Roads covered with snow appear fabulous, but how about if you have to drive on such roads. It’s terrible; isn’t it? People residing in colder regions are aware of the situation; however, at times, even they don’t know what to do when stuck in snowstorms while driving. To be on a safer side, it’s better not to drive when it is snowing outside. Before you hit the road, make out if the journey is really necessary. If you have to, then ensure that you have ample fuel, and also put a shovel and some matting in the boot.
Image: Christine Matthews [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
You can keep a vacuum flask and a warm coat, which can be of immense help if at all you get stuck. In case your journey has been delayed due to snow, try not to reach on time by driving faster. Instead find some place to wear adequate clothes, make a phone call and then concentrate on the driving. Remember it’s better to be late than never. Motorways are generally kept snow-less by grittier lorries, except for extreme cases. Keep as high a gear as possible because it will lessen the chances of accelerator movement causing loss of traction. To know more about how to drive in the snow, read on.
Tips For Driving In Snow
- Make sure that you have all-season tires on your vehicle before driving in snow. It’s good to carry sandbags, tire chains, a jack and a shovel along.
- If the snow starts to get deep or it’s slushy, get off the car and turn manual hubs in. Keep as high a gear as possible because it will lessen the chances of accelerator movement causing loss of traction.
- Avoid sharp turns during such a situation. The four-wheel drive system causes a jerking motion if the vehicle starts to skid. In a skid, brake lightly and hold the brake pedal down.
- While going downhill, avoid trying to break through a large snow drift. There is a possibility of getting stuck. It is, at times, possible to break through a large snow drift while going uphill, since you can always pull out and take another run at it.
- Always keep your cruise control off when driving on snowy, damp or icy roads. It can cause your tires to spin or skid. Gently accelerate and if you feel that your tires began to spin or slide, immediately take your foot off the pedal.