What are the precautions for driving on snow?
2 Answers
Here are the precautions for driving on snow: 1. Start by driving slowly and avoid sudden acceleration, which is the most critical point. Wait until the engine coolant temperature reaches the normal operating range (no blue light on the dashboard), then you can drive normally. At the same time, turn on the heater to prevent fogging inside the car, which can affect visibility. 2. Control your speed. When driving on snow, it is essential to control your speed. Because of the snow, the road surface is very slippery, and the sensitivity of the car's braking and handling is significantly reduced. If the speed is too high, it is easy to lose control and have an accident. Maintain a steady speed and avoid sudden braking. 3. Keep a sufficient safe distance from the vehicle in front. While driving, maintain enough distance from the car ahead to avoid being too close, which could lead to a collision in case of sudden situations. 4. If your car has a snow mode, engage it. The computer will control the engine to output more gently, further preventing wheel spin when starting on icy or slippery surfaces.
As someone who frequently drives in snowy conditions, I think beginners should first slow down, reducing speed to below 30 km/h, and avoid sudden acceleration or hard braking. Maintain a distance at least four times greater than usual from the vehicle ahead, because braking distances increase in snowy weather. I always check if the tires are winter tires or have snow chains, and ensure tire pressure is normal to avoid skidding. Before getting in the car, completely clear snow from the windshield and roof; otherwise, obscured vision can easily lead to accidents. Carry emergency items like a small shovel, water, and thick clothing—these can be lifesavers if you get stranded on the roadside. Pay attention to curves while driving, turning the steering wheel gently to avoid sharp turns that could cause loss of control. Weather forecasts are crucial; it's better not to go out at all during a snowstorm—safety comes first.
