10/12/2017
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HOW TO DRIVE IN SNOW
There are many reasons why it’s not a good idea to drive in snow. Statistically, the amount of road accidents in the UK trebles in snowy and icy conditions.
MOVING OFF IN SNOW
How you move off in snow depends on the type of tyres you have, the condition of them and the type of snow or ice you are moving off from. Try moving off in 1st gear as usual, releasing the clutch very slowly, though you may find that you encounter wheel spin when moving off in snow. If so, try the procedure again in 2nd gear, again ensuring that you raise the clutch very slowly. Moving off in snow in a manual requires a good level of clutch control, especially around the clutch biting point area. For moving off in snow in an automatic, use the ‘W’ setting which is essentially the same as moving off in 2nd gear.
HOW TO DRIVE IN SNOW
Now that you and your car are prepared for driving in snow, we need to look at the best method for how to drive in snow. Many accidents happen when driving in snow in exactly the same way as when driving on a perfectly dry road. This is when your vehicle needs to change direction or speed and if travelling too fast for the road surface, loss of traction will occur. In snow and ice, a vehicle takes much longer to stop.
Stopping distances in snow and ice
A vehicle traveling at 30mph on a dry road will take around 23 metres / 75 feet to stop using a combination of thinking distance (time it takes to react) and actual stopping distance (amount of time it take the vehicle to stop under braking). Stopping distances in snow and ice can be anywhere from 4 to 10 times this amount. This of course various depending such things as condition of road surface, tyres used, weight of vehicle etc.Anticipation and planning is an essential skill that all drivers must possess and is a skill you will have acquired whilst learning to drive and used to pass the driving test. Due to the increased stopping distances, you will need to anticipate any potential hazard that will require your vehicle slowing down or changing direction much sooner than on dry roads. Taking action or ‘planning’ will require slowing down much sooner than usual.
Braking in snow
Using the brake whilst driving on snow can lead to a loss of control. Increasing these driving skills will reduce the use of braking, allowing your vehicle to slow down naturally. In snow, you will need to use engine brake. What is engine brake? As you take your foot off the accelerator and begin to slow down, gradually run down through the gears as you get slower without using the brake pedal, this is called engine brake. See what is engine braking for other advantages of using engine braking.You will of course still need to use your brakes albeit much less than usual. When braking in snow, use the brakes very gently. If you do find yourself in a situation where you need to stop within a short distance, use a technique call cadence braking if your vehicle doesn’t have anti-lock brakes (ABS) fitted. Cadence braking essentially mimics what ABS does. Instead of hitting the brakes and keeping your foot on the pedal, apply pressure, release, apply pressure and release, using this technique until you stop. This helps to prevent the wheels from locking which in turn allows you to keep control by allowing the car to steer and change direction – much of which is impossible if the wheels are locked.
Steering in snow
Try to steer gently and slowly if possible. The higher the steering angle, the slower you need to travel as the front tyres will lose traction if traveling too fast. You can’t steer and brake at the same time, especially on snow, so ensure you have used engine brake to gain the correct speed before steering round a corner. When accelerating round a corner, feather the accelerator very gently as rear wheel drive cars in the snow are particularly vulnerable to loss of control at the rear.
CONTROLLING A SKID IN SNOW
There are many techniques for controlling a skid on snow or ice. Some advanced techniques even include accelerating – which in some circumstances can work. For the average driver however, it’s best to keep things simple.
Always of course try to avoid a skid in the first place. Much greater concentration is needed when driving in snow or ice. Use engine brake as much as possible and approach a turn at the speed you intend on taking it and never brake whilst in the turn.
If you do find yourself getting into a skid, remember that you can’t brake and steer at the same time and on snow or ice, it’s often best to try and control the skid and not stop as stopping is often not an option until it’s too late.
If you find your car going in a different direction in which you are steering, keep your wheels pointed in the direction you intend on taking and take your foot off the brakes, this will give your wheels a better chance of gaining traction as you are not braking. Once you feel control and traction is returning, brake very gently. If traveling in a straight line and you have left braking too late, you have two options. Slamming on the brakes can help as it can build up a wedge of snow in front of the tyres that helps to slow you down, but you will not have the ability to steer. If you need to avoid hitting something in a straight line, you are better off coming off the brakes and trying to steer your vehicle away from the object you are approaching.
DRIVING IN SNOW SAFELY
It’s perfectly normal to have a fear of driving in snow considering the risks involved. Driving in snow safely requires taking the correct precautions before setting off as listed on this page and by having a little confidence in knowing what you’re doing. Of course it’s always best to avoid driving in snow if at all possible, but if you really must, then a short ‘driving in snow course’ may be just the thing.
CAR STUCK IN SNOW
If you find yourself with a car stuck in snow, you will need something for your drive wheels to gain traction on – this is where your snow emergency kit comes in. Straighten your wheels and clear the snow from the wheels for several feet in distance using your shovel. Place carpet strips, cat litter or anything that your tyres can gain traction on under the drive wheels. This should be sufficient to get you going again.
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