Winter Driving in Colorado
Whether you’re visiting or living in Colorado, being prepared for winter driving on Colorado’s roads is an asset that lets you have safe and fun winter adventures.
4WD vs AWD
Jeeps and Subarus are omnipresent in Colorado for a reason. Having either 4 wheel drive or all wheel drive is a traction advantage in Colorado winter driving. But what’s the difference?
Both AWD (all-wheel drive) and 4WD (four-wheel drive) can send power to all four wheels, but they’re designed with somewhat different priorities. AWD continuously manages how much engine power goes to each axle (and sometimes individual wheels). If a wheel begins slipping on a snowy Colorado road, the system can automatically redistribute power. That makes AWD particularly convenient for normal winter highway and city driving. 4WD traditionally locks the front and rear drivetrains together more directly. Many systems offer 4-High for slippery roads/deeper snow and 4-Low for very slow, difficult terrain. Part-time 4WD generally shouldn't be engaged on dry pavement because the drivetrain needs some wheel slip when turning. One important Colorado winter point: neither system gives you substantially better braking grip. AWD/4WD can help you accelerate without getting stuck, but your tires provide the grip for accelerating, cornering, and stopping. A 2WD car with excellent winter tires can therefore be much more capable on snow and ice than people expect.
Winter Tires for Colorado Driving
Tires should be a top priority. Use good all-season tires at minimum; for frequent mountain travel, quality winter tires are substantially better. Check tread depth and tire pressure regularly, since pressure drops as temperatures fall.
Winter Driving Preparedness
Cololorado’s Traction Rules
Mountain corridors such as I-70 can have traction or chain requirements during winter conditions. AWD/4WD helps you get moving but does not shorten braking distance; tires matter enormously.
Car Battery Prep for Winter
Cold weather exposes weak batteries. Have an older battery load-tested and make sure the terminals are clean. Keep a quick start charger ready in your vehicle so you are self relaitn and don’t need another vehicle to jump start.
Winter Windshield Management
Verify the correct antifreeze/coolant mixture and Bonus points: check hoses and belts. Install good wiper blades, fill up with winter-rated windshield washer fluid, clean the lights, and make sure the defroster works properly. Keep an ice scraper/snow brush handy and remove snow and ice from the roof, hood, windows, mirrors, and lights. Only clearing a hole in the windshield can be dangerous because snow and ice chunks can move and block visibility as the melt.
Don’t Run On Empty
Drowsy driving and low light conditions can make winter driving extra dangerous. Keep the fuel tank reasonably full. A good mountain-driving habit is staying above roughly half a tank, particularly before entering less-populated areas or when a storm is approaching.
Plan in Advance
Colorado road conditions can change dramatically between Denver and the high country. Check CDOT road conditions/closures and the forecast immediately before leaving.
Clear the whole vehicle. —not merely a viewing hole in the windshield.
Drive differently. Increase following distance significantly, make braking/steering inputs gradually, and slow down before curves and downhill sections. Cruise control is best avoided on slippery roads.
Winter Vehicle Supply List
Battery Jump Starter
Flat Tire Kit
small shovel,
traction aid,
flashlight
phone charger/power bank,
First-aid Kit and tourniquet
Warm clothing/gloves, and/or an emergency blanket
Shelf stable food and water