Winter Driving Tips for the Pacific Northwest
Black ice, surprise snow, and wet leaves make PNW winters tricky. A short playbook for staying upright and knowing when to call a tow.
Around the Puget Sound, winter rarely dumps two feet of snow — but the thin ice, soaked leaves, and sudden squalls catch drivers off guard. A few habits make a real difference.
Tires matter more than anything else
Good all-seasons are fine for most of the year. If you commute over Snoqualmie or Chinook Pass, dedicated winter tires are worth it.
Slow, smooth, steady
Brake earlier. Steer gently. Every sudden input costs traction. On bridges and shaded curves, assume there is ice.
When you slide off the road
- Stay in the car with hazards on
- Call for help before trying to free the vehicle
- Have your location (mile marker, intersection, or cross streets) ready
We dispatch winch-equipped trucks for ditch and embankment pulls. Full details are on our vehicle recovery page.
Plan for the drive home
Charge your phone, top up the tank, and keep a blanket in the back seat. On bad-weather nights, our roadside assistance team stays busy — call early, not late.
Need a tow right now?
Pacific Towing & Recovery dispatches 24/7 across the South Puget Sound. One call is all it takes.
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