What precautions should be taken when driving in winter?
3 Answers
Precautions for winter driving include: 1. Clean the windshield thoroughly before driving to maintain visibility; 2. Prevent windshield icing by turning on the car's heater and using a dedicated ice scraper to remove ice slowly in the same direction; 3. Start gently and accelerate smoothly, decelerate in advance; 4. When starting and accelerating, apply the throttle lightly and gradually to prevent tire slippage and skidding; 5. On snowy or icy roads, try to drive in a straight line and avoid frequent lane changes; 6. When decelerating, make full use of the engine's resistance to slow down, immediately reducing the engine speed to force the drive wheels to slow down, thereby decelerating the vehicle.
I've been driving in winter for 20 years, and safety details are crucial. You must use winter tires or add snow chains, as icy roads are prone to skidding and accidents. Check the brake system—braking distance increases significantly in cold weather, so maintain at least twice the usual distance. Driving slowly is key; avoid sudden braking or sharp turns. Start the car a few minutes early to warm up the engine and windshield, and use the defroster to prevent fogging. Always keep an emergency kit in the car, including a shovel, blankets, food, water, and first aid supplies. That time on a slippery rural road, I almost had an accident—thankfully, the winter tires saved me. Remember, if the weather is bad, stay home—safety is more important than anything. Regularly check if your car lights are working properly; it's dangerous not being visible in dark, snowy conditions.
Lessons I learned as a novice driver: car maintenance is key. Change the antifreeze before winter to prevent the radiator from freezing and cracking, and check if the battery is healthy, as it tends to lose power in cold weather and may fail to start. Use antifreeze windshield washer fluid to prevent the wipers from freezing and becoming ineffective. Clean the air filter to keep the engine breathing smoothly. Don’t skip testing the lights—poor visibility in snowy nights can be deadly. Last time, I forgot to maintain my wipers, and during snowfall, they couldn’t clear the windshield properly, almost causing me to hit a tree. Simple maintenance can prevent trouble. Let the engine warm up for a few minutes before driving, and make sure the antifreeze is topped up. Avoid prolonged idling to protect the engine, and stop the car if you hear any unusual engine noises. Adjust tire pressure appropriately to reduce slipping on icy or snowy roads.
