8 Tips for Driving on Icy Roads
Are you planning for driving on icy roads? The best advice for you is to stay in the warmth of your home, as you may find yourself caught up in difficult situations. However, if it is necessary to go there, here are a few tips for driving on icy roads.
- Preparation is Vital
Bring a cell phone charger, snacks, blankets, a shovel, gloves, a hat and coat, and boots. The more you plan for, the better.
There are more questions you need to keep in mind. What is the weather forecast between the starting point and your destination? Is your vehicle suitable for the journey? It is recommended having a vehicle with a higher driving position, good ground clearance, and reassuring reliability. You can go for a bigger car with more seats if you are with your family.
- Fit Your Car With Winter Tires
If you live in such an area you may find yourself in an icy situation. In this case, it is better to keep a set of specialized winter tires. These tires improve the winter capability of any vehicle especially when it is time for braking.
You can find winter tires from different companies. Prefer a major trusted brand. However, do not confuse winter tires with all-season tires. They are something else.
- Choose a Vehicle With All-Wheel Drive
It is not necessary to have a crossover or SUV. There are plenty of regular cars with all-wheel drive. These days, they use intelligent systems that send power to the wheels with the most traction. However, the all-wheel-drive needs winter tires to be effective in these conditions.
- Be Gentle
Drive like there is a glass full of water roosted on top of the dashboard. Avoid sudden inputs of brakes or steering. Drive at a low speed and leave a huge gap between you and any vehicle in front of you.
- Be Aggressive.
You may be wondering why you are being asked to be aggressive while you were asked to be gentle just above. You should not be surprised because that is the right way. But, every rule needs to be broken now and then. If you have to brake hard do so in a straight line. Many cars come with Anti-lock brakes that can swiftly modulate the amount of pressure needed.
Modern cars are equipped with many safety features that come to a driver’s aid when needed. However, do not take those systems for granted and make them work the way you want.
- Be Ready to Turn Off Traction Control
A car’s traction control system senses a wheel spinning and not getting anywhere, it will cut power. It is good in many situations. However, it may be problematic in the snow or ice, where it intervenes where power may be needed. Many situations require power coming because with the car slowing down momentum is lost. It can be observed when driving up a slippery hill. The trick is to know when to turn it off and do so quickly.
- Don’t Use Cruise Control
Icy weather is not the time to outsource any of your attention to the driving assistants. You may find yourself in situations where you may only have a fraction of a second to take action if things start to go horribly wrong.
- Steer In The Planned Direction
You may find yourself skidding, what do you need to do now? It is a good idea to practice and get the muscle memory primed before such a calamity happens. Find a big, empty parking lot covered in snow and gently provoke a skid, and then steer into it. Do not try to be a hero and start with baby steps. It is recommended to look and steer where you want to go and not in the unplanned direction.
