BASIC WINTER DRIVING ADVICE
Even if you don't frequently encounter winter storms, knowing how to drive in every season is essential. What should you do if you find yourself driving in the snow? Prepare your vehicle for winter first, then learn from the following examples.
When driving in poor weather, the safest approach is to avoid it as much as possible.
Heavy rain
Avoid slamming on the brakes or quickly correcting the steering wheel in a storm. If your vehicle starts to slide on water, gradually release the accelerator pedal while keeping the steering wheel straight.
Dense Fog
Fog that is dense makes it difficult to see your surroundings and for others to see you. Here are some precautions to consider if you find yourself in thick fog.
Use your vehicle's fog lights if you have them. Fog lights improve visibility by illuminating the road and allowing other vehicles to see you. Rear fog lights are available on some automobiles, allowing those behind you to see your vehicle in the distance.
Reduce the brightness of your headlights (the high ones only reflect the fog and do not illuminate the road). Keep on the left side of the road at all times.
If you need to pull over, move away from the flow of traffic and switch off your lights: other vehicles may see your taillights and believe you are in their lane, causing them to pull off the road.
Ice Conditions
When the roads are icy, avoid making quick turns or steering wheel corrections, as well as sudden braking, which might cause your car to skid. When approaching a hill, wait until the vehicle in front of you has moved up before climbing. When driving uphill, keep your pace consistent, but don't go too quickly or you'll veer sharply. learn what-effect-do-temperature-variations-have-on-the-car here.
Snowy weather or roads that are snow-covered
You won't be able to stop or manoeuvre as quickly as usual if there is snow on the roadways. When you see snow on the roadways, here are some things to think about.
Passing trucks ploughing snow or spreading sand should be avoided; they are most likely attempting to clear the road.
Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide if your car starts to slide. Use cruise control only when absolutely necessary.
Slow down by around five to ten miles per hour and double the typical gap between your vehicle and the one in front of you (about eight seconds).
Avoid the desire to slam on the brakes. Instead, take your foot off the gas, apply the brakes slowly and softly to slow down, and then come to a complete stop.
Black Ice
Black ice can form when snow melts on a warm winter day but freezes again at night. It's not truly black; it's just a thin, gleaming layer of ice that can be difficult to spot. If at all possible, wait until the temperature rises before driving if you suspect black ice. Otherwise, drive slower than the speed limit and leave more space between you and the car you're following.
Wind Gusts
Winds often pick up pace as cold fronts approach. Even if you are travelling at typical speeds, strong or gusty winds might impact the handling of your car. Stormy conditions can cause limbs to fall, restricted sight, and electricity poles to fall, especially after a snowfall. Reduce your driving speed when there are strong winds to make it easier to stop and control your vehicle. Also, park far away from any potential threats.
Drivers Nearby are losing control
If surrounding drivers lose control of their vehicles, you're likely to suffer the same fate. There are two things you can do to help yourself. Slow down and provide as much room between your vehicle and other vehicles as possible in case you skid or someone else loses control. If your car begins to skid, do not abruptly alter the steering wheel's direction. Instead, let go of the brake pedal and spin the steering wheel in the direction in which the vehicle is skidding until you regain control. Most importantly, get off the road and halt at a rest stop or other parking place if possible until you can examine the road conditions properly.
Windshield is iced over.
Make sure your defrost system is working properly before you hit the road this winter. Find a safe area away from traffic where you can pull over if you're having trouble keeping up in ice conditions. Manually scrape the ice from the windshield while your vehicle is parked but running; repeat as needed. Check with your mechanic once you've arrived at your location to ensure that the defrosting system is working properly and that the windshield fluid has a defrosting ingredient. How to remove ice from the windscreen.
Snow is blowing.
When driving through blowing snow, your first priority should be to get off the road until the weather improves. Until you can do so, turn on your low beam headlights to make yourself more visible to other vehicles and try to keep up with them. If feasible, pull over safely or off the road, turn on your hazard lights, and continue on your trip once the wind and snow have died down. Make sure you have an emergency kit that is well-stocked and conveniently accessible.
Maintain vigilance.
If you fear you won't be able to drive safely in inclement weather, get off the road and park away from traffic. For assistance with weather forecasting, deciding whether to adjust your trip, or finding a safe spot to wait until circumstances improve, contact your local authorities. If the prognosis does not appear to be improving, look for a safe spot to stay for an hour or two. Also, avoid bridges and highway overpasses when looking for alternate routes, as they tend to build ice more quickly.
“We are Car Buyer” tips are to help you for a safe driving who being the car buyer in London will keep sharing nicer tips for you.
