What Lights to Use in Snowy Weather?
3 Answers
You should turn on the headlights, clearance lights, and rear position lights. Here are some precautions for driving in snowy weather: 1. Slow down and drive carefully: Due to the slippery road conditions after snowfall, the car's traction is only one-sixth of that on normal roads. Therefore, it is essential to slow down. Otherwise, sudden deceleration, acceleration, turning, or braking can easily lead to skidding. 2. Replace with antifreeze windshield washer fluid. In snowy weather, you often need to clean the windshield, so it is recommended to use antifreeze windshield washer fluid in winter. 3. Check tire pressure regularly. According to the principle of thermal expansion and contraction, tire pressure tends to be generally lower in snowy weather, so it is important to check the tire pressure periodically.
When driving in snow, I always use the headlights, specifically the low beams, and avoid high beams. The reflection of light in the snow is very strong, and using high beams can make the snowflakes glare painfully, making it harder to see the road conditions, which is extremely dangerous. Safety comes first, so now I always turn on the lights and check if the fog lights are working—they help illuminate the ground. Visibility is already poor in snowy conditions, so turning on the lights makes my car more noticeable, and others can easily spot me. Experience has taught me to also drive slowly, maintain a safe distance, and avoid sudden braking. Once, I was in a hurry on a snowy night and forgot to turn on the lights, nearly causing a rear-end collision. Since then, I’ve never been careless again.
As a veteran truck driver who operates year-round in northern regions, I rely solely on low-beam headlights for safety during snowfall. High beams must be avoided at all costs - they create glare when snowflakes fill the air, instantly blurring visibility. My advice is to use low beams with fog lights as supplemental lighting when necessary. The key to snowy driving is letting your lights enhance visibility. I always remind rookies not to cut corners - check light conditions before departure. Maintain moderate speeds and leave ample braking distance - these small details significantly reduce risks.
