How to Drive an Automatic Transmission Car Downhill on Snowy and Icy Roads?
1 Answers
When driving an automatic transmission car on a long downhill snowy or icy road, never use the D gear to avoid accidents. Using the gear to control the speed is a safer approach, and in this case, you should select the L gear on the automatic transmission. Below are some key precautions for driving an automatic transmission car downhill on snowy and icy roads: 1. Maintain a safe distance: In addition to controlling speed with the gear, it is crucial to maintain a safe distance when going downhill. The risk of rear-end collisions is much higher on snowy and icy roads compared to dry surfaces due to significantly reduced tire traction. Therefore, it is essential to increase the following distance by 3-4 times the usual distance. Following too closely makes it difficult to control braking distance, and if proper measures are not taken, the likelihood of an accident is very high. 2. Keep both wheels on the same type of surface: Another critical point to note when driving downhill is ensuring both wheels are on the same type of surface. Often, the middle of the road may be clear of snow, while the sides remain covered. Many drivers tend to drive with the right wheels on the snowy side and the left wheels on the clear road, thinking this provides better traction. However, this setup creates uneven friction between the wheels and the road, which can lead to loss of control during acceleration, braking, or steering, potentially causing serious accidents.
