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CARIBOU, Maine — Heavy storms and ice-covered roads are an integral part of winter life in Aroostook County. School and work cancellations are far rarer in this region, so drivers need to always be prepared for the worst.
Rod Wardwell, owner of Wardwell’s Service in Caribou, has plenty of advice for safe driving during the frigid months ahead.
The service shop owner says that studded tires are the ideal choice for snow-covered roads.
“Studded tires run anywhere between four to six hundred dollars,” Wardwell said. “They also make studless tires, which are a bit more expensive. They work all right with some cars, but they wear a little faster. The first year of all-season tires will work well, but studded tires are ultimately the best choice.”
Chains, while not cleared for use in most cars, can get someone out of a bind if they’re in a four-wheel drive.
“If you get stuck in the woods with a four-wheel drive truck, chains could get you out,” said Wardwell, “but I wouldn’t recommend anyone use them beyond that. Using them permanently could shake your vehicle to pieces.”
Vehicles equipped with the best studded tires can still spin out of control on a particularly nasty road, even if they have four-wheel drive. Wardwell recommends taking it slow on slick roads, regardless of the vehicle or tires.
“The big thing is to just slow down,” Wardwell said. “Lots of people have four-wheel drives and think they can drive as fast as they want, but they can still get in an accident. If you’re on a road where you usually go 60, then go 40.”
If all else fails and a vehicle begins to lose control, Wardwell says the best thing to do is let off the gas.
“It could lock right up if you step on the brakes,” said Wardwell. “ABS brakes don’t do that so much anymore. If you’re going to hit somebody, it is best to aim for a snowbank if possible.”
The shop owner says that drivers should be just as conscious of heavy rain in the spring and summer as they are of drifts in the winter.
“You can hydroplane and easily lose control at 70 or 80 miles per hour,” Wardwell said. “Even if it’s raining in the summertime.”
Other things to look out for include antifreeze, belts, batteries, and exhaust leaks.
“Exhaust fumes go directly into the car if you have a leak,” Wardwell said. “It’s more pronounced in the winter because your windows are shut up tight.”
