Driving in the snow can be quite a challenge, even for the most experienced drivers driving the best-prepared vehicles. The amount of traction is massively reduced due to the ice and snow, which makes it very difficult to move, steer, and stop. The roads are sloppy, and your control over your car is greatly reduced, even if you don’t realise it.
As much as you try to avoid having to drive in the snow, you can’t lock yourself inside your house for as long as snow season lasts. It’s best if you take care of your road safety while driving in the snow. Apart from keeping your car in great condition, we’ve listed down some of the tips that’ll help you drive safely in the snow.
Drive Smoothly
The grip of your tires on the road in the snow is already very weak, and any jerks or sudden movement might make the grip weaker. The key to driving safely in the snow is to drive very smoothly. Every turn of the steering wheel and every push of the brakes must be smooth and gradual.
Drive with Extra Concentration
You need to drive with extra concentration when there’s snow or ice on the roads. Look far ahead to know when exactly you need to do what. If there’s snow on the road, your stopping distance must be tripled, and if there’s ice, this distance should be even more. And when there’s a turn ahead, slow down as much as you can.
Beware of the Stability Control System
The stability control system of your vehicle would alert you of impending trouble ahead. Beware of what it shows. If you see the amber light blinking while you’re driving straight, you should immediately understand that the wheels are slipping, and you need to pull your foot off the accelerator. If you see the amber light blinking while you’re turning, it indicates that your car is sliding from its path, and you need to stop hitting the accelerator. Be extra vigilant while you’re driving in the snow so that you don’t miss the alerts.
Deal with the Skids
Skids are quite common when you’re driving in the snow and are often a reason for accidents. If your car skids, don’t panic because you can most definitely bring your car back on the path. In case your front wheels lose traction, ease the gas off instead of hitting the brakes. If it’s the rear wheels, turn your steering wheel in the direction of the skid. Your car will come back in your control in a few moments.
Read the Road
Another way to ensure safety while driving in the snow is to read the road. See if the road appears shiny or dull. Shiny road indicates either ice or water, both of which can reduce traction. If the road appears dull, it could mean a dry road or dry snow, which offers far better traction. If you know how to read the road, you’ll be better able to control your car.
If you ask us how to drive in the snow safely, we might just ask you to be extra cautious because a little negligence is all it takes to lose control of the situation.