Winter Snow Driving: Important Considerations, Essential Equipment List, and Safe Driving Practices

Driving through snow-covered landscapes in places like Japan or Canada can be a breathtaking experience. However, if you're not adequately prepared or if you don't handle your vehicle properly, it can quickly turn into a nightmare, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. Here's a comprehensive guide on what you need to know for safe snow driving, including essential equipment and safety tips.

Pre-Trip Preparations for Snow Driving

1. Vehicle Inspection

Regular Checks: Just like with normal driving, check your vehicle’s tire pressure and ensure that all mirrors are clear. 

Snow-Specific Checks: For snow driving, ensure that snow tires are installed. Remove snow from the headlights, taillights, and mirrors. Clear snow from the roof and windshield to avoid obstructed visibility.

2. Travel Insurance

- Consider comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, accidents, trip cancellations, and personal property loss to ensure peace of mind during your trip.

Essential Equipment for Snow Driving

1. Four-Wheel Drive Vehicle

 Four-wheel-drive vehicles perform better on snow and ice because they provide power to all four wheels, improving traction and reducing skidding. If renting a car for snow driving, choose one with four-wheel drive.

2. Snow Tires

Snow tires are made from special rubber and have deeper, more aggressive treads compared to regular tires, which enhances grip on snow and ice. Make sure to select a vehicle with snow tires if you are renting.

3. Small Snow Shovel

A small snow shovel helps clear accumulated snow from your vehicle, especially after it has been parked overnight. This is particularly useful in places like Japan where you can buy one at local supermarkets.

4. Sunglasses

Snow reflects sunlight strongly, which can cause glare. Wearing sunglasses helps maintain clear vision while driving.

5. Portable Battery Charger / Jump Starter

Cold weather can drain car batteries quickly. Carrying a portable battery charger or jump starter ensures you can start your vehicle if the battery dies. A charger with at least 8,000 mAh should be sufficient. It’s a bit expensive (around HKD $800 to $1,500), but it comes with cables and is convenient to use.

6. Plastic Mat

If your vehicle gets stuck in the snow, placing a plastic mat in front of the tires can provide extra traction to help get the car moving.

Safe Driving Practices in Snow

1. Speed

Drive at reduced speeds, ideally below 50 km/h, even if your vehicle is equipped with snow tires. Always be vigilant about road conditions.

2. Braking

Maintain a longer distance from the vehicle ahead and avoid sudden braking. If you hear a "clicking" sound while braking, it means you’re losing traction. Gently pump the brakes and make gradual steering corrections.

3. Acceleration

Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Sudden acceleration can cause the tires to lose traction, especially in rear-wheel-drive vehicles.

4. Driving Path

Stick to main roads where snow plows or salt trucks are likely to have cleared the snow. Avoid small roads where snow accumulation may be unpredictable. Follow tire tracks on the road and avoid driving over snow piles at the edges.

5. In-Car Heating

Use the car’s heating system to defog the windshield and keep visibility clear.

By following these tips and preparing appropriately, you can safely enjoy the beauty of winter landscapes while minimizing the risks associated with snow driving.