What are the seven essentials for driving on icy and snowy roads?
3 Answers
Seven essentials for driving on icy and snowy roads include: preventing poor vehicle condition, preventing abrupt starts, preventing insufficient observation, preventing tailgating, preventing rapid steering, preventing sudden braking, and preventing improper parking. Meaning of preventing poor vehicle condition: Before driving, the vehicle should be thoroughly inspected to ensure it is in good condition, especially the steering and braking systems, which should be effective and reliable. There should be no deviation or uneven braking when applying the brakes. The tire pressure should be set to the lower limit of the specified value, and the pressure should be the same for both left and right tires. Tires with worn-out treads should be replaced promptly. To prevent skidding, the front and rear wheel brakes should be adjusted for synchronized braking. Since icy roads are very slippery, snow chains should be installed when driving. The snow chains should be evenly tightened and symmetrically placed on both sides. Cargo should be evenly distributed, ensuring equal load on both sides of the tires. Additionally, when driving on icy and snowy roads, it is advisable to carry necessary anti-slip and warming supplies. Meaning of preventing abrupt starts: If the tires are found to be frozen to the ground when starting, use a pickaxe to remove the ice, snow, and mud around the tires to prevent damage to the tires and transmission components. When starting, the clutch can be partially engaged, and the accelerator should be gently pressed to allow the engine to output minimal power without stalling, adapting to the icy and snowy road conditions and avoiding wheel spin. If the drive wheels slip, remove the ice and snow beneath the wheels and sprinkle dry sand, coal cinders, or straw under the drive wheels. Alternatively, use a pickaxe to carve "X" or "Y" shaped grooves into the road surface to improve traction.
From my perspective as a veteran driver with twenty years of experience, there are seven key safety elements for driving on icy and snowy roads: the slower the speed, the better—never rush; maintain at least twice the usual following distance to allow ample braking buffer; avoid sudden braking, using gentle taps or the ABS system for smooth stops; steer gently to prevent loss of control; equip winter tires or snow chains for better traction; completely clear ice and frost from windows to ensure clear visibility; and check the vehicle, including brakes and lights, before setting off. I’ve encountered several skidding incidents due to neglecting these points, so now I always check the weather and carry emergency tools. I advise other drivers to adopt these habits, especially on long trips—take regular breaks to monitor road conditions, as prevention is always better than cure.
As a young self-driving enthusiast, I find the seven essentials for snowy and icy roads quite practical: Drive slowly and don't show off—lower speed prevents skidding; keep a greater following distance, leaving an extra car length; brake gently without slamming; steer smoothly when turning, avoiding sharp movements; switching to winter tires or using chains works better; clear ice and snow from windows for better visibility; ensure lights and brakes are in good condition. I often check real-time road conditions via mobile apps to avoid icy sections, and keep anti-slip mats and a flashlight in the car for emergencies. These tips not only ensure safety but also peace of mind, helping develop steady driving habits for daily use. Beginners must remember not to emulate high-speed scenes from movies—on real snowy roads, slow is fast.
