How to Drive Your Car Up a Snow Covered Hill

Driving in the weather we have had lately in Pennsylvania has been challenging, no doubt about it. I had to drive home in the middle of the major storm we had last week and one thing that make me take an especially deep breath was having to drive up an icy, snow covered hill.

First, I would like to show you what happens when you try to drive up an icy hill and don’t do it properly.

This video contains cursing. Viewer Discretion is Advised. (There are no obvious injuries)

Prepare Ahead of Time

If you can, it is best to have winter tires on your car. You should check the tread and make sure it is appropriate. If you have a pickup, put something heavy in the back. Bags of sand or salt work well.

Dos and Don’ts of Driving Up a Snow-Covered Hill

• Even a slight hill can be problematic. Try to avoid the hill. If you can find a different way. Go that way.

If you must take the hill, be confident in your approach. Know what you are doing before you begin your climb.

• Start with a bit of acceleration before you reach the hill. You need momentum to get up to the top.
• Do no try to power up the hill. If, once you are on the hill, you press the gas hard you will simply find your wheels spinning.
• Do not stop unless you must. If you stop, you will be stuck and/or go backwards.

These are the mistakes people in the video are making. They don’t have enough initial speed. Then they try to accelerate. They get partially up the hill, but without the momentum, they go backwards. Or they try to accelerate too hard and their wheels just spin.

• Keep your foot evenly on the accelerator. If your wheels do start to spin, slowly ease off.

Conclusion

That’s it. If you have to drive up a hill remember, approach it with an appropriate mix of confidence and caution. If you do happen to be injured in a car accident due to someone else’s mistake, don’t hesitate to call the Pennsylvania car accident lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams. We can also help with any other personal or medical injuries as well.