Winter Driving Tips Every New Driver Needs

Winter driving is a different animal. Roads get slippery, visibility drops, and your car behaves differently in cold conditions. If you’re a new driver facing your first real winter behind the wheel, it can be genuinely scary.

But here’s the thing: millions of people drive safely in winter every day. With the right preparation and technique, you can too. Let’s cover everything you need to know.

Prepare Your Car Before Winter Hits

The best winter driving tip? Don’t wait for the first snowstorm to get ready. Handle these before cold weather arrives.

Tires

This is the single most important factor. Your tires are the only thing connecting you to the road, and in winter conditions, that connection matters more than ever.

Winter tires are the gold standard. They use a softer rubber compound that stays flexible in cold temps and have tread designed for snow and ice. They make a dramatic difference — learn more in our seasonal tires guide.
All-season tires are okay for light winter conditions, but they lose significant grip below 40°F.
Check your tread depth. Worn tires + snow = trouble. Our tire guide covers how to check.
Check tire pressure. Cold air drops pressure — roughly 1 PSI for every 10°F drop.

Battery

Cold weather is hard on batteries. A battery that’s fine in summer can fail in a cold snap.

Have your battery tested at any auto parts store (free). If it’s more than 3-4 years old and testing weak, replace it before winter.
Clean corroded terminals — corrosion increases resistance and makes starting harder.

Fluids

Antifreeze/coolant: Should be a 50/50 mix. You can test this with a $5 antifreeze tester.
Windshield washer fluid: Use winter-rated fluid (good to -20°F or lower). You’ll go through a lot of it.
Oil: Some manufacturers recommend a lighter weight oil for winter. Check your manual.

Wipers and Defrost

Replace worn wipers. You need clear visibility more than ever in winter. Our wiper guide has you covered.
Make sure your defroster works — front and rear. Test it before you need it.

Lights

Days are shorter. Make sure all your lights work — headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. Clean dirty or foggy headlight lenses for better visibility.

Build a Winter Emergency Kit

Keep this in your trunk from November through March:

Blanket — if you get stranded, warmth is priority one
Flashlight with extra batteries
Phone charger (portable battery pack)
Ice scraper and snow brush
Small shovel — a folding camp shovel works great
Bag of kitty litter or sand — for traction if you get stuck
Jumper cables (or a portable jump starter)
Snacks and water — granola bars, bottled water
First aid kit
Warm gloves, hat, and extra socks

It sounds like a lot, but it all fits in a small duffel bag. You’ll be glad you have it if something goes wrong.

Driving Techniques for Snow and Ice

Slow Down. Then Slow Down More.

Speed limits are for ideal conditions. In snow and ice, reduce your speed by at least 30-50%. If the limit is 55 mph, drive 30-40 mph. If that still feels sketchy, go slower. Nobody has ever been in an accident for driving too carefully in a snowstorm.

Increase Following Distance

In dry conditions, the three-second rule works. In winter, make it six to eight seconds. You need far more distance to stop on slippery roads.

Brake Gently

Slamming the brakes on ice is how you lose control. Apply brake pressure smoothly and gradually. If you have ABS (anti-lock brakes), press firmly and let the system pulse — you’ll feel the pedal vibrate, and that’s normal. Don’t pump ABS brakes — just press and hold.

If you don’t have ABS (rare in modern cars but possible in older ones), gently pump the brakes to avoid locking the wheels.

Accelerate Gently

Spinning wheels = no traction. Accelerate slowly and smoothly from stops. If your wheels start spinning, ease off the gas.

Steer Smoothly

Avoid sudden steering inputs. Smooth, gradual turns keep your tires gripping. Jerky movements break traction.

Know How to Handle a Skid

Front-wheel skid (understeer): The car keeps going straight even though you’re turning. Take your foot off the gas, don’t brake, and gently straighten the wheel. Wait for the front tires to regain grip, then steer again.

Rear-wheel skid (oversteer): The back end slides out. Take your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want to go (not into the skid — toward where you want the car to point). Small corrections — overcorrecting will send you spinning the other way.

Hills

Going up: Build momentum before the hill, not on it. Don’t accelerate hard on the incline — you’ll spin. Maintain a steady speed.
Going down: Slow down before the hill. Use low gear to engine brake. Don’t ride the brakes all the way down.

Black Ice: The Invisible Danger

Black ice is a thin, nearly invisible layer of ice on the road. It forms when the temperature drops near freezing, especially on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas.

How to spot the risk:

Temperature near or just below 32°F
Road surface looks wet but cars ahead aren’t leaving visible spray
Bridges and overpasses freeze before regular roads
Early morning and late evening are prime times

If you hit black ice:

Don’t panic
Don’t brake — this will send you sliding
Take your foot off the gas
Keep the steering wheel straight
Wait for your tires to find traction again (usually just a few seconds)

When to Just Stay Home

There’s no shame in deciding a trip isn’t worth the risk. Ask yourself:

Is this trip essential?
Are road crews out? Check your state’s DOT website for road conditions.
Has the storm peaked, or is the worst still coming?
Can you wait a few hours for conditions to improve?

If you don’t have to drive, don’t. No errand is worth an accident.

If You Get Stuck

Don’t spin your wheels. It digs you in deeper.
Clear snow from around the tires and under the car.
Spread kitty litter, sand, or floor mats in front of the drive wheels for traction.
Rock the car by gently shifting between drive and reverse.
If you’re truly stuck, call for help. Stay in the car with the engine running for heat (crack a window slightly to prevent carbon monoxide buildup). Make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t blocked by snow.

The Bottom Line

Winter driving doesn’t have to be terrifying. The formula is simple: prepare your car, pack an emergency kit, slow down, and make smooth inputs. Most winter accidents happen because people drive too fast for conditions.

Take your time, leave early, give yourself extra distance, and know when to stay home. Your first winter on the road will feel like a big deal — but after a season of practice, it’ll be second nature.

MyFirstCar helps you prepare for every season with maintenance reminders and checklists tailored to your car. Stay ahead of the weather, not behind it. Get started free →