5. You believe that the four-wheel drive makes you invincible
It is true that the four-wheel-drive cars generally perform better in snowy and icy road conditions, but the technology is likely create false sense of security.
The four also known as all-wheel drive provides a specific amount of torque to all four wheels for an even greater latitude in snowy road. But this does not mean that you can race in the snow or you can stop quickly. The four-wheel-drive car will not adhere well if you stop suddenly. It helps some in the difficult conditions, but it will not be a super car.
4. You don’t prepare for
Many drivers are unprepared for the first snow. They don’t prepare their cars for the winter weather and had probably forgotten the snowy driving techniques in recent years.
In order to be ready for the winter, check the tire tread depth (it should be at least 4,8mm). Check the antifreeze level, battery status. Always have snow shovel, flashlight, ice scraper, de-icer.
3. You are going too close to another
Many inexperienced driver has a bad habit that they go too close to the car ahead. Or, drive too fast, which reduces the reaction time, so if there is a problem in front of you, you have to slow down suddenly.
It is recommended to keep at least double (or even triple) following distance compared to the usual, allow sufficient braking distance. Think ahead to the stop signs and curves, traffic lights to be enough time for braking or going around obstacles.
2. You push “floor brake”
If you feel that the car slip, fall easy to panic and firmly step on the brakes. Do not – it eliminates the adhesion and thus you lose the control of the car.
If you lost the grip and the tires have been closed, the brake will not change the situation in the right direction, but it rather worse it. What you can do is to take off your foot on the accelerator and let the car slow down by itself. If you feel that the tires are not closed, but still moving, it indicates that there is some traction, so you need to control with steering.
If you have to push the brakes, and the car has ABS, brake gently and evenly. If you do not have ABS in the car, then pump the brakes (small rapid braking again and again).
If you get a turn, you constantly brake, already as you approach. When you get there, take your foot off the brake and slowly steer the car in the right direction.
1. You are moving too fast
This is the biggest mistake in snowy conditions. The drivers often believe that if they reached the highway, they can go from there at the usual high speeds. This is a wrong assumption, on snow-covered roads you shouldn’t race on the highways.
If the car slip, and you want to avoid the collision, every second counts. If you go too fast, your response time can reduce and increase the severity of the collision. The braking distance is a 4-10 times longer on snowy, icy roads than on dry roads!
Reduce the speed when the temperature is low, the road is snow, ice or sleet falls. Remember, there is no “good speed” in snow. Pay more attention to road conditions, to properly handle in the car.
Source: auto.howstuffworks.com
