Winter Driving Safety Tips for Indiana Drivers

Indiana winters are unpredictable. One day the roads are clear and dry, and the next morning you wake up to black ice, freezing rain, or several inches of fresh snow. For drivers in Lafayette, Indiana and across Tippecanoe County, navigating winter weather is a yearly reality that demands preparation and careful driving habits.

At Bob Rohrman Collision Repair Center, we see a sharp increase in collision repair work every winter. Many of these accidents are preventable with the right preparation and knowledge. After more than 50 years of repairing vehicles in this community, we have seen the types of damage that winter weather causes, and we want to help you avoid it entirely.

Prepare Your Vehicle Before Winter Hits

The best time to winterize your vehicle is before the first freeze. Taking care of a few key maintenance items can make a significant difference in how your car handles cold weather and slippery roads.

Tires Are Your Most Important Safety Feature

Your tires are the only part of your vehicle that actually touches the road. In winter conditions, tire performance becomes even more critical. Here is what to check:

• Tread depth: Use the penny test. Insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln's head pointing down. If you can see the top of his head, your tread is too shallow for safe winter driving. Consider replacing your tires before they reach that point.
• Tire pressure: Cold temperatures cause tire pressure to drop, typically about one PSI for every 10-degree Fahrenheit decrease. Check your tire pressure at least once a month during winter and keep them inflated to the manufacturer's recommended level, which you can find on the sticker inside your driver's door jamb.
• Consider winter tires: All-season tires are a compromise. If you frequently drive in snow and ice, dedicated winter tires with softer rubber compounds and deeper tread patterns provide significantly better grip. The difference in braking distance alone can be the margin between a safe stop and a collision.

Battery and Electrical System

Cold weather is hard on car batteries. A battery that works fine in summer may struggle to start your engine when temperatures drop below freezing. Have your battery tested before winter arrives, and replace it if it is more than three to four years old or shows signs of weakness. Also check that your headlights, taillights, and turn signals are all functioning properly, since winter means more hours of driving in darkness.

Fluids and Wipers

Switch to winter-grade windshield washer fluid that will not freeze in your reservoir or on your windshield. Replace worn wiper blades, as they deteriorate quickly and are essential for maintaining visibility during snow and sleet. Make sure your antifreeze is at the correct concentration for your area's temperatures. A 50/50 mix of coolant and water protects down to about minus 34 degrees Fahrenheit, which covers even the coldest Indiana nights.

Essential Winter Driving Techniques

Even with a well-prepared vehicle, winter driving requires adjusting your habits. The techniques that keep you safe on dry pavement are not always the right approach on snow and ice.

Slow Down and Increase Following Distance

This is the single most important piece of advice for winter driving. Speed limits are set for ideal conditions. When roads are snow-covered or icy, safe speeds may be well below the posted limit. Increase your following distance to at least six seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you. On ice, even that may not be enough. Give yourself room to react and stop gradually.

Brake Gently and Steer Smoothly

Sudden inputs are your enemy on slippery roads. Apply brakes gently and well ahead of where you need to stop. If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS), apply firm, steady pressure and let the system do its job. You will feel the pedal pulsate, which is normal. If your vehicle does not have ABS, pump the brakes gently to maintain steering control.

Make steering inputs smooth and gradual. Jerking the wheel on an icy road is one of the fastest ways to lose control of your vehicle.

Know How to Handle a Skid

If your rear wheels start to slide, take your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Do not slam the brakes. This technique, often called "steering into the skid," helps you regain control. It takes practice to do instinctively, so consider practicing in an empty, snow-covered parking lot before you need to do it on the highway.

Use Caution on Bridges and Overpasses

Bridges and overpasses freeze before regular road surfaces because cold air circulates both above and below them. In Lafayette, this is especially relevant for the bridges crossing the Wabash River and the various overpasses along Interstate 65 and State Road 26. Even when the rest of the road seems fine, these elevated surfaces can be dangerously slick.

Indiana-Specific Winter Hazards

Driving in Indiana presents some unique winter challenges that are worth understanding.

Black Ice

Black ice is a thin, nearly invisible layer of ice that forms on road surfaces, particularly in the early morning hours and in shaded areas. It is one of the most dangerous winter hazards because you often cannot see it until you are already on it. Watch for patches of road that look darker and shinier than the surrounding pavement. Common locations include intersections where exhaust fumes melt and refreeze, shaded curves, and areas near bodies of water.

Lake-Effect and Clipper Systems

While Lafayette does not get the heavy lake-effect snow that hits northern Indiana, the region still receives significant snowfall from Alberta Clipper systems that sweep across the Midwest. These storms can produce moderate snowfall combined with high winds, creating whiteout conditions and significant drifting, particularly on open stretches of highway like those between Lafayette and Indianapolis on I-65.

Freeze-Thaw Cycles and Potholes

Indiana's frequent freeze-thaw cycles wreak havoc on road surfaces. Water seeps into cracks, freezes, expands, and creates potholes. Hitting a pothole at speed can damage your tires, wheels, alignment, and suspension. After a winter storm, be especially vigilant for new potholes, particularly on secondary roads that receive less maintenance attention.

Build a Winter Emergency Kit

Every vehicle driven in Indiana during winter should carry an emergency kit. If you slide off the road or get stuck, having the right supplies can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a dangerous situation. Your kit should include:

• Blankets or sleeping bag: In case you are stranded and need to stay warm without running the engine.
• Flashlight with extra batteries: Winter daylight is short, and you may need to signal for help or change a tire in the dark.
• Ice scraper and snow brush: Keep a sturdy one in the car, not just a small one from a gas station.
• Bag of sand or cat litter: Pour it under your tires for traction if you get stuck.
• Jumper cables or a portable jump starter: Cold weather is the number one cause of dead batteries.
• Phone charger: A dead phone in an emergency is a serious problem. Keep a car charger or portable battery pack in the vehicle.
• First aid kit and basic tools: Including a small shovel for digging out around your tires.
• Non-perishable snacks and water: In case you are stranded for an extended period.

What to Do After a Winter Weather Accident

Despite your best precautions, winter accidents can still happen. If you find yourself in a collision during winter weather, here is what to do:

1. Check for injuries first. Make sure everyone in your vehicle and any other involved vehicles is okay. Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
2. Move to safety if possible. If your vehicle is drivable and you are in a traffic lane, try to move to the shoulder. Turn on your hazard lights.
3. Document the scene. Take photos of all vehicles involved, the road conditions, and any visible damage. These photos will be valuable for your insurance claim and repair estimate.
4. Exchange information with the other driver, including insurance details, phone numbers, and license plate numbers.
5. File a police report. In Indiana, you are required to report accidents that involve injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000.
6. Contact your insurance company to begin the claims process.

Getting Your Vehicle Repaired After Winter Damage

Winter collisions often involve unique types of damage. Salt and road chemicals can accelerate corrosion at repair sites if not properly addressed. Frame and structural damage from sliding into curbs or guardrails requires precise measurement and repair. Paint damage from gravel and debris kicked up by plows needs professional attention to prevent rust.

At Bob Rohrman Collision Repair Center, our I-CAR Gold Class certified technicians understand the specific challenges that winter damage presents. We work with all insurance companies and can help guide you through the claims process. Our 24/7 online photo estimate tool makes it easy to get started, even if you cannot make it to our shop right away.

Winter driving in Indiana does not have to be terrifying. With proper preparation, adjusted driving habits, and knowledge of local hazards, you can significantly reduce your risk on the road. And if the worst does happen, know that our team at Bob Rohrman Collision Repair Center is here to help get you back on the road safely.