If you live in a city that experiences snowfalls very often, you know how difficult it is to drive on snow. So, to help you out, we are going to share 6 stunning tips which will hone your driving skills.
Be Calm and Drive Slowly
If you want to avoid any mishaps or accidents, drive at a moderate speed smoothly. Any jerky movements with the steering wheel, accelerator or brakes disrupt the friction. So, every time you hit the throttle or put your foot on the brake, make sure it is gentle and slow.
While you are driving, imagine that you have a cup of hot tea or coffee on your leg. This can help you be more cautious.
Don’t look short
Driving on snow can be tricky as it keeps on getting slippery. You need to predict your next move by looking far ahead of you. If you see any turn, slow down. Assume that the car would take double the time to stop on snow or ice. So, maintain your focus and try to foresee.
Drive with focus
If your vehicle starts to hydroplane or skid, don’t panic. Handle the situation rationally and attentively. Always take the direction where you want to go. Don’t suddenly change the direction and start going somewhere else. If you do so, there is a chance you will lose control of the vehicle and commit yourself to an accident.
Experienced drivers don’t care if the car begins to skid because they know they will end up where they wanted to be if they don’t panic.
You got to deal with the skids
When you drive on snow or ice, you will inevitably pass through a slick spot which will give you a queasy feeling in your tummy as your vehicle starts to skid. But as discussed earlier, getting panicky or frightened will only make the situation worse. You can take control back of the vehicle just as you pass the slick and your car will be gaining the traction back.
There are two methods to regain control of the car.
If the real wheel loses traction, then turn the steering wheel towards the direction where you feel the car is skidding. If it is going towards the left, turn left. If it is going towards the right, turn right. Gradually reduce the acceleration and don’t hit the brakes. You will be fine. As the back wheels start gripping the surface, you can turn in the direction where you wanted to go.
When the front tyre stops gripping the surface, reduce the gas. As you do it, in a few seconds the front tyre will start gaining the traction. Once the traction is back, you can head to the place where you wanted to go.
Keep an eye on the traction
When you are driving on snow, you will feel different levels of traction throughout your journey. You will get several warning lights from traction-control and stability-control systems. But don’t forget to take advantage of the anti-lock-brake system as it can help you with assessing how much grip you have at the moment.
But when you do it, make sure there are no vehicles around you because you will have to apply brakes for a few seconds while you are driving straight. When you feel some chatter under your foot, it means that the ABS system has activated. While If your car has slowed down without any chatter this means you are on a grippy terrain and the ABS system has not been activated.
Get the right tyre
Speciality tyres are engineered to perform in different weather conditions. For instance, a good summer tyre like Falken AZENIS FK510 TIRE will offer great grip in hot and wet conditions. On the other hand, a good winter tyre like Falken EUROWINTER HS01 will perform exceptionally on and snow and ice.
The tread and grooves of winter tyres are created in a way that it can grip ice and snow and maintain the optimal traction required to keep the car stable in these conditions. So fitting in winter tyres in your car is an incredible way to drive safely on snow.
