And if you do start sliding don’t panic & turn the wheel toward the slide to regain traction & then turn it back towards the direction of travel.
Comment on YSK Tips for a Winter Storm
stoy@lemmy.zip 23 hours ago
Swede here, when driving, drive as if there is a raw egg between your foot and the pedals.
Also, winter tires makes a huge difference, here they are mandatory, but you should get/use them as well even if they are not.
Do brake tests! Make sure you have a clear road ahead and no one behind you, break hardish, and remember how far you slid.
If you know you need to stop just after a hidden bend in the road, make sure to start braking before the curve, this is to light up your brake lights, giving other, less attentive drivers the chance to stop earlier.
Remember that you don’t HAVE to drive the speed limit, you should adjust your speed to suit the conditions.
Unless in an emergency, never ever make a quick, sharp turn when driving in snow
whotookkarl@lemmy.dbzer0.com 14 hours ago
ChonkyOwlbear@lemmy.world 12 hours ago
And don’t take your foot off the accelerator. You need power to pull yourself through.
ApathyTree@lemmy.dbzer0.com 12 hours ago
I’ve never heard that advice. What kind of sliding is that for? Like when you hit full-sideways-sliding?
I do know if you start fishtailing, taking your foot off the accelerator until you regain control is absolutely the way to go, however that may be dependent upon the kind of drive the vehicle has. It’s worked a dream for every vehicle I’ve needed to try it in.
BanMe@lemmy.world 9 hours ago
Yep, skidding or sliding directionally, steer into the skid, and if there’s a road curve you’re not following, then depending on the road you might be able to gain some control by gently accelerating. But most people in that situation are panicking and will jam on the gas instead, which will only make you go faster into whatever you’re gonna hit. If you’re not following a curve and it’s icy, you’ve already made the mistake. Which brings me to…
In any weather, you should* slow your vehicle before the curve*. Never brake when you’re already curving. By that time you should be gently accelerating to gain control. This is probably the #1 crazy thing I see in the South, people braking while on a curve. If there’s ice or even rain you will lose control that way, and away your car goes.
Practice this on dry roads and you’ll be ready when ice happens.
cymbal_king@lemmy.world 14 hours ago
Good additions! I just didn’t mention the snow tires because that’s not an option for a lot of people in southern US states
ChonkyOwlbear@lemmy.world 12 hours ago
They make these things that are basically long zip ties with nubs on them that you can strap to your tires. They are supposed to give you traction in a pinch. A bit late for this storm, but it wouldn’t be bad to have in your trunk for an emergency. I haven’t tried them myself I admit, but it has to be better than nothing.
acockworkorange@mander.xyz 10 hours ago
I’ve tried them. Didn’t last more than 100 feet on fresh snow before bursting open. You need actual tire chains.
ChonkyOwlbear@lemmy.world 2 hours ago
If it holds long enough to get me unstuck from a rut, then it would still be worth it to me
acockworkorange@mander.xyz 10 hours ago
drive as if there is a raw egg between your foot and the pedals.
Excuse me, what?
stoy@lemmy.zip 10 hours ago
Yes, it is a common expression here, it makes you slow down your pedal movements to be slow, light and careful, just what you need when driving on slippery roads.
An egg can take quite a bit of force, if you apply it carefully.
acockworkorange@mander.xyz 9 hours ago
So like you’re trying not to break an egg under your foot?
Appoxo@lemmy.dbzer0.com 16 hours ago
Really sad that this needs to be mentioned…
(Except for unneccessary slow driving like 30 kph in a 50 zone for no reason other than being old/unsure/eyes are not working properly. If that is the case, please go see a doctor)