6 Winter Driving Tips from a Pro

As the cold weather months arrive in Rhode Island, it’s time to prepare your Volkswagen for the challenging conditions ahead. Who better to get advice from than a professional driver?

Tanner Foust, a pro racing and stunt driver for Volkswagen, has a simple but crucial piece of wisdom for every VW owner: “Respect the conditions.”

Foust knows a thing or two about navigating slippery roads. As a three-time U.S. Rallycross champion, two-time Formula Drift winner, and a former ice driving instructor, he has mastered the art of car control.

Here are Tanner’s six essential tips for driving your Volkswagen safely this winter.

1. Let Your VW’s Technology Help You

Modern Volkswagen vehicles are packed with technology designed to assist you in tricky situations. Foust emphasizes that if you drive within your car’s limits and avoid taking turns too fast, these systems can be a great help.

“Traction control is part of the Electronic Stability Control system in every modern Volkswagen,” he says. “If a tire starts to slip, the system automatically limits power to that tire to keep it gripping the road.”

While this technology is beneficial in both front-wheel-drive and 4MOTION® all-wheel-drive models, Foust notes that 4MOTION® provides an extra edge. “That makes it a lot easier to get up that snowy road on the hill to grandma’s house,” he adds, highlighting its superior low-speed acceleration on inclines.

2. Equip Your Car with the Right Tires

If you live in an area where temperatures frequently drop below 45 degrees, investing in winter tires is a smart move. Foust explains that winter tires give you “an advantage for braking, accelerating and steering whenever you’re on a snow-covered road.”

Don’t forget to check your tire pressure regularly. As temperatures fall, so does tire pressure, so ensure it’s at the recommended level for your vehicle.

3. Focus on One Action at a Time

“A car can either brake, turn or accelerate,” Foust says. “When driving on a snow-covered road…it’s critical that you do only one of those things at a time.”

Trying to do more than one at once can overwhelm the tires’ grip and lead to a skid. His advice is to brake in a straight line, ease off the pedals while turning, and only accelerate once the wheel is nearly straight again.

4. Understand and Avoid Skids

Skids happen when tires lose their grip on the road during a turn. Foust identifies two main types:

• Oversteer: The rear tires slide to the outside of the turn.
• Understeer: The front tires slide to the outside of the turn.

The best way to prevent either? Slow down and complete your braking before you enter the turn.

5. Leave Extra Room for Braking

On snowy roads, your braking distance can be up to four times longer than on dry pavement. This means your following distance should also be at least four times longer.

Every modern Volkswagen comes with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). In an emergency, Foust advises to “just push the brake hard.” That buzzing feeling you feel is the ABS working to help you stop safely.

6. Be Prepared for the Unexpected

It’s always wise to plan ahead, especially for winter drives where weather can change quickly. Foust recommends keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle with items like non-perishable food, water, and warm clothing. A Roadside Assistance Kit and First Aid Kit are also essential. “This way,” he says, “you’ll be better prepared to weather the storm until help arrives.”

Before the winter season gets into full swing, don’t forget to schedule a cold-weather service appointment with our team at Speedcraft Volkswagen. We’ll ensure your VW is ready to handle whatever the Rhode Island winter throws its way.