How-to guide · Ford of Peoria · Peoria, IL
How to Drive in Snow: Speed, Space, Plows and Winter Alerts
Snow changes how far you need to stop, how fast you can turn and how well other drivers can see you. This guide covers how to drive in snow, how to read National Weather Service winter alerts before you leave, how to share the road with snowplows and what to do when visibility drops, using guidance from the NWS and the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), plus the maintenance checks available at our Peoria service center.
The short answer
Check the forecast and any NWS winter alerts before you leave, and clear all snow from windows and lights. Drive well below the speed limit, leave extra room, accelerate and brake gently, and skip cruise control. Give snowplows room and do not tailgate them. If you cannot see, pull over and stop until visibility improves. Under a Winter Storm Warning, delay your trip.
Read the winter alert before you drive
Your local National Weather Service office issues winter advisories, watches and warnings based on local criteria. Here is what the NWS says each one means for travel:
| Alert | What it means | What the NWS says about travel |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Weather Advisory | Snow, blowing snow, ice, sleet or a mix is expected, but below warning criteria. | Be prepared for winter driving conditions and possible travel difficulties. Use caution when driving. |
| Winter Storm Watch | Conditions are favorable for a significant winter storm (heavy sleet, heavy snow, ice storm, or heavy and blowing snow). | No specific travel guidance; the NWS heading for watches is: be prepared. |
| Winter Storm Warning | A significant winter weather event: snow, ice, sleet or blowing snow, or a combination. | Travel will become difficult or impossible in some situations. Delay your travel plans until conditions improve. |
| Ice Storm Warning | Usually issued for ice accumulation of around 1/4 inch or more. | Travel will be dangerous or impossible. Travel is strongly discouraged. |
| Blizzard Warning | Frequent gusts of 35 mph or more with falling or blowing snow, often cutting visibility below 1/4 mile for three hours or more. | Do not travel. If you must, carry a winter survival kit; if stranded, stay with your vehicle and wait for help. |
From the National Weather Service, "Winter Weather Warnings, Watches and Advisories," read October 26, 2026.
Before you go
Most of a safe snow drive happens before you pull out of the driveway:
Know the conditions
Find out about driving conditions before you leave home. INDOT puts it simply: safe drivers know the weather, and their limits.
Clear the whole vehicle
Remove snow from the windows, lights, brake lights and signals so you can see and be seen (INDOT). The NWS notes that flying snow from cars causes accidents.
Inspect
Check your tires, wiper blades, fluids, lights, belts and hoses (INDOT).
Share your route
Let someone know where you are going and what route you will take, so they know where to start looking if something happens (NWS).
Leave time
Allow plenty of time to reach your destination. It is not worth the risk just to be on time (INDOT).
From INDOT, "Winter Driving Safety Tips," and the National Weather Service, "What To Do If You're Caught in a Winter Storm," read October 26, 2026.
How to drive in snow
INDOT says one simple way to keep yourself and everyone on the road safe is to slow down.
| Tip | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Slow down | Drive well below the posted speed limit. | The faster you are going, the longer it will take to stop. |
| Leave room | Leave extra space between you and the vehicle ahead. | It takes extra time and distance to stop on slick and snowy roads. |
| Start gently | Accelerate slowly on snow. | Taking it slow helps you avoid slipping or sliding. |
| Brake early | Brake early, brake slowly, and never slam on the brakes. | It takes extra time and distance to stop on slick and snowy roads (INDOT). |
| Stay smooth | Avoid cruise control and abrupt steering; merge into traffic slowly. | Sudden movements can cause your vehicle to slide. |
| Look ahead | Watch what other vehicles are doing well ahead of you. | It alerts you to problems sooner and gives you extra time to react safely. |
| 4WD is not a brake | Go slowly even in an SUV with four-wheel drive. | Four-wheel drive may get you going faster, but it will not help you stop sooner. |
From INDOT, "Winter Driving Safety Tips," read October 26, 2026.
Sharing the road with snowplows
INDOT's snowplow safety tips:
Give them room
Plows are wide and can cross the centerline or shoulder. Do not tailgate, and try not to pass. If you must pass, take extreme caution and beware of the snow cloud.
Be patient
Snowplows travel below the posted speed limit. Allow plenty of time to slow down.
They may not see you
A plow operator's field of vision is restricted. You may see them, but they do not always see you. Keep your distance and watch for sudden stops or turns.
From INDOT, "Winter Driving Safety Tips," read October 26, 2026.
When visibility drops or the car slides
If you are having trouble seeing due to weather conditions, the National Weather Service says to pull over to the side of the road and stop until visibility improves. Turn off your lights and set the parking brake when stopped, so another car does not mistakenly follow your taillights and hit you.
If you begin to skid, remain calm, ease your foot off the gas and turn your wheels in the direction you want the front of the car to go. If your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brake pedal; never pump the brakes on an ABS-equipped vehicle. For what to pack and what to do if you get stuck, see our winter car care checklist.
From the National Weather Service, "What To Do If You're Caught in a Winter Storm," read October 26, 2026.
Winter checks at Ford of Peoria
Tires and brakes are among the checks that matter in winter. Ford of Peoria's maintenance guide recommends a tire rotation at every maintenance visit (see your owner's manual) and checking the pressure of all tires, including the spare, at least once a month when they are cold, meaning the vehicle has not been driven for at least three hours. The recommended pressure is on the placard typically placed on the driver's side doorjamb.
The Works® at Ford of Peoria includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. Schedule service online and check our service specials first. Ford of Peoria is at 2211 W. Pioneer Pkwy. in Peoria. Get directions.
Ford of Peoria service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-noon |
| Sun | closed |
From Ford of Peoria's website, October 26, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Snow driving FAQ
How do you drive safely in snow?
Slow down, leave extra room and keep every input gentle. INDOT says to drive well below the posted speed limit, leave plenty of room between cars, brake early and slowly, never slam on the brakes, and avoid cruise control and abrupt steering.
What does a Winter Storm Warning mean for driving?
The National Weather Service says a Winter Storm Warning is issued for a significant winter weather event, including snow, ice, sleet or blowing snow. Travel will become difficult or impossible in some situations, so delay your travel plans until conditions improve.
What is the difference between a Winter Storm Watch and a Winter Storm Warning?
A watch means conditions are favorable for a significant winter storm: be prepared. A warning means you should take action, and the NWS advises delaying travel. A Winter Weather Advisory means wintry weather is expected but below warning criteria; use caution when driving.
How should I drive near a snowplow?
Give it room to work. INDOT says plows are wide and can cross the centerline or shoulder, travel below the posted speed limit, and the operator may not see you. Do not tailgate, try not to pass, and if you must pass, take extreme caution and beware of the snow cloud.
What should I do if I cannot see the road in a snowstorm?
Pull over to the side of the road and stop until visibility improves, the National Weather Service says. Turn off your lights and set the parking brake so another car does not follow your taillights and hit you.
Is four-wheel drive enough for snow?
No. INDOT says four-wheel drive may get you going faster, but it will not help you stop sooner, and you may not be able to keep control any better once you lose traction. Go slowly in any vehicle.
Can Ford of Peoria check my car before it snows?
Yes. The Works® at Ford of Peoria includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Get your car snow-ready
Book The Works, a tire check or a brake inspection at our Peoria service center.
Sources
Driving and safety guidance is from the National Weather Service and the Indiana Department of Transportation, read October 26, 2026. Service details, address and hours are from Ford of Peoria's own website, checked the same day. Your owner's manual is the final word for your vehicle. Photo is illustrative.
- Winter Weather Warnings, Watches and Advisories, National Weather Service, read October 26, 2026
- What To Do If You're Caught in a Winter Storm (driving, visibility, skids, ABS), National Weather Service, read October 26, 2026
- Prepare! Don't Let a Winter Storm Take You by Surprise (weather-related crash figures), National Weather Service, read October 26, 2026
- Winter Driving Safety Tips (preparation, speed, braking, four-wheel drive, snowplows), Indiana Department of Transportation, read October 26, 2026
- General service: The Works, tire rotation and pressure, Ford of Peoria, October 26, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Ford of Peoria, October 26, 2026