How to deal with running on ice?
How to drive safely on icy roads? This is a particularly urgent problem in the area, in which winter presents surprises such as January rain and frost the next day.
In this review, we’ll look at several proven ways to avoid skidding your car and what to do if it happens.
They may seem trivial, but they really work and can save you from skidding.
Rule one
First of all, it is worth investing in quality winter tires - which, from a practical point of view, is much more important than investing in the most expensive smartphone on the market.
Winter tires are specially designed so that their treads mesh better on unstable surfaces at low temperatures. Read about how to choose winter tires. here.
Second Rule
The second way is to just go slower. Apply the key rule: drive a third slower on snow and ice than on dry roads. If in normal times you pass the section at a speed of 90 kilometers per hour, in case of snow, reduce to 60.
Third Rule
Always be prepared for possible danger on the road. This rule will help not only in cases when the car sharply enters the icy road.
Pay attention to the air temperature before you set off, and be prepared for the risk of hard-to-see ice (for example, after a rain or thaw, frost hit and snow falls). Also pay attention to sections of the road where it is most likely, such as shaded curves or on bridges, which are always colder on the surface than on a normal road. Avoid sharp accelerations and stops, smoothly enter turns.
If you follow these simple rules - good tyres, low speed and forethought - the chances of losing control of your car will be greatly reduced.
But what if the car still skidded?
The most important rule when skidding on ice is: if you feel like your car is slipping, don't apply the brakes. When the wheels have lost traction and are slipping, the only way to get out of the situation is to stabilize the rotation of the wheels. This cannot happen if you block them with the brake.
The instinct to use the brake is strong, but you have to fight it. The wheels must turn freely to stop slipping. If the car does not enter the turn due to a skid, release the gas pedal - the car will "peck" forward a little. The front wheels will be loaded more.
If during the maneuver, the rear part of the front-wheel drive car began to be drifted, it is enough to turn the steering wheel a little in the direction of skidding, and then put the wheels straight.
At this point, slightly reduce the steering angle so that the wheels become even. Always move smoothly on the ice. Many people panic and turn the steering wheel too much. Then, instead of stabilizing, the car begins to slide in the opposite direction. Remember - when driving on ice, all your movements should be controlled and moderate.
