Some cars, trucks and SUVs have a feature called “overdrive” but this is not something that makes the car, truck or SUV of Johnsburg drivers go faster; rather, this is a gearing for your transmission that reduces the vehicle’s need for fuel. But ‘overdrive’ is a term used in another way, too.

For instance, you don’t want to overdrive your headlights at night. What does that mean, you may ask?

Overdriving your headlights means that, while driving at night, possibly on a Johnsburg road, you’re going too fast. If you see something and need to stop, at your speed of travel, you won’t be able to do so.

The term can also be applied to driving in general and in the winter in particular. In the winter, roads are often slick. Sometimes, there is black ice – ice that is there and slippery but invisible to the naked eye.

At the speed that you are traveling, can you stop if you have to? 

The speed that you travel is a significant factor. But there are others. For instance:

• The type, condition and air pressure in your tires
• The condition of your brakes and antilock braking system (ABS)

Some may think that the number of wheels driving your vehicle would also apply here. It doesn’t. In other words, they are inclined to think that, because they have 4-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive they’ll have greater stopping power on a slick highway. They don’t.

If you seem to notice more trucks or SUVs in the ditch on those really slick and snowy days, there’s a good chance it’s because the drivers assumed their 4WD or AWD would help them stop quicker.

Then again, maybe it’s because the 4WD or AWD helps them get going faster that they go faster and get into trouble. The point is that drivers can’t assume they can stop in any situation when the roads are slick and icy. 

Whether you have 4WD or AWD in your car, truck or SUV, you need to avoid overdriving your brakes and steering when driving in the winter. A safe driver is always in control of their vehicle. This includes having an understanding of the grip your tires have on the road.

This brings us back to factors that do apply when stopping in winter conditions. If your tires are nearly bald, they’ll slide much better, which means they won’t stop well. 

On the other hand, if you have fresh all-weather tires or, even better, snow tires on your car, truck or SUV, you’ll have a better chance of stopping.

As for your brakes, you want good brakes on your car, truck or SUV no matter what the season in Johnsburg.