Particularly for those of us who live in the Snoqualmie Valley, Snoqualmie Ridge, and other locations along or within the foothills of the Cascades, it’s important to consider car maintenance and preparation for winter driving.
Windshield Wipers and Fluid
Although it’s smart to consider year round, be sure to winterize your windshield wipers and washer fluid. If you haven’t already done so, check your blades for wear and replace them if they’re looking the least bit haggard. Keep the washer tank full of anti-freeze cleaner, which is a big help when snow and ice are clinging to the windshield. It’s always smart to have a spare gallon in the trunk to ensure you don’t run out. I’m sure you’ll agree that there’s nothing like trying to drive the I-90 corridor with a windshield splattered in dirty road spray, slush and mud and no washer fluid in the tank.
All Season & Snow Tires
Good tires are absolutely essential. You don’t want to be “that car & driver” who can’t make it up the hill (or slides down the hill, and into another car) because your tires no longer have sufficient tread. All-season tires are a must in our part of the country. They have more tread than a street tire but less than an official snow tire, so you can leave them on the car all year long. They work well in both snow and mud. Carry snow tire chains and you’ll be prepared for even the heaviest snow conditions.
Studded Tires
Many residents in the Snoqualmie Valley and upper areas of the Cascades have their tires changed out seasonally with studded tires, which are only legal in Washington State November 1st, through March 31st. (The studs wear through the pavement, and Washington State would like to see the use of studded tires phased out.) That “clickity-clackety” you sometimes hear coming from cars driving around Snoqualmie, North Bend, or even Issaquah, are car owners who’ve likely had an unfortunate or scary winter driving experience in the past. Or, they may have become a prisoner in their Snoqualmie Ridge home for three days while waiting for the roads to clear of snow and ice – though thankfully, such severe winter weather doesn’t happen often. (In fact, as of this writing, Snoqualmie Ridge has barely received any snow in the 2011-2012 winter season – granted, that’s also unusual.)
Freezing Fog & Hoar Frost
What is quite common however, is freezing-fog, or “hoar frost.” It is common at night in the Snoqualmie Valley for daytime clouds to give way to crystal clear skies. The enhanced radiational cooling creates dew which instantly freezes on all surfaces, including the roads. With the sun being so low in the sky, even on a clear morning, the commute can be made extremely hazardous due to the hoar frost, or freezing fog. This is another reason why studded tires are common in the Snoqualmie Valley in the winter; however, most car owners don’t opt for this level of preparation, due to both the expense, and because studded tires actually make the roads less safe over time.
In Case you Get Stuck
Regardless of winter driving preparedness, even the best drivers with ideal equipment may eventually find themselves off the road. If you get stuck in the snow or off the side of the road, rock the car forward and backward. You can do this by pushing or driving. Try to avoid spinning the wheels as this will only dig you in deeper into the snow and/or mud. Shovel some sand or biodegradable kitty litter around the tires. Always keep your steering wheel straight as you pull out.
In case you cannot extricate the car yourself, call for help immediately. If you need to run the engine to keep warm, only do so for a few minutes at a time, crack a window and make sure your tailpipe is clear of snow. Always keep an emergency kit in each vehicle. It should include jumper cables, flares, flashlight, tow rope, kitty litter or sand, shovel, snacks, water and a blanket. Include a hat, gloves and heavy socks if you don’t usually wear these things out in the winter.
The Snoqualmie Valley of Washington State is one of the most beautiful place to live in the country! So, if you’re looking to move to the Valley or Snoqualmie Ridge, don’t be frightened away by these tips. Such harsh winter conditions are the exception – but when those exceptions happen, you’ll be glad you prepared for winter driving well in advance.
