What's the best way to slow down on a snowy highway?

Question

I've heard two different views.

1. Pumping the brakes

2. Downshift to a lower gear

Which one is the better way?

Answer 1

downshift when possible. try to avoid the brakes because they will only make you slide around. if you must use them, press them genty and hold if you have anti lock brakes, or pump them if you don't.

Answer 2

Brake early and often.  Downshifting can be OK, but it can cause you to slide.  Now pump is a relative term.  The tire needs to be rolling to slow the car down.  Slamming on the brakes, and locking the tires will induce a slide, which pumping wont help.  Light brake pressure is your best option.  ABS only activates when it senses a locked wheel skid, and by then you are probably too late in the snow.

Answer 3

1. pumping brakes if you have an automatic

2. downshift gears if you have a manual.

Answer 4

#1, but the absolute best way is to keep you foot off the gas pedal in the first place. During inclement weather, black ice can appear without warning. Bridges will freeze over before regular roadways. Drive with caution, and in any snowy weather, smooth, slow changes to your driving are in order.

Answer 5

Downshift and pump the brakes.

Answer 6

If your car has ABS then you down need to pump the brakes, the ABS basically does that for you, downshifting is OK too once done smoothly

Answer 7

Pump. Carefully.

Answer 8

Ha ha the girls above are dumb!  Don't listen to women for car advice.  Answer is:  Pumping the brakes.  Downshifting won't have any effect on current momentum and will actually make the car unstable because of the transmission's abrupt gear change.