Generally, motorists are not advised to drive when there are adverse weather conditions in winter, with snow-covered and slippery roads. However, you need to be able to do this because in certain circumstances it is unavoidable, especially when living in a region where inclement weather is not a rare occurrence. Driving in the winter in snow is dangerous, but knowing how to control the vehicle in this situation reduces the risk of accidents.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Drive and Control the Vehicle in the Snow
Step 1. Prepare the car
Before getting behind the wheel, clean the windshield, side windows, headlights and rear brake lights, removing all snow and ice with a scraper and brush. Pull over and repeat this procedure as needed while driving in snow.
Step 2. Turn on the front and rear defroster to keep the windows clean while driving
Activate the air conditioning system, setting the fresh air to prevent the inside of the windows from becoming covered with condensation.
Step 3. Keep your headlights on all the way
This means that you must also activate them during the day, to make the vehicle more visible to other drivers when snow falls.
Step 4. Drive slowly when the roads are snowy or icy
If the car has manual transmission, select a low gear to improve grip on the road; do not use the cruise control system and do not try to overtake other vehicles.
- Vehicles need traction to be able to brake properly, which is why it is essential to maintain a low speed, avoid sharp turns and stop when necessary, in order to maintain grip on the asphalt.
- Reduce your speed to at least half the permitted limit and pay attention to how much traction the tires have on the road.
Step 5. Maintain an appropriate safe distance from the car in front of you
Leave a space at least equivalent to the length of two or three cars - this is the most effective way to avoid rear-end collisions.
- By doing this, you have enough space to stop and by driving at low speed you reduce the risk of slipping until you hit the car in front of you.
- If you keep a speed above 40km / h, you need to increase the safety distance.
Step 6. Avoid sudden movements while driving
When braking, do not turn the steering violently; instead apply gentle pressure on the brake pedal avoiding locking them, otherwise you lose control of the vehicle and the steering itself when driving on icy surfaces.
- Accelerate more gradually than you are used to. To reach the speed limit you don't have to accelerate like you do when you drive under normal conditions, instead try to get there slowly but safely.
- Slow down gradually, more than usual; anticipate the braking compared to the moment when you really have to stop. Decelerate to pull over slower than normal.
Method 2 of 3: Avoid Potential Accidents
Step 1. Watch out for any traffic accidents
Stay alert against possible very slippery areas on the road surface; ice is often found on bridges even when the rest of the roads are clean, approach them with caution, as well as shaded areas.
Step 2. Do not press on the accelerator and do not skid the tires when you are stuck in the snow
Dig to dislodge it from the tires and pour sand or cat litter under them to generate traction. If possible, rock the car gently to help the tires make contact with the ground.
Step 3. Gain control of the car when the rear end begins to lose grip
If you find that, despite all the precautions and the safety distance, the rear wheels start to slip, you need to solve the problem in the most delicate way possible.
- If the rear end starts to slip while you are driving on an icy or snowy road, take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
- Regain control of the "skid" by turning the steering wheel in the direction you want the car to turn.
- If the car starts to oversteer, turn the steering wheel in the other direction.
Step 4. Gain control of the car when the front wheels begin to lose traction
Again, take your foot off the accelerator and don't brake as the wheels spin.
- Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to follow.
- If the machine is equipped with a manual transmission, put the gear lever in neutral.
Step 5. Gently press the brake pedal when you need to stop
If you can avoid doing it, even better. Gradually reduce your speed until the vehicle comes to a halt as you approach a red light; it could turn green without you having to stop.
- If you notice any cars queuing in front of you, start braking several meters away to avoid an accidental rear-end collision.
- If you find that the wheels are stuck, take your foot off the brake pedal completely.
Method 3 of 3: Prepare the Vehicle for Winter before it Starts to Snow
Step 1. Check the tire pressure
As temperatures drop, tire pressure drops accordingly; check that they do not need to be inflated, especially if you live in a cold climate area with temperatures equal to or below -1 ° C.
Step 2. Inspect the tires
Road grip is always essential when driving a vehicle, but it is vital when it snows and the roads are icy; carefully check the treads to determine their efficiency.
- You can use a coin to figure out the tread depth. Insert a 2 euro coin into a groove on the tire. If the silver edge of the coin is hidden, the rubber is in good condition; if you can see the outer band, you need to change the tires.
- The other signs you should be aware of when considering buying new tires are: cracks and holes, uneven wear and bumps on the tire shoulders.
Step 3. Replace the standard tires with winter tires
The latter are better because they are made with special materials that remain soft and guarantee maximum traction even with temperatures below zero; their tread is also sculpted with a particular design, which allows good grip even on icy and snowy roads.
- It is fitted with four winter tires to ensure traction, safety and control of the vehicle. If or when temperatures rise, it is important to revert to standard or summer tires.
- When traveling, take a set of snow chains suitable for the car with you. Although it is not necessary to mount them on winter tires, it is mandatory to have them on board to travel some roads throughout the cold season.
Step 4. Fit the snow chains
Place one on a tire, dangling it evenly at the front of the tire; when it is well positioned, securely fastened and three quarters of the wheel are no longer in direct contact with the road, put the other chains on the remaining tires.
- When they are all covered with chains for three quarters of their circumference, move the car forward for less than a meter; in this way, you expose the tread that previously touched the asphalt.
- Activate the parking brake, get out of the cockpit and finish tightening the rest of the chains on the wheels; use the closing link to stretch them.
- Fitting snow chains may be mandatory for driving in some regions, but in most cases if the car is fitted with winter tires, you can save yourself this little hassle and completely avoid installing them.
Step 5. Replace the rubber blades of the wiper blades
Inspect them in early winter to make sure they do their job effectively and eliminate anything obstructing your vision while behind the wheel; if they don't clean your windshield properly or are damaged, change them immediately.
Also check that the windshield defroster is in perfect condition; if it does not work, it is not enough to change the wipers
Step 6. Inspect the cooling system
Make sure that the radiator fluid levels are within normal limits; check that the system has the right type of antifreeze; he also checks that all the pipes are in good condition and that they do not show evident signs of wear.
Step 7. Examine the battery
Cold weather causes old accumulators to discharge at a faster rate; look at the top of the one on the vehicle for the date it was installed.
- If the assembly has been more than two or three years old, consider purchasing a new battery before winter begins.
- Eliminates any trace of whitish dust that has accumulated on the connection terminals; wash off the encrustation with an equal parts solution of baking soda and hot water.
Step 8. Make an appointment for a coupon
Make sure the engine is running at peak performance by bringing it to the attention of a mechanic or dealer; if you have adequate knowledge in the field of mechanics, you can conduct the inspection yourself.
Advice
- Know the type of brake system fitted to the vehicle. When driving on slippery roads, the standard brakes must be activated by pressing the pedal intermittently. Systems equipped with ABS perform this movement automatically and do not respond well when you press the pedal alternately.
- Always keep a spade in the trunk; cars get stuck in the snow especially in car parks and driveways. If this happens, take the shovel from the back of the car and remove the snow surrounding the front wheels; in this way, the machine should be able to move forward or backward; you can use this remedy for ice too.
- Organize a winter safety kit and put it in your car. Be sure to put sand in to ensure a snug fit, as well as a wool blanket and emergency food; always wear a hat, gloves and boots or keep them in your car.
Warnings
- Reduce your speed when crossing bridges or overpasses. Ice builds rapidly on these structures and stays there longer due to the flow of cold air passing under them.
- An all-wheel drive vehicle cannot travel icy roads at higher speeds. Follow the same precautions you would take with a front or rear-wheel drive car to ensure safety even in such situations. The four-wheel drive prevents the car from getting stuck; remember that this kind of car is no better than ordinary cars in terms of stopping times, as all cars are equipped with four brakes.
