Driving in winter

Driving in winter:

Driving in winter

Be aware of your limits and those of other drivers. Stay focussed on your surroundings. Don't make any sudden movements, and avoid accelerating too hard (acceleration should be gradual and not heavy). Also avoid sudden braking and travelling at high speeds. Leave more of a distance between your car and the one ahead. In dry weather you should leave a 2 second gap between you and the car in front In wet weather this should be increased to 4 seconds. To decrease the risk of sliding when going uphill, use a higher gear ratio than you would when travelling in dry weather.

Braking

It is essential that you anticipate braking by assessing the necessary braking distance and then use engine braking alternately with the brake pedal.
Braking must be very gradual to stop the wheels locking. If the wheels lock-up, the vehicle will slide and go out of control.
In the event of the wheels locking and the car sliding, release the brake pedal to recover traction, then brake again, gradually, all the while using engine braking.

To decrease the risk of the wheels locking when going downhill, use a lower gear ratio than you would when travelling in dry weather.
Before tackling a difficulty (major bend, slowing down etc) anticipate your braking so that it is as gradual as possible, by using engine braking.

Pulling away
To avoid the risk of sliding when pulling away on snow, it is essential to accelerate very gradually. If the wheels slide, engage the next gear up so as to decrease the force applied to the wheels and be able to pull away cleanly.

Bends
Before tackling a bend, slow down, but be sure to do so in a straight line. To take a bend, you need to steer with a constant, flowing movement, to avoid the tyre sliding and losing response.
In the bend, maintain a slow and regular speed, to avoid the car becoming imbalanced. If the front looses steering control, you will need to regain grip. To do that, reduce your speed by lifting your foot off the accelerator: if necessary, press lightly on the brake without locking the wheels. If the car loses grip at the rear (but still has grip at the front), in a front wheel drive vehicle, where possible gently accelerate to regain the balance. In a rear wheel drive vehicle, gently lift of the accelerator until the rear regains grip, then re-apply very gently to maintain your speed. On no account should you brake, as this will accentuate the imbalance at the rear.