Tips from driving schools for driving on snow or ice

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Temperatures have dropped considerably since the beginning of 2023, so it mainly grows during the first and last hours of the day
the possibility of encountering ice caps on the road. If we add to the cold the rainfall in some provinces, especially in mountain areas, snow adds to the list of problems when driving.

The main problem when driving on ice caps is the loss of tire grip and lack of traction. This means that the momentum that our vehicle can generate cannot be transferred to the asphalt and, in the best case scenario, we will remain stationary or even slip. It is added that under a certain temperature, some elements of our car, such as tires, battery or oil, can lose performance or even have problems.

To detect an ice cover, you need to be aware of the outside temperature, according to the DGT; If your vehicle has a thermometer, you will be notified if the temperature drops to freezing (below 3ºC). With few exceptions,
you will not find a completely icy road, but plates unexpected. It is advisable to take long marches and drive more carefully in shady areas and bridges.

The Foundation of the National Confederation of Driving Schools (CNAE) also advises drivers to be extremely careful behind the wheel due to the appearance of ice and snow on the road. They recommend driving only the trips that are strictly necessary, always after knowing the weather forecast from the AEMET and the announcements from the DGT on nearby roads, and not leaving without the chains in the trunk of the vehicle.

If it snows or freezes, it is better not to drive. The sidewalk will be slippery;
visibility will decrease; roads can be closed etc. Anyone needing to do this should check the weather forecast on www.aemet.es or the state of the roads on the DGT website.

Installing winter tires is a good alternative for more grip
at temperatures below 7ºC. You also have to slow down considerably, because due to a lack of grip you can already hit the road at 20 km/h in an icy corner.

When driving on snow or ice, it is very difficult to keep the vehicle on track, even at low speeds (especially on ice). For this reason, the driver will perform the maneuvers gradually and without abruptness. Steering, brakes, accelerator pedal, etc. must be operated smoothly.

On ice, you may need up to 10 times more space to stop your vehicle
the safety distance must be increased.

If it is necessary to install chains, you must know how to do it. It is best to wear gloves and practice before going outside. The chains are located on the drive shaft.

In the event of snowfall, it is mandatory to switch on at least the position and dipped beam. If the vehicle has a front fog lamp, it is also advisable to turn it on as well. In this situation, it is forbidden to use the rear fog lamp. In heavy snowfall,
it is mandatory to turn on the rear fog light. It is switched off when there is a risk of dazzling, for example on urban roads with traffic jams.

When driving on snow, you must drive on the tracks left by another vehicle, if there is enough snow on the road. When there is little snow, drive outside the tracks, but parallel to the route. In addition, drivers must drive at a low speed and maintain it (if possible),
avoid accelerating and braking as much as possible. When braking is necessary, it is always better to slow down gently (only by taking your foot off the accelerator pedal). When braking more forcefully, it is better to use the brake gently (which acts on all four wheels) than to hold the engine abruptly (which only brakes 2 wheels).

When driving on ice, the driver should know that it is virtually impossible to operate the vehicle safely. If the ice gradually appears on the pavement, the vehicle’s steering will be too soft. An attempt will be made to do so when starting the march on an ice shelf
start with high gearsvery smooth acceleration, try not to touch the brake, turn the steering wheel smoothly.

Source: La Verdad

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