Preparing for Inclement Driving Weather: Tips and Tech

These car features and driving techniques can help you stay safe in rain, snow, and other weather conditions.

Elliot Rieth | 

Dec 9, 2025 | 3 min read

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Before hitting the road this winter, familiarize yourself with the features your car has that will help you navigate unfavorable road conditions. Prepare yourself by brushing up on the driving skills that will keep you on the road and out of harm's way.

Essential Car Features for Inclement Weather

You never know what could happen on the road, which is why understanding your vehicle's safety features can not only reassure you but also prepare you to use them without hesitation. Many modern vehicles are designed to help you handle harsh weather conditions with features including:

Anti-lock-braking system (ABS)

ABS helps prevent your brakes from locking up in emergencies, allowing you to maintain control and avoid skidding in slippery conditions.

All-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD)

Both provide power to all four of your wheels. The primary difference between AWD and 4WD is that AWD is applied automatically, while 4WD requires manual activation. AWD can also be more convenient for the average driver looking to handle slick roads, while 4WD offers a wider range of power options and adjustments that could be better suited to extreme conditions.

Electronic stability control (ESC)

ESC automatically kicks in when a possible loss of control is detected, often caused by rain-slicked or snowy road conditions. This technology then takes control of your car's throttle and applies pressure to individual wheels in an attempt to prevent you from oversteering and potentially flipping. While ESC is a powerful feature on its own, it requires well-maintained tires and an effective ABS to work best. If you're driving in snowy conditions, adding snow tires to your vehicle may help increase the effectiveness of this feature.

Maintaining the quality of other smaller components, like windshield wipers, defrosters, and headlights, can also make a commute in inclement weather less stressful. These features increase visibility, making it easier to use defensive driving maneuvers.

Staying Safe on the Road During Harsh Conditions

Although advanced driving technology can help keep you safe in inclement weather, it can't replace smart driving skills. Driving safely is your first line of defense when navigating suboptimal conditions. Take these precautions this winter when you're on the road:

When in doubt, slow down. Driving slowly can help you avoid skidding and allow you to react more gradually. Because some accidents occur due to speeding even on dry roads, the added difficulty of driving quickly through a snow or rain storm could increase the odds of a mishap.

Stock your vehicle with an emergency roadside kit so you're prepared for the worst. Consider including items like kitty litter for traction, jumper cables, emergency flares, blankets, and a cell phone charger.

Keep your windows clear using your windshield wipers and defroster, and always brush off your windshield before you start driving to ensure maximum visibility.

Use your headlights to increase visibility for yourself and make sure other drivers are aware of you. In foggy, rainy, and snowy conditions, your low beams will provide better visibility thanks to their downward angle. High beams can reflect off the snow and blind both you and other drivers.

If you want to further sharpen your skills for inclement-weather driving, consider taking a defensive-driving course. And remember that if you don't feel comfortable driving in bad weather, it's better to stay home than to put yourself or others at risk.

Elliot Rieth

Born and raised in Michigan — the center of the American automotive industry — Elliot's fate of becoming a writer in the automotive space was seemingly predetermined. In addition to covering cars and personal finance for Capital One, he's worked directly with dealers and OEMs to create digital content meant to educate consumers. He's also passionate about music and has written for outlets like In Review Online. When he isn't writing about the latest financial, automotive, and insurance trends, he can be found enjoying a new book or record alongside his two greyhounds.