What gear should an automatic transmission car use in snowy weather?
2 Answers
For automatic transmission cars, it is recommended to use the D gear when driving in snowy conditions. Precautions for driving an automatic transmission car in snowy weather include maintaining a reasonable starting speed, controlling a steady driving speed, and avoiding overtaking as much as possible. The details are as follows: Reasonable starting speed: Start by gently pressing the accelerator to prevent wheel spinning and slipping, ensuring better control of the direction. Control a steady driving speed: Since the adhesion coefficient of snowy roads in winter is very low, wheels are prone to slipping, making driving more dangerous. Therefore, the driving speed should be lower to ensure safety. Avoid overtaking as much as possible: Do not overtake on icy or snowy roads. Firstly, accelerating is not advisable on snowy roads. Secondly, when clearing snow from the road, the snow is piled on the roadside, narrowing the road, which are all unfavorable factors for overtaking.
I'm a seasoned driver with twenty years of experience, and I'm especially cautious when driving in snowy conditions. For automatic transmission vehicles, it's best to use '2' gear or 'L' gear (both are low gears) in snowy weather, as they provide more stable starts and prevent tire slippage that could lead to loss of control. Once, during a blizzard with icy roads, I kept using 'L' gear to control my speed and maintained it below 20 km/h, which helped me get home safely. The key is to avoid just shifting to D gear and accelerating, as this causes the engine RPM to fluctuate, leading to wheel spin and longer braking distances. Other useful tips: check if your brakes are responsive, and consider installing snow tires if necessary—these measures enhance overall safety. Remember, driving in snow is no joke; small techniques can save lives.
