Is driving slippery in the snow?
4 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.
I just got my driver's license less than a year ago, and driving in snowy weather is terrifyingly slippery. The first time I drove to work in the snow, I nearly slid off the road while turning a corner, and my heart was pounding for a long time. It felt like the wheels were skating on ice, completely out of control. Now I know that beginners should avoid driving in the snow if possible. If you must drive, check the tire tread for wear and keep an emergency blanket in the car for warmth. Definitely keep your speed slow—30 to 40 kilometers per hour is enough—and brake gently, avoiding sudden stops. It's best to practice on a flat road to get used to it and gradually build confidence—that's the key.
I've been in the auto repair business for over a decade, and slippery conditions during snowy weather are very common. The key factors are icy roads or slippery melted snow, compounded by reduced traction from worn tires or insufficient tire pressure. I've seen countless vehicles come into the shop for repairs, mainly due to front-wheel skids causing collisions. My advice is to switch to winter-specific tires before winter arrives, as they provide better traction. Before heading out, clear your headlights and sensors to ensure good visibility. If possible, avoid steep slopes, accelerate gently when starting, and use intermittent braking rather than slamming on the brakes. These small habits can significantly reduce the risk of skidding and make your journey safer.
