What are the tips for driving in snow?
3 Answers
Here are some tips for driving in snow: 1. Drive slowly: The adhesion coefficient of icy and snowy roads is very low, making it easy for wheels to slip and increasing driving hazards. Therefore, reduce your speed to ensure safety. Maintain a steady speed while driving and avoid sudden acceleration. When accelerating or decelerating, press or release the throttle gradually to prevent the drive wheels from slipping due to sudden changes in speed. 2. Maintain a safe distance: Driving on snowy roads increases the risk of rear-end collisions, so it's essential to increase the following distance from the vehicle ahead. The resistance of snowy roads is only about 1/4 of that of dry asphalt roads, significantly extending the non-safe braking zone. If you follow too closely, it becomes difficult to stop within a short distance, making rear-end collisions more likely in emergencies. Keep a distance at least twice the normal following distance. Slow down in advance when encountering potential hazards, and when you notice the vehicle ahead braking, immediately ease off the throttle and prepare to brake by placing your foot on the brake pedal. If the vehicle is traveling too fast with insufficient following distance, the consequences of an emergency can be disastrous. 3. Slow down before turning: When you need to turn, reduce speed first, appropriately increase the turning radius, and steer slowly. Hold the steering wheel with both hands and operate smoothly and gently to avoid skidding. Never brake in the middle of a turn, as inertia may cause the car to lose control.
The primary tip for driving in snow is to slow down. I always reduce my speed to half of my usual pace when encountering snowfall, as icy and snowy roads have poor traction, making it easy to skid when braking. Remember to maintain a greater following distance than usual—at least a ten-second gap. Steer gently and avoid jerking the wheel. Before driving in the morning, check if your tire tread is deep enough; using snow tires or chains provides the most peace of mind. Carry an emergency kit, including a shovel, blankets, and snacks, in case of traffic jams. If your windshield is icy, avoid pouring hot water directly on it, as it may crack—use de-icer and scrape slowly. Lights are crucial in rain or snow, so ensure your headlights and fog lights are on to make yourself visible to others.
Winter driving preparations should be thorough. Before setting off, I always check the vehicle's condition, ensuring tire pressure is moderate to prevent blowouts, and replace old wiper blades for clear visibility. Keep anti-slip mats, a first aid kit, and a small flashlight in the car. When driving, gently press the accelerator and brakes—avoid sudden acceleration or stops to prevent wheel spin. Keep a safe distance from large vehicles on slippery roads to allow reaction time. In heavy fog or snowstorms, it's best to pull over, turn on hazard lights, and take a break. Don’t ignore weather forecasts; plan routes in advance to avoid mountainous roads. A handy tip: avoid setting the heater too high to prevent fogging, as large temperature differences can cause frost on windows.
