Winter Driving Tips
Choosing an Isuzu in the first place was probably one of the smartest winter driving tips.
Our unique combination of dependable four wheel drive and neutral driving dynamics means that every Rodeo was born to go and play in the white stuff. That said, there are still a few tips and tricks to remember when driving in the winter that will make every journey safer and less stressful.
Fail to Prepare. Prepare to Fail.
Even the most rugged vehicles in the world need a little preparation to get them ready for the winter, so now is a great time to visit your local Isuzu dealer to have your vehicle checked over. Low temperatures will affect many components on your vehicle, so don't find out the hard way that they're not able to cope.
Your coolant must be fully topped up and contain the correct proportion of antifreeze mixture to stop it from freezing. Washer fluid will need to be run at a higher level of concentrate to ensure that it too doesn't freeze - and also that it can cut through the thick salt solution on your windscreen.
The condition of your wiper blades also becomes paramount in winter. Remember to try and break the seal between the wiper and a frozen screen by hand before operating them. Failing to do so can damage the wiping edge of even a brand new blade.
As the days get shorter and darker, give yourself every chance to see! Your dealer can also ensure that your bulbs and lights are all working perfectly too - and where fitted, your fog lights.
Running heaters and lights, combined with extreme cold weather is often the death of many marginal batteries, so your local Isuzu dealer will perform a load test (or 'drop' test) on your battery to ensure that it's up to lasting the winter. Much more fun finding out this way than being stranded on a cold morning.
And finally, your dealer can check the condition and pressure of your tyres. As your only contact with the treacherous winter road surfaces, it's imperative that they're in optimum condition. All dealers offer a fixed price winter check which can be carried out while you wait for complete peace of mind throughout the colder months.
Grip, Don't Slip.
Even when the road surfaces are covered in snow and ice, your Isuzu is more than up to the job of getting you wherever you need to go. It's all a question of driving style and preparation.
Always ensure that you have the following items when venturing out on a winter drive.
- Warm Clothes and Gloves
- Scrapers and De-Icer
- Shovel
- Warning Triangle and Flashing Light
- Torch
- Spare Fuel
- A Flask of Hot Tea or Coffee
That way, even if you are stuck in a queue of traffic that can't make it through the snow, you can sit there warm and toasty in your cab, whilst it all gets sorted out. It's wise to adjust your driving style in adverse weather conditions too. Everything takes longer on a cold, icy surface, so all of your steering, braking and gear change inputs should be done smoothly and gently to keep your vehicle balanced and neutral.
Gentle, progressive application of the brakes will be far more effective than simply standing on them, and when pulling away from rest, a smooth and gentle application of the throttle will prevent wheelspin and allow each tyre to find grip. Basically, the key is to be smooth at all times and allow yourself at least 4 or 5 times the usual braking distance on snowy or icy roads. Moderating your speed to suit conditions will also help greatly.
Of course, the Isuzu range has 'shift on the fly' 4WD, so if you need extra traction, simply click into 4WD as you move along and enjoy the sure-footed grip that this system brings. Do remember however, to switch back into 2WD when driving on fully cleared roads, as this will save both transmission wear and fuel consumption. Do feel free to pull other stranded motorists out from their misery to achieve both a feeling of immense goodwill and slight smugness in equal measure.
Like Your Mum Always Said…
You wouldn't go out in the snow in your slippers, so don't expect your truck to. Most summer and 'all round' tyres don't work that effectively under 7°C, due to the rubber being too hard to deform to the road surface at these temperatures.
Your Isuzu dealer will be able to advise you on the best winter tyre package to keep you mobile in all conditions. As well as dedicated off-road patterns for those living in very inaccessible areas, Isuzu dealers can also fit specific 'winter' tyres which contain extra grooves or 'sipes' which help to channel out snow, water and ice.
These tyres are also constructed from a different grade of rubber which is designed to be compliant at much lower temperatures than your summer tyres. Not only do they offer significantly more grip to improve your active safety, but also considerably reduce stopping distances in the process. A very wise investment.
One final tip?
Give yourself plenty of time to get where you need to go. Traffic is bound to be worse in inclement weather.
Enjoy your Isuzu in winter - and drive safely.
