Winter driving advice for young drivers
09/01/2010
.gif)
.gif)
For many of the UK's young drivers this period of severe will be the first time they've had to drive on icy and snow-covered roads. As drivers, young and not-so-young are finding out, it's not that easy !
Here are a few tips to help you stay safe and accident-free.
Awareness
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.
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.
( If you don't know whether your car is front- or rear- wheel drive, find out ! Clue: It'll be the end of the car whose tyres spin when you try to accelerate on an icy road. Most first cars are front wheel drive...)
The above tips are from Michelin UK
Other sensible precautions include :-
- Make sure your car is prepared too - fill up the washer bottle with a higher concentration of screewash to help you maintain clear vision.
- Ensure the battery is not going to let you down. Many motorists shops, such as Halfords, will offer you a free check.
- Check your tyres are not damaged, especially if you've managed to clout a kerb already, and are at the right pressure but be carefull because when it's cold, tyre pressure registered on a pressure guage can seem lower than it really is.
- Always carry extra warm clothes and boots, in case you get stranded, and a couple of chocolate bars and a drink to keep you going if you do. Keeping your mobile phone charged is also a good idea.
- Be sensible where you intend to drive and use the interweb and radio to keep abreast of the weather and traffic conditions.
More winter driving advice from Michelin
