Whether you’re a native, a new resident, or a tourist, driving in Colorado winter weather can be dangerous if you’re not prepared. The unexpected can happen when snow and ice are on the road — take extra precautions to prepare you and your vehicle for winter road conditions.
Is it safe to drive through the mountains in the winter?
Here are some tips on safe winter driving in the mountains:
Motorists should carry a winter emergency kit that includes shovel, flashlight, blanket, food and water and extra warm clothing. Plan to start early and complete your drive during daylight hours.
Is it safe to drive through the Rockies in winter?
Yes, sometimes snowstorms will close the road for a few hours, but they always re-open. Much of the time, the road is dry and clear. Any road that is open is safe to drive in the winter.
Do you need snow tires in Colorado?
Colorado’s new Traction Law took effect August 2, 2019, and drivers need to be ready for the changes it mandates this winter by getting their snow tires out of seasonal tire storage. Chain Law Traction Bill HB 1207 is a 2-part law.
Is it safe to drive to Colorado in November?
It is safe to drive most of the time. Millions of people live in Colorado and we drive here all year round. There is a possibility of storms that time if year anything from a minor nuisance to closing roads temporarily on mountain passes. You will have to go over passes to get to western Colorado.
How do people drive in the mountains in the snow?
Snow in the mountains: 10 safe driving tips
- Brake it down. Make sure your brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, heater and exhaust system are in top condition.
- Fluid fruition.
- View and blue.
- Check your tires.
- Always carry chains.
- Be prepared.
- You never know.
- Map it out.
Is it safe to drive through the Rocky Mountains?
Thanks to the Interstate highway system, mountain road travel can be very safe and enjoyable even during inclement weather. Still, things can happen unexpectedly, especially if you are driving at night.
What does Colorado use on icy roads?
CDOT uses two types of solid de-icers: Ice Slicer—Made of granular salt and magnesium chloride. Sand or Sand/Salt Mixture—Mainly used in the high elevations and the eastern plains where more extreme cold temperatures exist and more traction is needed.
What should you not do while driving in the snow?
Drive in Snow: What Not to Do
- Drive Fast. If the roads are snowy or icy, slow down!
- Make Sudden Lane Changes. Want to spin out on a slippery road?
- Slam on the Brakes. Modern cars have darned good anti-lock braking systems.
- Mash on the Gas.
- Look at Your Phone.
- Drive on Bald Tires.
- Think Your 4×4 Is Invincible.
How do people survive winter in Colorado?
The best advice is to dress in layers. Mornings can be downright cold, but as the sun begins to warm the surroundings, you’ll be stripping away those layers faster than a hot knife through butter. A heavy coat and snow gear, like insulated boots, are a must, especially if you’re heading up to the mountains.
How do I prepare my car in Colorado?
Whether you’re a native, a new resident, or a tourist, driving in Colorado winter weather can be dangerous if you’re not prepared.
Be Prepared for the Road
- Windshield wiper fluid.
- Heater/Defroster.
- Wiper Blades.
- Radiator/Antifreeze.
- Lights.
- Fuel System and a full tank of gas.
- Ignition.
- Exhaust System.
Do I need 4WD in Colorado?
The first question many new comers have is “Do I need a 4-wheel drive?”, the answer is no. Most cars are equipped with all wheel drive, which will handle the Colorado winter roads just fine. It’s important to remember that 4-wheel drives may get you through the deep powder, however they do help stop on the ice.
Do you need studded tires in Colorado?
Snow tires are probably the best bet for Colorado winter driving. However, drivers can use studded tires if they wish. Colorado has no restrictions on studded snow tires at this time.
Can you drive in snow without winter tires?
What provinces have mandatory winter tires? While winter tires are recommended and encouraged for all Canadian drivers, there are only two provinces where winter tires are mandatory by law: Quebec and British Columbia.
Is it OK to drive in the snow?
How much snow you can drive in really depends on the vehicle you’re driving. Driving in six or more inches is not a problem if you have a vehicle with big snow tires. With keen attention to road conditions and good-quality snow tires, you can safely drive in four inches of snow.
How do you drive on icy roads?
How to drive on snow and icy roads
- Gently accelerate the vehicle using low revs and shift to a higher gear as quickly as possible.
- Maintain a greater braking distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you, especially in conditions like rain, ice and snow; leave as much as ten times the usual recommended gap.
What do u do when your car starts to skid?
What Should You Do If Your Vehicle Is Skidding?
- Take your feet off the pedals. Don’t brake, and don’t accelerate.
- Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to go.
- As the vehicle turns back, steer in the other direction to stop turning and return to your path of travel.
- Don’t jerk the steering wheel!
Should you pump your brakes on ice?
You do not have to pump your brakes. In fact, if you pump them while braking hard, you will lose the benefits of the ABS. During emergency hard braking, apply firm pressure to the brake pedal; do not take your foot off the brake until your vehicle comes to a full stop. Essentially, brake and steer.
How do you not skid in snow?
Accelerate, brake, steer and change gear as smoothly as possible to reduce the risk of a skid. A higher gear may be more appropriate to aid grip on packed ice. This helps manage engine power delivery, making it easier to find traction.
When driving down a mountain you should never?
Don’t go down a mountain road any faster than you can go up it. Don’t use your brakes to hold your downhill speed. Down shift to S or L – the only time you should step on your brake pedal is to slow while you are shifting down to a lower gear. Resist the temptation of zooming down a hill.
Is it better to drive or fly to Colorado?
Airfare should be less affected by high fuel prices than gas-powered road trips. Driving could still be best over short distances or with a large group. Keep the high cost of renting a car (to drive to your destination or when you arrive after a flight) in mind.