By Bob Williams

Dec. 3 (World Wide News) – As a skier, you know that keeping your cool, and good prep, are the keys to a great ski day. The same is true, of course, when you’re driving dark winding winter roads.

A little bit of tactical knowledge, good vehicle preparation and the right equipment goes a long way toward successful winter driving.

Here, then, are some strategies to make your trips to the slopes safer and more comfortable.

Sure it’s cold outside, and you just want to get going quickly, but before you hit the road, scrape or brush all the snow and ice off your vehicle. Not just the windows, but head- and tail-lights, mirrors and wiper blades.

And don’t get lazy and skip the roof. Large slabs of snow can peel off the roof at speed and endanger trailing motorists.

Snow and ice will continue to cake up as you drive, so plan to stop periodically to clear crusted snow so as to maximize visibility. And don’t forget to kick the build-up out of the wheel wells, where it can affect your ability to effectively steer your vehicle.

Too much or heavy clothing makes it difficult to move fast and efficiently if you have to take evasive maneuvers.

The passenger cabin of your vehicle will warm up quickly, so avoid driving while wearing a ski parka or ski gloves – especially mittens! The base layers you use for skiing topped by a fleece should keep you warm and agile during a long drive. Use lightweight spring skiing or driving gloves to keep your hands warm until the steering wheel loses its chill.

Keep a continuous flow of warm – not hot – air circulating. Hot air makes you drowsy. You can use your vehicle’s climate control recirculation setting to warm the cabin faster, but make sure to set it back to fresh air when you hit the road, or the stale air will also sap your ability to concentrate.

Use low beams and fog lights (if your vehicle is so equipped) in falling snow. High beams reflect back off the flakes and create a dizzying, Star Trek-like hyperspeed effect that substantially reduces visibility.

When driving in sloppy road conditions, it is vital to avoid panicking during the few seconds of blindness that occur when your windshield is slathered by spray from oncoming or passing vehicles.

Anticipation is the key. Memorize the direction the road was heading for the next few hundred feet so you can continue to accurately pilot your vehicle even when you can’t see. Back off the accelerator so you’ll reduce the distance you’ll cover, but don’t hit the brakes. That may send you into a skid. Make sure your wipers are set on high and hit the fluid release immediately in case the deluge is muddy.

Winter isn’t just the time to switch your clothing but also your vehicle’s motor oil. Even a multiweight summer oil may be too thick in extremely cold temperatures and make it difficult to start your car and effectively lubricate vital engine parts.

If your owner’s manual permits, consider installing a more viscous cold weather multigrade oil, such as a 5W30. The number with the “W” refers to the oil’s viscosity (ability to flow) under cold or “winter” conditions. The second number refers to the oil’s viscosity under warm conditions. The lower the numbers, the thinner the oil.

Check tire pressure frequently during the winter months. And don’t forget the spare. Tires lose an average of one pound per month through routine leakage, and cold makes the air inside contract, further reducing pressure. For every 10 degrees F drop in outside temperature, a tire’s inflation pressure will change by about one pound.

Always keep your gas tank at least half full and top off when you reach your destination. A full fuel load also keeps condensation from forming in the empty tank space. The resulting moisture can freeze and clog fuel lines.

Make sure your windshield wipers are in good shape. They’ll be working overtime in the winter slop. Consider installing special winter blades with rubber boots and cover the metal frames. They keep snow and ice from caking up on the blades.

Check your windshield washer fluid lever before you head out on either end of a ski trip. If you have a rear wiper, remember there is a separate reservoir.

On snowy or messy driving days with lots of road spray, you can easily squirt through a half-gallon of fluid trying to keep your windshield clear. Keep a spare jug of fluid in the trunk in case you run out. And don’t try to save a few pennies – buy the good stuff that’s rated for minus 20 degrees F or lower. If you are driving in extreme cold conditions, supplement your windshield washer fluid with concentrate that lowers the freezing point even further.

So, this season when you check your boots and bindings, remember to check your car or sports utility vehicle before each trip.