When you encounter snow and ice on the road, your tires may have less traction, so it’s always important to drive with extra care. 

Snow and ice can cause increased stopping distances, slippery acceleration, reduced steering response, and loss of control when navigating corners. 

Not only does snow lead to a loss of grip, but visibility can also be minimal during a winter storm. 

Snow tires are a great way to ensure safe navigation of snowy roads. They have deep "siping" in their tread that's especially effective for winter conditions. 

Paying attention to the appearance of the road surface can also help you estimate traction. An icy sheen can indicate slippery conditions ahead. Usually dry, fresh, fluffy snow offers better traction than slushy, wet snow because its crunchy texture allows tire treads to lock in and push your vehicle forward. If you're unsure of available traction levels, stopping in a safe area and checking the road surface can give you a better idea. 

You can use several safety strategies when driving in the snow. 

In slippery conditions, smooth inputs on the accelerator, brakes, and steering wheel will maximize the limited traction available, preventing the tires from breaking free and sliding. You can also monitor the warning lights for the ABS, electronic stability control, and traction control system to see if you need to use more subtle inputs or slow down. But always look further up the road than usual for any hazards that might appear in the distance. 

When you live in a snowy climate and need a used car with all-wheel drive, finding one in excellent condition can be a hassle. Driving around town looking at different vehicles is time-consuming and may not be productive. Even if an advertisement looks good, how can you know a pre-owned car isn't hiding mechanical issues? At Shift, you don't have to worry about any of that.

You can buy any of Shift's cars directly online from the comfort of your home, know it has no hidden issues (from our 150-point inspection) and get a fair, up-front price. Shift's website has a large selection of fully inspected cars located across the country that are ready to go. The website is user-friendly, and you'll be able to find various makes and models — like hatchbacks, sedans, and vans — to suit your needs and budget. With Shift's expertise and experience selling used vehicles, you can rest assured your used car purchase will be good to go from the moment you take delivery. 

Like anything, developing your own techniques for snow plowing driveways takes time to master. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

Plan ahead of time

Whether you're a novice or a seasoned pro, you won’t regret planning ahead, as it will help prepare you for when the big snow hits.

Staking the driveway provides you with a roadmap so that you don't plow over the rest of your property while you're in the thick of it. Begin by positioning a stake by the sides of your driveway's entrance. Then add more stakes along each side every 10-15 feet (more for twists and turns). That way, even if a storm produces significant snowfall, you can see where your driveway begins and ends. And if you plow at night, having reflectors on the stakes can boost visibility.

With pickup trucks being ideal for snow plowing, a staked driveway helps account for their substantial size. 

Plow during the storm

The more snow that accumulates, the heavier a load you'll have to plow. And heavy snow might harden, making plowing even more laborious. If more than a few inches of snow are in the forecast, plowing during the storm decreases your workload. 

Waking up in the early morning hours during a heavy snowfall may seem like a slog, but it pays off later when you don't have a foot of snow to remove.

Even if you thoroughly plow your own driveway clear, you may later discover a mound of snow waiting at the entry. That's a possibility if your neighborhood has a professional snow removal contractor.

To prevent that from happening, plow away a sizable chunk of snow from the right side of your driveway. That way, when the plowing service passes, the snow has somewhere to go instead of your driveway. 

Back dragging short driveways

If your driveway is straight and not too long, back dragging is an excellent method for snow plowing.

To back drag a residential driveway, drive toward your house as far as possible, lower the plow, then back away to the street, pulling snow along the way. 

While many modern vehicles feature backup cameras to go with the side mirrors, it's best to rely on your own eyes when back dragging a driveway. Pay particular attention to whether there are animals or people in your path.

After each pass, designate a specific area or areas to make snow piles that won't inconvenience your neighbors or oncoming traffic. Be sure to find a spot with enough room, as you may have to plow several times during a storm. Don't forget, snow melts, so consider where it will drain and take care to avoid mailboxes, electrical boxes, drains, and fire hydrants. 

Pickup trucks and SUVs make excellent vehicles for plowing snow. But when searching the pre-owned market, where can you find one that'll stand the test of time? With Shift's best-industry service contracts, you know your vehicle's good to go for the long haul.

‍Shift Vehicle Protection Plans cover essential components and provide roadside assistance if you run into trouble. Wherever you happen to be in the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, or Canada, help is just a toll-free phone call away, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Want to take a test drive before you buy? If you live in one of Shift's many service areas, a concierge will drive to you, letting you take a test drive before signing the papers. And we also work with a network of trusted lenders who compete for your business, so you get the best deal on financing. Whether you want a Jeep Compass or a Chevy Silverado, Shift has what you need.