Is driving slippery in the snow?
2 Answers
Driving in the snow can be quite slippery. During snowy or rainy weather, the wheels are prone to spinning or skidding, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. Safety tips for driving in snowy conditions: Warming up and cleaning the car: If you find your car covered in snow when you go out, it is recommended to warm up the car first to allow the engine to reach its optimal state. Additionally, this helps raise the water temperature to ensure warm air can be blown out quickly. At the same time, try to sweep off the loose snow from the car, especially around the front and rear lights, windows, and rearview mirrors. Slow down and avoid sudden braking: When driving in the snow, decelerate smoothly and apply the brakes gently. Never accelerate abruptly or brake suddenly on icy or snowy roads. When braking, always leave a longer braking distance and then press the brakes gently and steadily. If the snow on the road is deep, try to follow the tracks left by other vehicles or drive on areas where the snow has been compacted by tires. Maintain a safe following distance: When driving in the snow, it's best to keep a following distance 3-4 times greater than usual. Following too closely makes it difficult to control the braking distance, which can easily lead to accidents. Keep the windshield clear: The temperature difference between the inside and outside of the car in snowy weather can cause fogging on the windows, leading to blurred vision. Turn on the defogging function promptly to ensure clear driving visibility. How to handle skidding: If the car starts to skid, stay calm. Gently steer the wheel in the direction of the skid. Once the car straightens out, gently apply the brakes until the situation is fully under control. For vehicles without ABS or electronic stability control (ESC), use a "pump and release" method for intermittent braking. For vehicles equipped with ABS and ESC, press the brake pedal firmly all the way down while controlling the steering wheel. Using a "pump and release" method will not allow the system to function properly and may instead increase the risk of danger.
To be honest, having driven in the north for over thirty years, driving in snowy conditions is truly slippery. Every winter, I have to deal with a few skidding incidents. When the road is icy, the tire grip weakens, braking distance extends significantly, and it's easy to lose control if you're not careful. I remember one time a couple of years ago when I was in a hurry and didn't notice a thin layer of ice on a slope—the car slid straight for about five to six meters. Fortunately, my experience helped me steady the steering wheel and avoid an accident. Now, I always switch to winter tires in advance, keep my speed below 50 km/h, maintain a distance three times the usual from the car in front, and take extra care when turning, slowing down even more. When temperatures drop, I also check the tire pressure to avoid underinflation, which increases the risk of skidding. These details are crucial to remember—safety is more important than anything else.
