
Driving in level 7 to 8 strong winds is dangerous. Precautions for driving in windy weather are as follows: 1. Keep windows tightly closed in windy weather: When driving in strong winds, first close all windows to prevent sand and dust from entering the vehicle, which could affect the breathing of passengers and obstruct the view of road conditions. In windy weather, road conditions can be more complex, especially on gravel roads where strong winds can stir up sand and debris, affecting the driver's visibility. In such situations, drivers should pay close attention to the road, gripping the steering wheel firmly. 2. Maintain a greater following distance in windy weather: In windy and dusty conditions, avoid driving too close to the vehicle ahead. Always keep a safe distance to allow time and space to handle sudden emergencies. If driving on dirt roads in such harsh weather, avoid tailgating, as the dust blown up by the wind can impair visibility, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. 3. Choose the appropriate driving lane: When encountering strong winds on highways, try to avoid driving in the fast lane and stay away from the central buffer green belts. It's advisable to drive in the middle lane to prevent accidents caused by boundary markers or signs being blown onto the road from the median. Additionally, be cautious of crosswinds on highways, as they can affect the vehicle's straight-line stability.

Last week, driving a delivery truck in strong winds even made me, a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, break into a cold sweat. Winds of force 7-8 can make heavily loaded trucks sway on the highway, let alone smaller vehicles. When crossing the sea bridge, you have to grip the steering wheel tightly as the car body noticeably drifts, especially when suddenly moving from built-up areas to open spaces. I recommend slowing down to below 60 km/h, keeping the window slightly open to listen to the wind and judge its force, and being extra cautious of crosswinds when overtaking large trucks. Also, remember to check the windshield wipers as strong winds often carry sand and gravel that can scratch the glass. When exiting the highway, it's best to detour around billboards or sites—those metal fences can become flying knives when blown away.

When I first learned to drive, I was terrified on windy days, especially when crossing the Yangtze River Bridge in my small car—it felt like the steering wheel had a mind of its own. Winds of force 7-8 on an open highway can make the car sway like a small boat, requiring extra effort to keep it steady. I’d advise new moms not to rush to pick up or drop off kids in such weather. If you must go out, remember to close the windows tightly to keep dust out and use the AC’s external circulation for fresh air. Avoid placing decorations or perfume bottles in the car—last time, even my tissue box got shaken loose and rolled under the accelerator.

Last time the wind was so strong it broke tree branches while I was driving my little home. Vehicles with high ground clearance need to be especially cautious of crosswinds. Winds at force 7-8 can make the car body feel floaty, particularly for vehicles with modified suspensions—the faster you go, the more pronounced the swaying becomes. It's advisable for modified car enthusiasts to avoid speeding on windy days; switching the steering to sport mode can provide better stability, while those with wider tires will find better grip. When encountering crosswinds, counter-steer to resist skidding, and keep your eyes on the distant horizon rather than the shaking hood up close. Windy days often bring road obstacles—if you see fallen branches, steer clear and never drive over them.

Driving a new energy vehicle for commuting is most challenging on windy days. The heavier in the chassis actually makes the car more stable, but the electricity consumption will skyrocket. When driving in winds of force 7-8, avoid setting the air conditioning too high, especially when sudden strong winds hit after exiting a tunnel. The energy-saving mode's automatic power regeneration can cause the car to jerk. It's recommended to turn on the window defogging function, as the windshield is prone to fogging when humidity increases. Remember to charge in advance—when it's windy, slower speeds can reduce the range by at least 30%. On highways, avoid driving too close to large trucks, as crosswinds can create vortices between vehicles that may cause steering wheel wobbling, even in cars equipped with electromagnetic suspension like mine.

Auto repair shops receive wind-damaged vehicles every year around this season, but strong winds aren't always solely to blame for driving issues. Before driving in 7-8 grade winds, check tire pressure - underinflated tires are more prone to floating. For older vehicles, pay special attention to wiper arm spring aging, as sand particles can scratch glass. Vehicles with cracked chassis bushings will make knocking noises when encountering crosswinds, indicating suspension clearance. Sunroof-equipped cars should have drainage holes cleaned - strong winds can blow leaves that block drainage. Reminder for roof box users: crosswinds exceeding 80km/h can flip them open. If driving is necessary, activate mirror heating to maintain visibility - sandstorms create dangerously low visibility.


