| How to Watch YouTube on TV Posted: 21 Dec 2020 04:00 PM PST The simplest way to watch YouTube on your TV without messing around with cables is to use the YouTube app on your smart TV. But what if your TV isn't "smart?" If you don't have the kind of TV that can connect to the internet, you can use an external streaming device like a Chromecast, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, Roku, or a modern gaming console to convert it into a "smart" TV so you can watch YouTube from the comfort of your couch. This wikiHow teaches you about the most popular ways to watch YouTube on your television. [Edit]Using a Smart TV or Gaming Console - Decide whether this is the right method for you. Do you have a modern (post-2014) smart TV that connects to the internet and allows you to select apps like Netflix and Hulu using your TV remote control? Or do you have a modern gaming console (Wii U, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3 or 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360) connected to your TV and hooked up to the internet? If either of these things is true, you can easily watch YouTube using the official app for your device.[1] If you're using a TV that's not connected to the internet, you'll need an external device to watch YouTube. See Using Chromecast, Using Amazon Fire TV, Using Apple TV, or Using Roku instead.
- Most modern Samsung, LG, and Sony smart TVs come with YouTube preinstalled. If your TV is an Android TV (check the packaging or look up your exact model to find out), you definitely have the YouTube app.[2]
- If your TV model is considered a Roku TV or Amazon Fire TV model, see the Roku or Amazon Fire TV method for more specific information about your TV.
- Select the YouTube app on your TV. Look for the red-and-white YouTube icon with a white triangle on your TV's or gaming console's app screen. Opening the app will bring you to a Sign In screen.
- If you don't already have the app, you'll have to download it from your TV's or gaming console's app store. For example, if you have a PlayStation 4, you can download YouTube from the PlayStation Store app.
- Sign in to YouTube. This allows you to access your favorite videos, save new favorites, and more. To sign in, use one of the three options on the screen (they may vary by device):
- Select Sign in with your mobile device to use the YouTube app on your phone or tablet to sign in.[3] You'll need to use your phone or tablet that has the YouTube app installed, and it'll need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV or console. Once selected, open the YouTube app on your phone or tablet and follow the on-screen instructions to sign in.
- Select Sign in on your TV to use the on-screen keyboard to log in with your Google account.
- Select Sign in with a web browser to use a browser on any computer, phone, or tablet connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV. Once selected, go to https://youtube.com/activate in your web browser and enter the code displayed on the TV to confirm.
- Start watching videos. Now that you're signed in, use your smart TV's remote control or game controller to select a video. You can use the same remote control to pause and skip around, as well as browse additional videos.
[Edit]Using a Chromecast - Find out if Chromecast is right for you. Chromecast is one of the easiest ways to stream YouTube to your TV. You don't need a smart TV to use Chromecast—you can simply plug a small device into an HDMI port on your TV and "cast" YouTube from your phone, tablet, or computer. To use a Chromecast, you'll need:
- A TV with an available HDMI port.
- A Google Chromecast, which typically costs about $30 USD.
- Wireless internet in your home. Both your Chromecast and the device you're streaming from must be on the same network to use Chromecast.
- An Android, iPhone, or iPad with the YouTube app and Google Home app. If you want to stream YouTube from a computer, install the Google Chrome web browser.
- Set up your Chromecast. Once you have a Chromecast, the setup process is easy. You'll need to plug the Chromecast into an HDMI port and a power source, and then use your phone or tablet to get the Chromecast online. For easy-to-follow instructions, see How to Use Chromecast.
- Open the YouTube app on your phone or tablet. Now that your Chromecast is set up, it's time to start casting YouTube videos. You'll find the app on your home screen, in the app list, or by searching.
- If you want to cast YouTube from a web browser on a computer, open the Google Chrome web browser on the computer and navigate to https://www.youtube.com.
- If your phone or tablet isn't already connected to the same Wi-Fi as your Chromecast, make sure to connect it to that network now.
- Tap the Cast icon . It's at the top of the YouTube app and looks like a rectangle with three curved lines at its lower-left corner. YouTube will scan for Chromecasts to cast to.
- If you're using Google Chrome, click the three dots ⋮ near the top-right corner of Chrome and select Cast to start scanning.
- Select your Chromecast. It may have a generic name, like "Living Room TV," or you may have entered a more creative one during setup. Whatever it's called, tap or click the name now—you'll see YouTube on your TV screen!
- If you don't see your Chromecast, make sure your phone, tablet, or computer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the Chromecast. You can also try opening and closing the app again, or turning your TV off and back on.
- Start watching a video. Unlike with a smart TV, you'll select, start, pause, and search for videos using the YouTube app on your phone, tablet, or in Google Chrome. You can control the volume this way as well, but you'll usually also be able to take care of that part with your TV's remote.
[Edit]Using Apple TV - Turn on your Apple TV and navigate to the home screen. If you have an Apple TV, you can use it to start watching YouTube videos using the official Apple TV YouTube app as long as you're using a 3rd, 4th, or later generation model.[4] If you have a 1st or 2nd generation Apple TV, see the Using Apple AirPlay method.
- Open the YouTube app. It's the red-and-white icon that says "YouTube" inside on your home screen. If you don't have the YouTube app, you'll need to install it from the App Store. Here's how:
- Open the App Store, which is the blue-and-white "A" icon on your Apple TV home screen.[5]
- Search for YouTube by selecting the magnifying glass icon at the top-right corner and typing into the search bar.
- Select YouTube from the search results. Make sure not to select "YouTube TV," as that's a subscription-based version of YouTube with different options.
- Select Get, and then Get again to confirm. When YouTube is ready, the "Get" button will change to "Open."
- Sign in to your YouTube (Google) account. There are three different ways to sign in:
- Select Sign in with your mobile device to use the YouTube app on your phone or tablet to sign in.[6] This is great if you don't want to have to type a username and password. Once selected, open the YouTube app and follow the on-screen instructions to confirm.
- Select Sign in on your TV to use the on-screen keyboard to log in. This is self-explanatory—just enter your username and password to log in as displayed on the screen.
- Select Sign in with a web browser to use a browser on any computer, phone, or tablet connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Apple TV. Once selected, navigate to https://youtube.com/activate in your web browser and enter the code displayed on the TV to confirm.
- Select a video to start watching. Unlike when you're streaming from a phone, tablet, or computer, you can use your Apple TV's remote control to select, start, pause, and search for videos in YouTube.
[Edit]Using Amazon Fire TV - Decide whether this is the right method for you. Amazon Fire TV makes it very easy to watch YouTube on your TV screen, even if you don't have a smart TV. Here's how you can figure out whether this is the right choice for you:
- Some smart TVs come with Fire TV already installed—if you have a TV that's an Amazon Fire TV model (check the packaging or look up your model online), use this method! You won't even need to buy anything extra.
- If your TV is not a Fire TV edition, you can buy an Amazon Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Stick Lite, or Fire TV Stick 4k. The cheapest option is the Fire TV Stick Lite, which costs about $30 USD. Unlike the Chromecast, the Fire TV stick comes with its own remote control and has its own interface, including pre-installed apps and the Amazon Appstore. It connects to your HDMI port and requires you to have Wi-Fi internet.
- Install and set up your Fire TV. If your TV has Fire TV built in already, you can skip this step. If you're setting up a FireStick:
- Plug the Fire TV Stick into an available HDMI port on your TV, and then connect it to a power source.[7]
- Put batteries into your Fire TV remote if you haven't already.
- Turn on the TV and switch the input to the HDMI port.
- If the remote isn't paired yet, press and hold the Home button, and then follow the on-screen instructions on the TV screen to pair.
- Use the remote control to connect your Fire TV Stick to your Wi-Fi network. Once you're connected, you'll arrive to the main screen.
- Select the menu. It's in the menu that runs along the top of the screen.
- Select the YouTube app. Use the arrow buttons on your remote to scroll to YouTube (it's near the top). Select it by pressing the center button on your remote control.
- Select . Once the download is complete, the app will be added to your main app list. The "Get" button will also change to "Open."
- Open the YouTube app. You can select Open if you're still in the Appstore, or return to the home screen to select it from there. A sign-in screen will appear with a numeric code.
- Log in to YouTube. To log in, you'll need to verify the numeric code on your TV using a web browser on a computer, phone, or tablet. To do this:
- Open a web browser and navigate to https://www.youtube.com/activate. If you're not signed in, you'll be prompted to do so now.
- Enter the code from the TV and click Next.
- Select Allow access in your browser. In a few moments, the traditional YouTube screen will appear on your TV.
- If prompted to select a YouTube account on your TV, use the remote control to select one.
- Start watching videos. Now that you're all set up, use your Amazon Fire TV remote to navigate to and select a YouTube video to start watching. If you'd like, you can also use Alexa voice commands, like "Alexa, fast forward 30 seconds" or "Alexa, pause."
[Edit]Using Apple AirPlay - Determine whether this is the best method for you. If you have an Apple TV (3rd, 4th, and later generations), you probably won't want to use this method—it's easiest to use the Using Apple TV method, as all of those models support the YouTube app. However, if any of the following statements are true for you, you should use AirPlay:
- You have a 1st or 2nd generation Apple TV, and an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- You don't have an Apple TV but your TV is AirPlay compatible (and you have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac). To be sure, look up your exact TV model to see if it works with AirPlay.[8] Although if your TV supports AirPlay, you can probably just use its built-in interface to watch YouTube on the TV's YouTube app. Check out the Using a Smart TV or Gaming Console method for more on that.
- You have a recent model of Apple TV but don't want to (or can't) install the YouTube app (and you have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac).
- Connect your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV. This is necessary for using AirPlay.
- Open YouTube on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. It's the red-and-white app that says "YouTube" in your phone or tablet's app list. If you're using a Mac, open Safari and navigate to https://www.youtube.com.
- Start playing a video. Clicking or tapping a video should begin playing it immediately.
- Tap or click the AirPlay or casting icon. This will tell YouTube to search for AirPlay-capable devices. Here's how:
- iPhone or iPad: Tap the video once to bring up the controls, and then tap the casting icon (a rectangle with 3 curved lines at its bottom-left corner) at the top. It's the Google Chromecast icon simply because YouTube is a Google app. Then, select AirPlay and Bluetooth devices to start scanning.
- On a Mac, hover the mouse cursor over the video so the controls appear, and then click the AirPlay icon (a rectangle with an upward-pointing triangle inside) to scan for AirPlay.
- Select your AirPlay-enabled TV or Apple TV. You can do this by tapping or clicking its name in the list. This will immediately cast the YouTube video to your TV over AirPlay.
- You'll use your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to browse for and control videos in YouTube even while projected to your TV. You can still use your TV's remote control to adjust the volume as needed.
[Edit]Using Roku - Turn on your Roku TV or device. If you have a TV with Roku built-in or a Roku streaming device like the Roku Express, Premiere, or Streambar, you can easily watch YouTube videos by adding the YouTube channel to your home screen.
- If your TV isn't internet-capable, you can use a Roku streaming device to convert it into a smart TV. Roku streaming devices are affordable and easy to set up. To learn about the different Roku models, check out https://www.roku.com/products/players.
- Press the Home button on your Roku remote control. It's the button with an icon of a house. This displays your home screen.[9]
- Scroll up or down and select . This opens the Roku Channel Store.
- Search for YouTube in the "Search Channels" area. When YouTube appears in the search results, press the OK button to select it.
- Select on the YouTube page. YouTube will now download and install to your Roku.
- You may be required to verify your Roku PIN to start the download.
- Return to the home screen and open the YouTube app. Once YouTube is installed, you can select its red-and-white icon from the channel list on the home screen. Since it was installed most recently, it'll be at the bottom of the list.
- Sign in to YouTube. When you open the YouTube app, you'll see a numeric code on the screen. To sign in, you'll have to verify that code in a web browser on a computer, phone, or tablet. Here's how:
- In any browser, go to https://www.youtube.com/activate and sign in to your YouTube/Google account.
- Enter the TV code into the blank and click Next.
- Click Allow access and wait for YouTube to open on your TV. You may be prompted to select a YouTube account on your TV—if so, use your Roku remote to do so.
- Select a video to start watching. Use the arrow keys to browse, and OK to select a video. Enjoy your videos!
- Launch the Web browser on your Smart TV and navigate to YouTube's official website if you don't want to activate the YouTube app itself. This is the ideal workaround for individuals who don't want their Smart TVs linked to their Google Accounts.
- If you don't want to use any of these methods, you can connect your computer to your TV using an HDMI cable to use your TV as a monitor. This allows you to watch YouTube videos on your television using your computer's web browser.
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Make Bubble Solution Posted: 21 Dec 2020 08:00 AM PST Blowing bubbles is fun, but don't worry if you run out of bubble solution. Luckily, it's easy to make at home. While you can always mix a little bit of water and dish soap and call it a day, you can make a more effective bubble solution by adding some sugar or glycerin to it. You can even spruce it up by adding some food coloring or vanilla extract! [Edit]Ingredients [Edit]Basic Bubble Solution - of warm water
- 1/2 cup (115 g) of granulated sugar
- of liquid dish soap
[Edit]Super Bubble Solution - of water
- 1/2 cup (65 g) of cornstarch
- liquid dish soap
- 1 tablespoon (12.5 g) of baking powder
- 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of glycerin or corn syrup
[Edit]Colored Bubble Solution - of warm water
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) of granulated sugar
- of liquid dish soap
- Food coloring
[Edit]Scented Bubble Solution - of lukewarm water
- of mild or unscented liquid soap
- Essential oil or extract
- 2 to 4 tablespoons (30 to 60 mL) of glycerin or corn syrup (optional)
[Edit]Making a Basic Bubble Solution - Pour of warm water into a large jar. You can use another container, such as a bowl or pitcher. It just needs to be big enough to hold a little over of liquid. This will give you enough room for the other ingredients.[1]
- You can use less water if you want to. You'll need to adjust the amount of the other ingredients, however.
- The exact temperature of the water does not matter. You can use the warmest water from your tap, although distilled water would be better.
- Add 1/2 cup (115 g) of granulated sugar, then stir until it dissolves. How long you do this for will depend on how warm the water is. It shouldn't take more than 2 or 3 minutes.[2]
- If you're using a jar, then you can just close the jar tightly, then shake it.
- Sugar sounds like an odd ingredient to add to bubble solution, but it will help bind the ingredients together and help them last longer!
- If you don't have any sugar, then you can leave it out. Just be aware that the bubbles won't be as tough.
- Stir in of liquid dish soap. Do not get too ambitious here! You want to mix the dish soap into the water, but you don't want to create foam.[3]
- If you're using a jar, use a long-handled spoon to stir it. Do not close and shake the jar.
- Most people find blue Dawn dish soap to be the most effective, but you can try using other brands too.
- Wait a few hours before you use the bubble solution. It would be even better if you wait until the next day. For some reason, this resting period helps produce better bubbles.[4]
- Store the bubble solution in a cool, dark place. A fridge will help it last longer.
- The sooner you enjoy the bubble solution, the better. Because it has sugar in it, it will only last 1 to 2 weeks.
[Edit]Making Super Bubble Solution - Dissolve the cornstarch in the water. Pour 1/2 cup (65 g) of cornstarch into a large bowl. Add of water, then give the solution a stir. Keep stirring until the cornstarch dissolves.[5]
- If you can't find cornstarch, use cornflour instead.
- This recipe will create tough, longer-lasting bubbles. It's great for making giant bubbles as well!
- Add the dish soap, baking powder, and glycerin. Pour of liquid dish soap into the bowl. Add 1 tablespoon (12.5 g) of baking powder and 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of glycerine.[6]
- Be sure to use baking powder and not baking soda. They're not the same thing.
- If you can't fine glycerin, try corn syrup instead. It's not the same thing, but it'll do a similar job.
- Stir the ingredients together, but be careful not to create foam. A long-handled spoon would work the best for this, because it's the least likely to create froth. Just keep stirring until the soap, baking powder, and glycerin dissolve.[7]
- Wait at least 1 hour before you use the solution. Sometimes, the cornstarch won't dissolve all the way and settle to the bottom of the bowl. If this happens, just give the solution a quick stir.[8]
- Don't worry if there's still some cornstarch left. It won't harm the bubbles.
- Keep the bubble solution in a cool, dark place, and use it within a few weeks. If it starts to look cloudy, toss it out.
[Edit]Creating a Colored Bubble Solution - Dissolve the sugar in warm water. Pour of warm water into a pitcher. Add 2 tablespoons (30 g) of granulated sugar, then give the solution a stir. Keep stirring until the sugar dissolves.[9]
- You want to use a pitcher because you will be dividing the solution into smaller batches. It will be easier to pour from a pitcher.
- Stir in the dish soap, but be careful not to make bubbles. Pour of liquid dish soap into the pitcher. Stir the solution again until the soap dissolves. Be sure to stir slowly, so that you don't create too many bubbles.[10]
- The original blue Dawn dish soap is reported to create the best bubbles, but the blue color will mix with whatever color you add to the bubbles.
- Consider a clear dish soap. It will make mixing your own colors easier. It's a must if you want yellow, orange, or red bubbles.
- Divide the solution between 4 cups or jars. This will allow you to create 4 different colors. If you want fewer colors, use 1 jar for each color that you want. If you want just 1 color, pour it into a large jar instead.[11]
- Stir 5 to 10 drops of food coloring into each jar. Keep in mind that this is only if you divided the solution between 4 jars. If you used fewer jars, you'll have to use more food coloring.[12]
- You can also try using liquid watercolor instead. It's not quite the same thing, but it will still produce beautiful colors.
- For glow-in-the-dark bubbles, you could use a squirt of glow-in-the-dark or fluorescent paint. Keep in mind that these will show up the best under black lightbulbs.[13]
- The food coloring will mix with the original color of the dish soap. For example, if you add red food coloring to blue dish soap, you'll get purple!
- Use the bubbles outside and be careful of stains. Stay away from anything that can get stained, like cars and patio furniture. It would be a good idea to wear clothing that can get dirty too.[14]
- Wait at least 1 hour before you use the bubbles. This will help produce stronger, longer-lasting bubbles.
- Store the bubble solution in a cool, dark place, like the fridge. Use it within a couple of weeks.
[Edit]Trying a Scented Bubble Solution - Stir the soap into the water. Pour of lukewarm water into a bowl. Add of a mild or unscented liquid soap. Gently mix the 2 ingredients together to help the soap dissolve.[15]
- Stir slowly so that you don't create too many bubbles.
- Castile soap is a great option because it's unscented. You can also use a soap with a very mild or neutral scent.
- Avoid heavily scented soaps, like lavender. They will overpower the fragrance that you'll add to the bubble solution.
- Add some baking extract, such as vanilla extract, then give it a stir. A little bit goes a long way, so you'll only need 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon. Other great choices include lemon extract and almond extract. You can also use peppermint extract, but reduce that to just a few drops; it's very strong![16]
- You can also use a few drops of essential oil or soap making fragrance oil. Start with 2 to 3 drops, then add more if desired.
- You can also try 2 to 3 drops of flavoring oil meant for candy making. It's very potent, so you don't need much.
- If you want colored bubble mix, add a few drops of food coloring or liquid watercolor.
- Mix in some corn syrup or glycerin if you want stronger bubbles. You don't have to add this in, but it will help make the bubbles tougher and last longer. About 2 to 4 tablespoons (30 to 60 mL) is all you need.[17]
- Choose 1 or the other. Don't use both!
- Mix gently! You don't want to create too many bubbles!
- Use the bubble solution, but throw it out when it starts to look cloudy. Unlike other bubble mixes, this one may not last very long. It really depends on what you added to the solution to begin with. For example, bubble solutions made from extracts may not last as long as those made from essential oil.[18]
- If you used just water, soap, and essential oil, the bubble solution can last essentially forever.
- If you used water, soap, baking extract, and corn syrup, the solution may only last 1 to 2 weeks. Store the solution in a cool, dark place.
- Distilled water works better than tap water. Tap water contains minerals, which can prevent the bubbles from forming properly.
- If you don't have dish soap, try hand soap, body wash, or even shampoo. Anything without alcohol added to it is a good bet.
- Bubbles tend to last longer on humid days.
- Blow the bubbles outside when the temperatures hit below freezing. The bubbles may freeze too!
- Reuse old bubble wands or make new ones out of pipe cleaners! The larger the wand, the bigger the bubbles will be!
[Edit]Warnings - Homemade bubble solution won't last as long as store-bought bubble solution. If it starts to look cloudy or smell bad, pour it out.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Large bowl, jar, or pitcher
- Long-handled spoon
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Drive a Car in Winter Weather Posted: 21 Dec 2020 12:00 AM PST Driving in winter weather is stressful for everyone. Between cleaning the car off, navigating around other vehicles, and handling slippery conditions, it's a time of year that many drivers would prefer to skip. Luckily, you don't have to worry! While driving in winter weather can be tricky, you can still do it safely with some easy preparation tips. This way, you can reach your destination without any mishaps on the trip. [Edit]Driving Strategies - Clean off your car before leaving. It feels inconvenient to clean off your car, but this is an important safety step. Snow on your windows and mirrors blocks your view and could cause an accident. Before leaving, use a snow brush and wipe away all the snow on your windows, mirrors, hood, trunk, and roof.[1]
- If your car has backup sensors or cameras, clear these off as well.[2]
- Clear all of your lights as well, including your headlights, brake lights, and tail lights.
- Remember your roof! Snow piled on your roof can fly off while you're driving and hit other cars. If you can't reach up there with your snow brush, use a broom instead.
- Reduce your speed so you can stop in time. You may be stressed and running behind, but your safety comes first! Snowy weather isn't the time to drive fast. Keep your speed well below the speed limit so you can stop without slipping or skidding.[3]
- Press the gas pedal gently to avoid sudden a jolt. This could make your car skid.
- The exact speed you should go depends on the conditions. For snowy or icy conditions, it's best to keep your speed below . If you're still slipping or skidding to stop, then you definitely need to slow down.
- Leave 5-6 seconds of space behind other vehicles. Even if you're going slow, it can still take some time to stop on an icy road. If you're following other cars, leave at least 5-6 seconds of following distance. This gives you plenty of time to stop safely.[4]
- If you want to check how closely you're following someone, look at something on the side of the road up ahead, like a telephone pole. Start counting when the car ahead of you passes it, and stop counting when you pass it. The number of seconds is how closely you're following that car.
- If you're unable to count your following distance, a good general rule is doubling the amount of space you usually leave when you follow other cars.
- Drive smoothly so you don't skid. Jerky movements can make your car skid out of control, so be very careful and drive as smoothly as possible. Press your brake and gas pedals gently to stop and accelerate smoothly and avoid skids. Turn your steering wheel slowly and smoothly as well.[5]
- In a winter storm, conditions can change fast. If you weren't slipping a few minutes ago but now you're skidding around, adjust your driving and try to be as smooth as possible.
- Brake smoothly to come to a controlled stop. If the roads are icy, you could skid if you brake too hard. When you have to stop, apply gradual pressure to your brake pedal and slow to a complete stop. This should prevent you from slipping or losing control.[6]
- This is another reason that driving slowly is so important. As long as you're not going too fast, you should be able to brake smoothly.
- Stay focused on the road ahead of you so you can spot any obstructions early. This is another good way to avoid stopping short.
- Avoid speeding up hills. When you approach a hill, don't press the gas pedal hard to try and go up it. This can cause your tires to spin. Instead, build up a bit of speed leading up to the hill, then switch back to your normal speed when you're going up the hill. Don't stop on the hill if you can avoid it or you might get stuck.[7]
- Tap the brakes smoothly when you reach the top of the hill so you don't slip down the other side. This can be very dangerous.
- Ease off the gas if you skid. Skidding can be extremely scary, but it's normal if you're driving in a winter storm. Most skids are quick and all you have to do is let the gas pedal go until the tires regain traction. Once you have control again, turn your steering wheel in the direction you want to go and slowly press the gas again.[8]
- Never hit the brake while you're skidding. This can make you lose control.
- Turn with the skid if you're starting to spin. This is the scariest type of skid, so do your best to remain calm. If you're actually starting to spin out, let go of the gas and turn your wheel in the direction you're spinning. This prevents the car from skidding further. When the car stops or regains traction, then turn your wheel back in the direction you want to go and press the gas gently.[9]
- Your natural reaction will be to turn in the opposite direction that you're skidding, so it can be tough to overcome that urge. Try to pause for a second and remind yourself this you could lose control this way, and it's much safer to turn into the skid.
- Don't hit the brake at any point during the skid. You could lose control of the car this way.
- The only exception is if you've lost control of the skid and you have antilock brakes, which most modern cars do. If you're out of control, press the brake pedal down as hard as you can to trigger the antilock brakes without losing control of the car. Keep the pedal pressed down hard and steer the car to a safe stop.[10]
- Avoid using cruise control. Cruise control can be a relaxing way to drive. However, during winter weather, you shouldn't use the cruise control at all. This takes the acceleration and deceleration out of your control. On slippery surfaces that have snow, ice, or sand, this may cause you to slide or lose control of your car.[11]
- Pull over and stop if the weather is getting worse. Winter conditions can change quickly, especially in a storm. If the weather is taking a turn for the worst, it's best to stop driving and stay safe. Find a safe place to pull over, or consider stopping at a nearby motel to get off the road. Then, you can try again when the weather is better.[12]
- Some signs that it's time to stop are that you're skidding a lot and can't control the car, visibility is very bad, or you're feeling panicked. These are all dangerous conditions, and you should stop before you get into an accident.
- If you get trapped in your car, stay with the car. Turn your hazard lights on and call someone as soon as possible for help. Turn the car on for 10 minutes every hour to keep the car heated.
[Edit]Safety Tips - Stay home during winter storms if you can. While there are lots of safety tips for driving in the snow and ice, the safest option is actually not driving at all. If you can avoid it, stay put and avoid the roads in bad conditions. Wait until the storm passes and the roads improve to drive.[13]
- Keep an eye on the weather forecasts if you're decided whether or not it's safe to drive. If there is a bad storm on the way, it's best to hunker down until it passes.
- Of course this isn't always possible, especially if you have to get to work or reach someone in an emergency. In this case, be extra careful on the road.
- Keep your gas tank at least half-filled all the time. This is important to make sure you have enough gas during unexpected storms, and also to prevent your gas line from freezing. If your tank dips below half, top it off so you always have enough.[14]
- If you're going on a longer trip, it's best to make sure you tank is full before leaving.
- Keeping enough gas in your car is also very important if you get stranded during a storm. You'll be able to run the car every so often to stay warm.
- If you drive an electric or hybrid car, make sure you keep it plugged in so you always have a full charge.[15]
- Store emergency winter supplies in your car. It's always a good idea to have an emergency kit in your car, but it's especially important during the winter. Stock your car with the following items so you'll always be ready for winter weather conditions:[16]
- Supplies to dig out your car like a small shovel, snow brush, kitty litter or sand, and ice scraper.
- Things to keep warm like blankets, extra clothes, hats and gloves, and candles.
- Non-perishable food and emergency water.
- General items like flares, flashlights, a first-aid kit, jumper cables, maps, and extra oil, antifreeze, and washer fluid.
- Check the weather before you drive anywhere. If you're planning on driving in the winter, especially a long distance away, check the weather. This way, you won't get caught in an unexpected storm. If the weather looks very bad, it's best to avoid driving if you can.[17]
- Remember that the weather can change very quickly in the winter, and it could start snowing even if this wasn't in the forecast. That's why having your car prepared is so important.
- Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to arrive. If you get caught in an unexpected storm that slows you down, it's important for someone to know where you are. Tell someone when you're leaving, where you're going, the route you're taking, and when you expect to arrive. That way, if they don't hear from you, they can reach out to make sure you're okay.[18]
- It's important to stick with the plan you told someone about, and let them know if you change it. If you told them you were taking one route, but then take a different one without telling them and get into an accident, they won't know how to find you.
- Refrain from driving when you're tired or distracted. You have to be extra alert when you're driving in the winter. Driving when you're tired slows your response time and concentration, which is extremely dangerous. Try not to drive in snow or ice when you are tired or haven't had proper rest.[19]
- Texting or looking at your phone is always dangerous, but it's especially dangerous in bad road conditions.
- Never drive if you've been drinking, whether it's snowing or not.
- Keep your cell phone charged at all times. This is very important if you break down or run into any problems on the road. Fully charge your phone before leaving so you have enough power to make any emergency phone calls.[20]
- It's best to keep a car charger in your car at all times. This way, you can always recharge your phone if you have to.
[Edit]Car Prep and Servicing - Have your car checked and serviced before the winter. Your car undergoes all kinds of wear and tear throughout the year, and you don't want this to come crashing down in the winter. When winter is getting close, it's best to take your car to a mechanic for a full checkup. This way, you can get any necessary repairs and prevent a breakdown on a snowy road.[21]
- Common things that break during the winter include hoses, belts, water pumps, and spark plug wires. You should also check the tire pressure.
- Get a new battery if yours is wearing out. Dead batteries are not a good thing to wake up to on a cold morning. Old batteries may give out in the cold, or the charging system may not be working correctly. Some signs that you might need a new battery include your engine cranking a few times to start, weak or dim lights, and failure to hold a charge. If you're noticing these signs, then it's probably time for a new battery.[22]
- In general, car batteries should be replaced every 4-5 years, but this depends on a lot of other conditions.
- Your mechanic can measure your battery health during a tune-up.
- Top off your antifreeze. Antifreeze is important to keep your car running during the winter. Pop your hood and check the antifreeze tank. If the levels are low, add more until the antifreeze reaches the fill line in your tank.[23]
- Check your manual for specific antifreeze type recommendations.
- Replace your wipers if they're worn-out. Worn-out wipers are a huge safety hazard in the winter. If your wipers leave any wet spots on your windshield, then it's time to replace them.[24]
- Sometimes, wipers leave wet spots when they're dirty. Try wiping yours down with alcohol and see if that helps. If not, then get new ones.
- If you live an an icy area, get heavy-duty wipers that can handle ice without breaking.
- Put snow tires on your car if you live in a snowy area. These tires are designed for extra traction during snow and ice storms. They're definitely worth it if you do a lot of driving in snowy weather. You can buy a set from any tire shop and have the mechanics install them for you.[25]
- It can be tough to put snow tires on yourself, so it's best to let a mechanic do this for you.
- Depending on the type, snow tires can cost $100-200 each.
- You can store the tires during the winter, or many tire shops will store the tires and rims for you.
- Fill up your windshield washer fluid. Snow and icy conditions can make seeing out of your windshield difficult. If you drive behind a car, you may also get salt and road grime sprayed on your windshield. Fill your washer tank with washer fluid that is made for snow and freezing temperatures.[26]
- Winter formulas of washer fluid help remove snow and ice without freezing.
- If you run into any trouble on the road, the most important thing to do is keep your cool and don't panic. With a clear head, you'll be able to make the right decisions.[27]
- You can practice driving in the snow if you aren't sure if you can handle it. Start by driving around your block or in an empty parking lot to get used to it.
[Edit]Warnings - If you don't feel safe driving, then it's best not to drive. Trust your gut to avoid accidents in winter weather.
- Never speed while you're driving in the snow. This is extremely dangerous.
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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