What are the precautions for learning to drive in winter?
3 Answers
Precautions for learning to drive in winter are as follows: 1. Clean the windshield before practice: Before practicing, clean the car's windshield and rearview mirrors to avoid obstructed vision during practice due to blurry rearview mirrors or windshield. 2. Warm up the car adequately before practice: In winter, it is necessary to warm up the car properly; otherwise, abnormal engine wear may occur, affecting both the practice results and the engine's lifespan. 3. Reduce speed and maintain steady steering: Winter driving practice roads may be slippery, with reduced friction between tires and the ground. Therefore, it is essential to control the speed and maintain steady steering during practice.
Winter driving lessons require extra caution. From my experience, staying warm is crucial—wear a down jacket that's not too thick to hinder movement, and use anti-slip gloves and snow boots. Check the car's tire pressure to prevent blowouts, and ensure the wipers can clear snow promptly. During lessons, start slowly and avoid sudden acceleration on ice; brake gently to prevent skidding from abrupt stops. My instructor taught me to maintain a safety distance twice the usual and to choose clear days to avoid peak icy conditions. Car batteries are weaker in winter and prone to draining—preheat the engine for a few minutes before starting to prevent malfunctions. Practice skid control more and don’t fear mistakes. Safety first—it’s best to practice snow parking techniques a few times to adapt to harsh road conditions. Eat something warm before driving to prevent numb hands and feet from slowing reaction times.
My first winter driving lesson was filled with both nervousness and excitement. Wearing thick clothes made movement inconvenient, so I opted for a windproof jacket and non-slip shoes—gloves were a must. The car's wipers had to work well, and the antifreeze needed to be topped up to prevent freezing. I chose to practice in the afternoon when the roads were less slippery, braking gently. The instructor had me start by slowly driving in circles to get a feel for it, maintaining a following distance of at least three seconds. If encountering black ice on the road, avoid sudden steering. Pay attention to the battery—turn off all electrical devices after shutting down the engine. Practice skid recovery in an open area, keep headlights on at all times but avoid high beams. Drinking hot cocoa helps warm up, and never drive on an empty stomach as it affects focus. Don’t skimp on safety gear—invest in quality equipment.
