What are the precautions for driving in snow?
3 Answers
Here are the precautions for driving in snow: 1. Install snow chains before long-distance trips. After snowfall, clear the snow from the windshield, headlights, and mirrors before starting the car to ensure unobstructed visibility. Due to lower nighttime temperatures, windshield wipers often freeze. Do not activate the wipers to remove snow before the ice on the windshield melts, as the wiper motor may burn out. 2. Avoid wheel spin when starting. Gently press the accelerator after ignition to prevent wheel spin, which can cause the wheels to sink deeper. When starting on ice or compacted snow, use second gear if slipping occurs. Since snow and ice offer less resistance, less torque is needed compared to normal road conditions. 3. Adapt driving to different road conditions. Areas where other vehicles have passed on ice become smoother and have lower friction coefficients, so avoid other vehicles' tracks when possible for safety. Conversely, on snow-covered roads, follow other vehicles' tracks more often. 4. Maintain sufficient following distance. On icy or snow-covered roads, the friction coefficient between tires and the road is very small—only 0.1 on ice and 0.2 on snow—so braking distances are much longer than on dry roads. 5. Wear sunglasses and choose appropriate tires. Snow on roadside structures and the road surface causes diffuse reflection, which can lead to 'snow blindness' during prolonged driving. Sunglasses help reduce light intensity entering the eyes, minimize eye strain, and add a cool factor.
When driving in the snow during winter, I have to be extra careful because the roads are slippery and accidents are frequent. Driving slowly is the most important thing, maintaining a speed of 20 to 30 kilometers per hour is ideal, and remember that the braking distance increases, so sudden braking can easily cause loss of control. I remember one time during heavy snowfall when I drove a bit too fast and almost slid off the road—since then, I’ve made it a habit to check my tires: ensuring the tread depth is at least 3mm and the tire pressure is neither too high nor too low, ideally adjusted according to the manual. If the snow is too deep, install snow chains to prevent skidding; while driving, keep a safe distance from the cars in front and behind—I’d say at least 50 meters is safe. When turning, don’t jerk the steering wheel—turn it slowly, or the car might fishtail, which is terrifying. Before setting off, clear the snow from the windows, including the rearview mirrors—using a defogging spray helps improve visibility. Also, carry an emergency kit with a snow shovel, blankets, snacks, and bottled water in case you get stuck and need to wait for hours. Check the weather forecast to avoid blizzard conditions and choose main roads over smaller paths, which are more likely to be icy—after all, safety is a hundred times more important than being late.
As someone who frequently drives, for snowy road conditions, I believe the first step is to prepare the vehicle by checking tire pressure and using snow tires or chains for much better traction—otherwise, the wheels may slip like skating. It's essential to control driving speed, keeping it below 40, especially on icy sections—don’t follow others driving fast; I’ve tried slow and steady driving, resulting in fewer accidents. Double the following distance—at least twice the usual length—to prevent rear-end collisions if the car ahead brakes suddenly. Be gentle with the throttle, accelerating and braking gradually—no sudden presses, or losing control becomes a risk. Pay attention to lighting: use headlights to increase visibility, fog lights are useful in snowy conditions, and avoid high beams as they cause glare. If the road has many potholes or deep snow, shift to a lower gear, drive slowly, and hold the steering wheel steady—reduce speed before turning and avoid sharp twists. Keep a snow shovel, warm clothes, and a power bank in the car—phone signals are weak in mountainous areas, making these items even more important. Remember not to open the car window when it’s snowing—cold air entering can cause window fogging, obstructing visibility; use the air conditioning’s defogging function to clear it promptly.
