Tips for driving on WA mountain passes in wintry weather

Driving in the snow can be a nightmare for many in the Northwest — but it doesn’t have to be.

Whether you’re driving across Washington state’s mountain passes or hitting the road when notoriously wet and slushy snow is expected in the Seattle area, learning a few tips for driving in wintry weather can help you stay safe.

Here are some tips for preparing for and driving in wintry conditions:

Practice putting chains on tires

While it’s still (somewhat) dry out, take the time to learn to put chains on your tires in your driveway. You don’t want to learn how to do it when you’re stuck in a snowstorm.

To learn how to install tire chains, visit st.news/tirechains

Remember that studded tires (legal on Nov. 1) do not satisfy state chain requirements. If chains are required, you’ll have to install them even on top of studded tires.

Prepare your car for a storm

Preparing your car before a storm hits can help keep you and your family safe. Here are some suggestions:

• Assemble a basic winter survival kit: flashlight, batteries, blanket, snacks, water, gloves, boots and first-aid kit.
• Load your car with winter travel gear: tire chains, ice scraper/snow brush, jumper cables and road flares.

Winter travel/driving tips

Here are some winter travel tips from WSDOT:

• Check statewide pass conditions online before heading out or planning trips. WSDOT also posts statewide travel alerts and road conditions at wsdot.com/traffic.
• Clear snow and ice from car surfaces before driving. Snow on the hood can blow toward the windshield and block your view. Take time to heat your car from the inside to avoid the nightmarish scenario of losing visibility when you need it most.
• Know what the traction and chain requirements mean.
• Make sure you have the proper equipment, including traction tires and chains, spare parts, jumper cables, extra blankets, food and water.
• Keep your fuel tank and your wiper-fluid reservoir at least half-full.
• Keep your cellphone fully charged.
• If you need to pull over, stay with your vehicle. Call for help or hang a colorful piece of cloth from your window or antenna.
• Turn your headlights on.
• Even when roads are dry, watch out for icy bridges.
• Stay far behind the car (or snowplow) in front of you so you have enough room to stop.
• Don’t use cruise control.
• Use brakes sparingly to avoid skidding, and know what to do when you hit ice. Don’t pump anti-lock brakes to stop. Remember four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles do not stop or steer better on ice.
• Slow down and be extra cautious near the chain-up and removal areas on passes.

Prepare your home

As you think about how to get ready for driving in wintry conditions, it’s worth spending some time preparing your home as well. Here are a few tips:

• Have a corded telephone or a charged cellphone available.
• Have a safe, appropriate alternative heat source.
• Consider purchasing a generator. Operate it only outside in a well-ventilated place.
• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic, insulate walls and attics, and apply caulk and weather stripping to windows and doors.
• Clear rain gutters, repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could damage your home or other structures during a storm.
• Consider purchasing a pump to remove water from areas such as basements.
• Insulate pipes and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing. Learn how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts. Never use an open flame to thaw frozen pipes.