In the winter, you’ve certainly seen overconfident cars speeding by on snow-covered highways, wondering if they’ll crash, or maybe hoping. You don’t want to be that person, whether they did or not.
It’s not required. Driving in the snow has taught us 11 straightforward guidelines for being cool, composed, comfortable, and, most importantly, safe.
- Drive A Smooth Car
The smoothness of the steering wheel, accelerator, and brakes is vital for safe snow driving. Why? Deliberate, careful, and gradual wheel movements, brakes, and throttle motions are essential to avoid unsticking tires with a fragile grip on the slick road. Pretend you’re holding a hot cup of coffee and drive carefully.
- Look Ahead
Slowing down involves looking—and thinking—further down the road. Prepare for the next stage. Allow for turns. Wet roads require more stopping distance than ice. Driving safely takes concentration.
- Watch Flashing Lights
How’s your icy road traction? A small amber flashing light in the instrument cluster may assist you to understand. Squiggly lines trailing a car silhouette The stability-control system alerts you when the car’s drive wheels slip when accelerating straight. Notify. To restore traction, ease off the gas.
- Search
Never look backward to avoid skidding. Obstacles might be seen in your peripheral vision. So race drivers are skilled at recovering from skids.
- Skids
You’ll feel nauseated as your car moves away from you. Quickly control small or large skids. Never panic—and never brake hard! Try:
To avoid a front-wheel skid, slow down. In a beat or two, the front tires should regain grip. As your traction returns, aim for your destination.
- Anti-Lock Brakes Explained
If everything else fails in snow or ice, utilize your anti-lock brakes. Modern cars’ internal computers optimize anti-lock brakes in tough conditions. How to stop? Using ABS, press the brakes until you stop sliding. Depending on traction, the computer brakes each wheel forcefully.
- Check Traction
If road and weather conditions change, so will your traction. It helps you examine snowy road grip in addition to traction and stability control warning lights. So, lightly brake while traveling straight. If the brake pedal chatters yet there’s minimal deceleration, the ABS is activated. Make sure your sudden slowing won’t influence others. Anti-lock brake systems flash an amber light when braking for traction.
- Beware AWD
These characteristics make ice roads safer. When accelerating on slick ground, they power all four wheels, creating the illusion of more grip than you actually have, especially when stationary. Contrary to popular opinion, these technologies don’t improve your car’s slippery turning or stopping. This phase describes traction measurement.
- Insert Winter Tires
This is more survival than driving advice. Installing four winter tires is the best approach to increase your safety on snowy roads (also known as “snow tires”). Seasonal tires perform better in slush and ice. Our long-term vehicles have winter tires, so we can propose some for you.
- Road Reading
Dull or shiny? Is it completely powder or are there bare patches? Do you like crunchy light snow or slush? Look around to see traction. Shiny denotes ice or water, both unpleasant. Dry pavement ahead of shaded areas can trick you. Dry snow trumps sloppy slush.
- Preparation
We once recommended planning ahead. But you’re presumably driving on familiar ground. Is there a similar ascent when you descend down the hill? Save some momentum.
Please get in touch with us if you are interested in taking driving lessons, and we will be happy to assist you.
