in the snow.
STOCK YOUR VEHICLE
Whenever traveling over Donner Summit, prepare for long delays. Highway 80 can close for hours with no access to any off ramp. If you are stopped in your car for a long period of time, you will want to have supplies with you that include:
- snow shovel, ice scraper and broom
- bag of sand or kitty litter
- jumper cables, flashlight and warning sign or flashers
- blankets, gloves and boots
- cell phone charger
- water, food and medicine
Because you may be running the car to keep it warm for long periods, make sure to gas up prior to ascending the summit. There are gas stations in Colfax and Applegate, so even if you filled up in the Bay Area or Sacramento, you may want to ensure your tank is full.
In the event that you are stopped on the freeway, stay warm and inside your vehicle. Ensure that your running vehicle has plenty of clearance for exhaust to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Remove any snow that may be gathering around the exhaust pipe.
CAL TRANS and CHP are great at getting the roads cleared quickly, so be patient. Road closures typically last only an hour or less to allow for plowing or to remove a vehicle that has spun out ahead of you. Taking it slow will ensure that it is not your vehicle that spins out.
Contact me today to learn more about Lake Tahoe and Truckee mountain life. I’d love to help you find your dream home or can provide a free home evaluation.
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