How to Use Brakes on Icy Roads Without ABS Installed?
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For vehicles not equipped with ABS when braking on icy or snowy roads, it is recommended to gently press the brake pedal or use intermittent braking to decelerate. This is because on icy, slippery, gravel, or other smooth surfaces, the wheels can easily lock up and cause loss of control. Avoid slamming on the brakes. Instead, first press the brake, then the clutch, and after releasing the clutch, intermittently apply the brakes while firmly holding the steering wheel to effectively reduce braking distance. Tips for driving on icy roads: 1. Reduce speed: Due to reduced friction between tires and the road, braking distance is significantly longer compared to dry surfaces. For example, stopping from 40km/h on ice requires the same distance as stopping from 70km/h on dry roads, and braking distance increases further with higher speeds. 2. Handling downhill and turns: On icy downhill sections, avoid coasting and instead reduce speed gradually without locking the brakes. Turns are particularly hazardous as the risk of skidding increases significantly. Always slow down before entering a curve, maintain a low speed throughout, and never attempt to overtake or change lanes in a curve. 3. Maintain straight-line driving: On icy roads, vehicles may struggle to stop or skid easily. Therefore, avoid frequent lane changes or overtaking and try to drive in a straight line as much as possible.