Driving safely in the winter requires a different approach compared to the rest of the year. Very low friction surfaces such as snow and ice present their own problems and drivers need to know how to deal with them. Because standard tires have much-reduced grip on snow and ice, the stopping distance of a car can be up to ten times longer than in dry conditions. Therefore, driving at an appropriate speed and performing gentle maneuvers are the keys to completing a safe journey. When you are pulling away, select second gear and ease your foot off the clutch to avoid spinning the wheels. Once you are on the move, always apply the brakes gently. If your car should skid, release the brakes and push in the clutch pedal. Try to avoid having to stop when you are going up a hill. The best thing to do is to wait until the hill is clear of other cars before attempting to drive up. Aim to maintain a constant speed as you climb, choosing the right gear so you don’t have to change midway to a lower one. When you are faced with driving down a hill, reduce your speed at the top and then use a low gear as you descend. Try to avoid using the brakes and always leave as much room as possible between you and the car in front. For an automatic vehicle, select “winter” mode if it is available. Alternatively, you can make driving much safer in slippery, snowy conditions by selecting “2”, which limits the gear changes and reduces reliance on the brakes. Should you get stuck, straighten up the steering and, using a shovel, clear snow from the wheels. Then put a sack or an old rug in front of the driving wheels to give the tires more grip. Once you are on the move again, try not to stop until you reach a less slippery surface. Before driving, make sure you change out of snow-covered boots, which can easily slip on the control pedals. Wear dry shoes. Good visibility is essential at any time but especially in wintry weather, so make sure all frost and ice has been removed from every window before setting off. And ensure that any snow on the bonnet or roof has been cleared to stop it sliding onto your windscreen or flying into the path of other vehicles. The spray from road surfaces treated with salt will obscure the view through your windscreen. To stay safe, keep your windscreen washer fluid topped up and make sure it contains the correct additives to stop it freezing. Finally, when driving in the winter always carry an ice scraper, a de-icer, a fully-charged mobile phone, a torch, a first aid kit, warm waterproof clothes, boots, blankets and jump leads. A towrope could also prove useful. Category:Home › Home • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 2 • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 1 • Should the crew of the Sea Shepherd board whaling ships? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 13 • Grandparents: Can blogging chronicle your genealogy? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 12 • Are teachers unions the cause of public school problems today? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 11
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