HOw to drive on snow?

Question

Hello! I've never seen snow in my life and in a week time I'll be driven for more than 8 hours on it. Help, I desperately need some clues cause I am kind of panicing. Tks

Answer 1

...stay calm and drive slow...especially on curves and when approaching intersections...brake gently before you need to stop completely...and keep a safe distance from other vehicles...make sure you have clean windows and good tires...also some extra weight in your vehicle can help traction...

Answer 2

Go to a big open empty parking lot and get a feel for cornering, accelerating and stopping.

Front wheel drive, AWD, or rear wheel drive makes a big difference as well as anti-lock brakes.

If no anti-lock, when the wheels lock and begin to skid, stop

by 'pumping' the brakes - experiment with this as well.

Answer 3

When first setting off, make sure that you can see clearly in all windows and mirrors and be careful of the windscreen refreezing as soon as you start to drive off.

Of course, the first thing to consider is if the journey is really necessary. There is a balance to maintain as some people will stay away from work at the slightest excuse and others think they are indispensible and must go in at all costs.

If you really are that important to the company, it is not worth the risk of having an accident and spending even more time off work through injury.

Falling snow may mean you need to use dipped headlights, as you would in heavy rain or fog. It is not too difficult to drive in falling snow but be careful of how much more will fall before you want to do the return journey.

If it is snowing, leave more space between you and the vehicle in front. Be prepared to stop and clear the windscreen by hand if the snow piles up too much and remember to wipe the lights and indicators as well.

Occasionally test your brakes very gently when it is safe. This will help you to judge if the road is very slippery but also to check if snow is becoming compacted around the wheels or brakes.

You will have to drive a lot slower than usual, so allow plenty of time for the journey and of course you will not be able to see road markings or signs if the snow is settling. That is why the ‘ Give Way’ and ‘Stop’ signs are the shape they are.

Another reason for driving slower is that it will take a lot longer to stop – up to ten times the normal stopping distance. When approaching a corner, try to adjust your speed early so that you do not need to use the brakes as if you brake whilst cornering, centrifugal force will pull you outwards and you have less grip.

Driving at lower speeds can cause its own problems though. When driving uphill, you may lose momentum, especially in a large vehicle or when carrying extra weight.

Again, leave a bigger gap behind other vehicles so that if they struggle there is less chance of you having to stop. It may be difficult to move off again. Drive in the highest gear you can to reduce the risk of wheel spin.

It may sound obvious, but driving in icy weather can be treacherous, even more so when you cannot see the ice.

If the road surface is darker than usual, it may be because it is damp but it may be black ice, which you will not see unless you are lucky enough to see it glinting in sunlight or headlights.

Do not be deceived if it seems to be getting warmer and the sun is out. Any parts of the road that are in shadow may still be icy, even in the middle of the day.

If it is very cold, assume all roads are frozen and drive very cautiously.

Imagine how carefully you would walk down a steep icy hill and apply the same thinking. Always use the accelerator, brake and steering wheel very gently.

Answer 4

Go slow and easy.

Turn INTO the skid.

Applying the gas not the brakes gives more traction than braking when skidding.

Answer 5

If the road is covered in snow you want to use low, 1st and 2nd on an automatic transmission.  this will keep you from having to use the breaks wich is when you tend to skid.

Answer 6

if you lose control, slam your brakes, and jerk the wheel back and forth.

if you want to do some crazy slides.

i just say take it easy. don't speed. don't d the speed limit. if you need to apply breaks. don't hold them. pump them

Answer 7

very carefully if you start to slide dont put on the brakes, take your foot off the gas and steer into a slide

Answer 8

Ha ha...funny on the 1st comment. Um...I live in Florida...so I can only say what I have heard. Most major roads have been cleared with rock salts of sorts....and may not be a problem. I think the problem is when there is ice on the road. DON'T slam on your brakes or you will SLIDE all over the place. DON'T jerk your wheels all over the place...ha ha...or you will be all over the place.

It won't be too bad, especially if you're on well traveled roads.

Best wishes! Have fun!

Answer 9

Drive more slowly than normal, particularly giving yourself extra time when braking.  Do not slam the brakes, as this will lock up your wheels on slippery ground and you will just slide.  Depending on your vehicle you might want to place extra weight like sandbags over the rear wheels so that you have a little more traction, you might also want to check to make sure you tires aren't too worn--as this will significantly change your ability to drive safely.  In general just go slowly and relax, you'll be okay.

Answer 10

Take it very slowand get some chains I f you have a Les Scwab near buy they have a dealif you dont use them you can return them and get your money back.

Otherwise jsut be careful and if you skid dont slam on brakes, tap them and  turn into the skid gently!

Have fun!

Answer 11

when driving on snow  first insure you have good tires.(all season or snows ) slow down and dont tail gate . avoid sudden braking . check  w/s wiper and washer fluid . keep gas tank topped up and watch the forecast .

                   good luck