Winter driving in Midwest and Northeast

You can use chains no matter where you are. Learning how to chain, even a single chain, is the difference between being stuck or rolling.

 

Chicago turns slushie

Hardly ever icey.

Illinois dot is excellent at letting you know road conditions.

55 is always full of trucks in the median. Take her easy down there in illinois.

Northeast does a pretty good job clearing the roads.

Feel Much safer round Albany than little rock !


Liquid bleach put it on tires... Top off with kitty litter.... Works wonders. Trust me...super single tag axel most of my winter is in Canada.

Learned it off a dude from BC. Also yellow clip on lenses help you see the lines.

 

^
Kitty litter does cause an automatic inspection Thru customs.

Just fyi

 

Tractor supply stores have what you need for winter again a better quality and price than the big box. Winter driving tip. Pay attention as the sun goes down. I have watched many bridges go from ok to slick as dodo faster than a bobtail can do a 180. When you park for any length of times make some tracks. Have some heat to thaw out your brakes if they freeze up. Remember to warm your brakes before you stop so they wont freeze. Dont park where you have to go up hill to get out. A shovel can make you really popular in a snowed in parking lot. When it is slick think about the ramp before you start down or up it. Some of the hardest times Ive had are when traffic stopped on a hill on the interstate. I had a single axle tractor with 45 trailer. My tractor would spin and go toward the guard rail when i tried to go. With persistent I was able to get up the hill without a tow truck it took a long time and much patience. After safety persistence and patience will get you through any winter problems

 

When you have some time try and put them on while it's warm to make sure they fit and so you don't have do figure it out in the snow.

 

okay, enjoy sliding on ice

 

Well, the cab of your truck is 75 degrees Fahrenheit, so no need to panic ! lol. I think insulated clothes are more for people who work outside all day. Personally a good coat and stocking hat is all I need. Big tarp job ? Just hop in and warm up if you have too. I've also never used chains and have driven on plenty of icy Midwest roads. That's for mountains isn't it ? And I also don't mind being light or even empty, I can feel how slick it is better. A loaded truck gives you a false sense of security.

IMO, the important stuff is to thoroughly inspect your truck and take care of any issues now, because maintenance and repairs are a huge hassle in the winter. Make sure fuel is treated properly for temps. And if it gets bad slow down. If it gets worse stop. That's about it. Grin and bear it.

 

Hammer and chisel works better. I tried butane torches and just too slow.

EDIT Meant to quote dwalto.

 

Sliding on ice is so much fun. Ok, maybe not in a truck but still.