Whether you’re new to winter in Portland, or you’ve been putting snow chains on your tires all your life, everyone could benefit from a reminder on how to safely navigate Portland’s notoriously icy roads.
Winterize Your Car
- Before bad weather really sets in, give your car a preventative once-over — check your battery health, lights, brakes, wipers, windshield fluid, and tire pressure.
- Invest in the right tires — either snow/traction (studded tires are allowed across Oregon from Nov. 1 to Mar. 31, but should only be used when absolutely necessary), or get snow chains for your tires.
- 💡 Pro tip: If you buy chains from Les Schwab and don’t end up using them, save your receipt and they’ll let you return them in the spring.
- Check the tread on your tires. One method is the quarter test: Put a quarter into the tread of your tire and look for George Washington’s head. If you can see any part of the top of his head, you don’t have enough tread, and you should replace those tires.
Be Prepared
- Keep your gas tank at least half full to decrease the risk of getting stranded in bad weather.
- Consider keeping an emergency kit in your car in the event you are stranded.
- Know your route — look at a map before you start driving to avoid having the extra distraction of your GPS or getting lost.
- Check ODOT’s Trip Check for any weather hazards along your route.
Drive Defensively
- Maintain steady speeds and keep extra space between yourself and other cars — no matter what type of vehicle you have.
- Be extra careful on bridges and underpasses, which tend to be the slickest.
- Remove all snow and ice from your windows, hood, and roof before you drive.
- If you begin to skid, let off the accelerator and brake, then turn your steering wheel in the direction you want to go.
