|
| Winter driving tips |
|
 |
These tips will keep you and your passengers safe throughout the entire winter. |
|
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
Winterize your car |
| |
Add the proper amount of antifreeze to the engine coolant. It will protect your car against freezing and corrosion. Check the battery to make sure you have ample power for cold winter starts. Check your brakes. If the brakes are not performing well, the car may pull to one side when stopping. Take along emergency supplies. A torch, blanket, sand or salt, and an ice scraper are indispensable. Check the heater and defroster. They'll keep you comfortable and the windscreen free of ice and condensation. Change your oil. Winter grade oil ensures easy starting. Use the right windscreen fluid. Together with proper wipers, an antifreeze solution will keep your windscreen clean at all timesӣ |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Keep your grip, and Think ahead |
| |
Adjust your speed properly before entering a corner to avoid understeer and oversteer. Avoid sudden movements to decrease the chances of sliding. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. Do not pump them. If your car has ABS, this will bring your car to a halt without skidding |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Keep your distance from the car ahead. |
| |
·¢How to handle understeer: The car is not turning as much as you would like, because the front tires have lost grip. Don't increase your steering angle or hit the brakes, as this will only make it worse. Instead: Take your foot off the accelerator and stay off the brake. The weight of your car will now shift forward. Carefully decrease the steering angle. You should be able to gently steer your car back to the desired path. How to handle oversteer: The car is turning more than you want it to, because the rear tires have lost grip. Take the following actions, while paying close attention to the response of the car: Gently accelerate. The weight of your car will shift back to the rear wheels. At the same time, steer in the same direction in which the rear end is sliding. Look in the direction you want the car to go. That way, you'll be ready to adjust the car's path as soon as it starts to respond to your corrections”£ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Remember that 4-wheel drive is really only enhanced 2-wheel drive. |
| |
All four tires get some amount of torsional relationship via the drivetrain, but only two really get full benefit of power application from the engine. When in 4WD mode on snowy, icy roads the vehicle cannot stop significantly better than a 2WD vehicle. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anticipate conditions when off-road driving in winter. |
| |
Deep snow can and does hide stumps, rocks, logs and icy patches. Early season snow usually is easier to push through than late season snow, which has built up from additional snowstorms. It has a hard layer in between the soft snow and this can cause problems. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Be aware of the danger of snow building up under your four-wheel drive vehicle when driving off-road. |
| |
It can actually freeze your engine solid, even if it is running. And knocking it off can be damaging. Make sure the engine area is cleared out often and pay attention to the temperatures of oil, transmission fluid and other important fluids. Watch for chunks of ice and hard snow getting caught under the vehicle and severing brake lines. During shallow water crossings, watch for ice flow and frozen brakes. Keep the engine running as much as possible when driving. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Put together the most complete emergency kit possible, especially for off-road driving. |
| |
Use a solid container for your kit (a heavy bag or case). Some things to include: road flares, wool blankets, jumper cables, snacks, a small cooking stove, soup packets, cooking pots and eating utensils, thick socks, hat, mittens, medications, tire chains, snow shovel, candle, lighter and matches, torch and radio with good batteries, something to read during long waits. Don't forget medicines and essential personal supplies.ӣ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
