What Should You Pay Attention to When Driving in Snow?
3 Answers
When driving in snow, maintain steady throttle control and avoid sudden acceleration. Below are some driving techniques related to driving in snowy conditions: Smooth Deceleration and Gentle Sequential Braking: When driving, never make sudden starts or emergency stops on icy or slippery roads. When starting, accelerate gently to prevent tire spin. When braking, leave a longer braking distance and apply the brakes smoothly and steadily. On extremely cold and icy roads, if maintaining a safe distance, try using the technique of sequential gentle braking to prevent tire skidding. Timely Gear Shifting: When starting the vehicle on snow or driving up an icy slope, use a lower gear. Once the vehicle stabilizes, shift to second gear or D gear depending on road conditions, then gently press the accelerator to proceed forward.
When driving in snow, my top priority is safety first. Preparing the vehicle is key: always use winter tires or snow tires, as they significantly increase traction; regular tires can easily slip on snow, which is especially dangerous. Before driving, check the battery health—older batteries may lose charge in cold temperatures. Use antifreeze windshield washer fluid to prevent freezing when spraying. While driving, control your speed—I usually maintain half the normal speed. For example, if I normally drive at 60 km/h, I reduce it to around 30 km/h in snowy conditions. Accelerate and brake gently—avoid slamming the gas pedal or braking suddenly. Use gentle, intermittent braking to reduce skidding. Steer smoothly and avoid sharp turns. Don’t forget to increase your following distance—if you normally keep a two-second gap, extend it to four or five seconds in snow. Pack an emergency kit: I always keep a blanket, small flashlight, compact shovel, water, and energy bars in my car—they can be lifesavers if you get stranded in snow. Additionally, check weather forecasts and road condition apps before setting off to avoid icy or mountainous areas. In short, drive slower, stay observant, and remember that getting home safely is far more important than rushing. Keep these tips in mind, and you can reduce accident risks by over 90%.
From the perspective of vehicle maintenance, I place special emphasis on winter preparation. Tires are the top priority: Winter-specific tires perform significantly better than all-season ones, and opting for snow tires with deep treads enhances traction. Regularly check tire pressure, as it tends to drop in cold weather; replace severely worn tires without hesitation—it's not worth skimping on safety. Battery condition is often overlooked: Use a voltage tester to inspect it, especially for older batteries that have been in use for two or three years, as they're prone to failure in low temperatures. Ensure the coolant is adequately filled with antifreeze, following the manufacturer's recommended mixture ratio. I also switch to winter-grade engine oil for better lubrication. Use antifreeze washer fluid instead of plain water for the windshield wipers. Equip your car with essentials: Keep a compact snow scraper and snow chains in the vehicle—they're incredibly useful for tackling snowy mountain roads. Warm up the engine for a few minutes before driving, but avoid excessive idling to save fuel. In summary, maintaining optimal vehicle condition is the foundation of safe winter driving, and I treat every trip as a mini engineering project.
