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How-to guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
How to Drive in Snow, Including Lake Effect Bands
Lake effect snow can take you from sunshine to heavy snow and sudden low visibility within a mile or two. This guide covers how to drive in snow, from speed and following distance to braking, snowplows and skids, using the Indiana Department of Transportation's (INDOT) winter driving tips and National Weather Service guidance, plus the winter checks our Michigan City service team handles.
2-3 in.of snow per hour or more from a lake effect band (NWS)
1-2 mi.heavy snow in one spot, sun a mile or two away (NWS)
5,000+roadway deaths each year due to weather conditions (NWS)
0times to slam the brakes on snow (INDOT)
The short answer
Check conditions before you leave and clear all snow from windows and lights. Drive well below the speed limit, leave extra room, brake early and gently, and skip cruise control. Give snowplows room and do not tailgate them. In a lake effect band, slow down; if you cannot see, pull over and stop until visibility improves.
Before you go
INDOT's winter driving tips start before you turn the key:
Know the conditions
Find out about driving conditions before you leave home. Safe drivers know the weather, and their limits.
Clear the vehicle
Remove snow from the windows, lights, brake lights and signals so you can see and be seen. The NWS notes that flying snow from cars causes accidents.
Inspect
Check your tires, wiper blades, fluids, lights, belts and hoses.
Leave time
Allow plenty of time to reach your destination; it is not worth the risk just to be on time.
Pack a kit
Keep winter travel gear, tire chains, an ice scraper and snowbrush, jumper cables and road flares in the vehicle.
From INDOT, "Winter Driving Safety Tips," and the National Weather Service, "During the Storm," read October 26, 2026.
How to drive in snow
One simple rule from INDOT: slow down. The rest follows from it.
| Tip | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Slow down | Drive well below the posted speed limit, especially on the first snow or ice of the season. | The faster you are going, the longer it takes to stop. |
| Leave room | Leave extra space between you and the vehicle ahead. | It takes extra time and distance to stop on slick, snowy roads. |
| Brake early | Brake early, brake slowly, and never slam on the brakes. | INDOT's rule: never slam on the brakes. |
| Stay smooth | Avoid cruise control and abrupt steering; merge into traffic slowly. | Sudden movements can cause your vehicle to slide. |
| Ease off the line | Accelerate slowly on snow or ice. | This helps you avoid slipping or sliding. |
| Watch for black ice | Take it slow near intersections, off-ramps, bridges and shady areas. | Roads that seem dry may actually be slippery. |
| 4WD is not a brake | Even in an SUV with four-wheel drive, go slowly. | It may get you going faster, but it will not help you stop sooner. |
From INDOT, "Winter Driving Safety Tips," read October 26, 2026.
Driving through lake effect snow
Lake effect snow is common across the Great Lakes region in late fall and winter. The National Weather Service explains that cold air moving across the open, relatively warm water of the Great Lakes picks up warmth and moisture, and the clouds that form can grow into narrow bands that produce 2 to 3 inches of snow per hour or more. Wind direction decides where the bands set up: heavy snow may be falling in one place while the sun shines a mile or two away.
That is why a lake effect drive can change so fast. The NWS says these bands can produce very heavy snow with sudden restrictions in visibility. Slow down when you see a band ahead, increase your following distance, and if you are having trouble seeing, pull over to the side of the road and stop until visibility improves.
- Lake Effect Snow Warning: significant snowfall expected from lake-induced squalls or heavy showers; driving conditions may become hazardous at times.
- Lake Effect Snow Advisory: accumulation below warning criteria; assume travel will be difficult in some areas.
- Winter Storm Warning: travel will become difficult or impossible in some situations; delay your travel plans until conditions improve.
- Blizzard Warning: do not travel. If you must, carry a winter survival kit, and if stranded, stay with your vehicle.
From the National Weather Service, "What is a Lake Effect Snow?," "Winter Weather Warnings, Watches and Advisories" and "During the Storm" (pulling over), and INDOT (following distance), read October 26, 2026.
Sharing the road with snowplows
INDOT's snowplow safety tips:
Give them room
Plows are wide and can cross the centerline or shoulder. Do not tailgate, and try not to pass. If you must pass, take extreme caution and beware of the snow cloud.
Be patient
Snowplows travel below the posted speed limit. Allow plenty of time to slow down.
They may not see you
A plow operator's field of vision is restricted. Keep your distance and watch for sudden stops or turns.
From INDOT, "Winter Driving Safety Tips," read October 26, 2026.
If you start to skid
The National Weather Service says to remain calm, ease your foot off the gas and turn your wheels in the direction you want the front of the car to go. If your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brake pedal. Never pump the brakes on an ABS-equipped vehicle.
If you are having trouble seeing, pull over to the side of the road and stop until visibility improves. The NWS adds: turn off your lights and set the parking brake when stopped, so another car does not follow your taillights and hit you.
From the National Weather Service, "Winter Storm Safety: During the Storm," read October 26, 2026.
Winter checks at Michigan City Ford
Grip in the snow starts with your tires. Our tire service page lists the warning signs of failing tires: bulges, gouges or cracks, constant tire pressure issues, tread wear, and uncommon vibration or thumping while driving. If you notice any of them, schedule tire service. Our maintenance guide recommends a tire rotation at every maintenance visit (see your owner's manual) and checking the pressure of all tires, including the spare, at least once a month when they are cold (not driven for at least three hours).
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, October 26, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Snow driving FAQ
How do you drive safely in snow?
Slow down, leave extra room and make every input gentle. INDOT says to drive well below the posted speed limit on the first snow or ice, brake early and slowly, never slam on the brakes, and avoid cruise control and abrupt steering.
What should I do if I drive into a lake effect snow band?
The National Weather Service says lake effect bands can produce very heavy snow with sudden restrictions in visibility. Slow down, and if you are having trouble seeing, pull over to the side of the road and stop until visibility improves; turn off your lights and set the parking brake so another car does not follow your taillights.
How far should I stay behind a snowplow?
INDOT does not give a distance, but says to give snowplows room to work, not to tailgate, and to try not to pass. Plows are wide, can cross the centerline or shoulder, travel below the speed limit, and the operator may not see you.
Does four-wheel drive make snow driving safe?
Not by itself. INDOT says four-wheel drive may get you going faster, but it will not help you stop sooner, and you may not be able to keep control any better once you lose traction.
What does a Lake Effect Snow Warning mean?
The NWS issues a Lake Effect Snow Warning when lake-induced snow squalls or heavy showers are expected to produce significant accumulation. A Lake Effect Snow Advisory means accumulation below warning criteria; assume travel will be difficult in some areas.
How do I get out of a skid in the snow?
Remain calm, ease your foot off the gas and turn your wheels in the direction you want the front of the car to go. With ABS, apply steady pressure to the brake pedal and never pump the brakes, the National Weather Service says.
Can Michigan City Ford check my tires before winter?
Yes. Our tire service page lists the warning signs to watch for: bulges, gouges or cracks, constant tire pressure issues, tread wear, and uncommon vibration or thumping. If you notice any, schedule tire service. The Works® also includes a tire rotation and pressure check and a brake inspection.
Get ready for lake effect season
Book a tire check, brake inspection or The Works at Michigan City Ford.
Sources
Driving and safety guidance is from the Indiana Department of Transportation and the National Weather Service, read October 26, 2026. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Your owner's manual is the final word for your vehicle. Photo is illustrative.
- Winter Driving Safety Tips (preparation, road conditions, snowplows, speed, braking), Indiana Department of Transportation, read October 26, 2026
- What is a Lake Effect Snow?, National Weather Service, read October 26, 2026
- Winter Weather Warnings, Watches and Advisories, National Weather Service, read October 26, 2026
- Winter Storm Safety: During the Storm (driving, skids, ABS, visibility), National Weather Service, read October 26, 2026
- Ford tire service: warning signs, Michigan City Ford, October 26, 2026
- General service: The Works, tire rotation and pressure, Michigan City Ford, October 26, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, October 26, 2026