Sometimes_Stutters t1_j1qn0ka wrote
I’d like to add to this. If you’re not experienced in icy/snowing driving here is my quick guide to how to do it (source- Lifelong Minnesnowtan)
-Keep your wheels straight as possible. When you need to maneuver do so as gently as possible. No quick moments. Pretend you’re driving a boat.
-Keep your wheels moving. If you’re doing it right you should almost NEVER hit the breaks. Find a speed you have traction at, and keep that speed without touching the brakes. Brakes are what cause you to slide.
-Leave plenty of space for the car ahead of you.
-No cruise control
-If you feel yourself losing control DO NOT HIT THE BRAKES OR TRY TO STEER. The car wants to go straight. The more you fuck with the dynamics the more silly things happens. If you are well practiced and experienced you can be proficient at “steering into” a slide, but if you’re already comfortable doing this then my advice is moot.
DatJEEPDoeYo t1_j1qv3h9 wrote
Great advice, but on the last one, definitely learning to steer into a slide will help you more than doing nothing. If you want the experience, go to an empty snowy parking lot (devoid of light poles too) and try to force a skid. Learn the feel, and get used to getting the steering wheel turned the appropriate amount.
Sometimes_Stutters t1_j1qz6ze wrote
I don’t disagree. Definitely a skill worth learning. It certainly takes a level of feel to be proficient at it.
However, if you haven’t practiced this you’re better off not attempting it.
alex_co t1_j1reu9w wrote
That’s why he’s saying you should practice in an empty lot, no?
Sometimes_Stutters t1_j1rrtg7 wrote
Yes
anupsidedownpotato t1_j1r5s12 wrote
Yeah definitely understanding understeer and oversteer and how to counter it is super important. And knowing what your car typically does.
[deleted] t1_j1rsba3 wrote
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DatJEEPDoeYo t1_j1su67d wrote
Just have to leave a note
StephanoButler9000 t1_j1roybb wrote
Especially since most cars now have anti lock brakes which means you can both brake and steer your way to a safe stop.
CabbageSlut t1_j1tee66 wrote
Look out for medians and the like, seen a few too many accidents this way
seashmore t1_j1toyiz wrote
One of the best things I did in high school was learn how to fishtail. There was a steep hill I had to turn on to get into my neighborhood. It was a wide street and gave a clear view of whether or not someone else was on it. If there was no one else, I'd punch it and make a sharp turn.
[deleted] t1_j1sfkw8 wrote
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Born-Entrepreneur t1_j1r7062 wrote
Remember! 4 wheel drive helps you go, it does fuck all to help you stop.
cat_prophecy t1_j1qyiid wrote
Also it’s much safer to be going slow, and not being able to go faster than going fast and not being able to slow down.
Sometimes_Stutters t1_j1qzqrz wrote
Kinda. There’s an optimal speed. Theoretically the faster you go the more you tend to go straight, which is what you want. In practice you want to operate as close to the speed that your traction allows.
Also, going overly slow can be dangerous for interacting with other cars.
parksandrecpup t1_j1tiksn wrote
Going overly slow can get you and others stuck in deep snow. I had a bad snowstorm before I could get my winters on and I live at the top of a steep hill. The guy infront of me went up it at 15km/h. I swore at him the whole way up because we did almost get stuck. The worst part was he was going 60 before the hill (way way too fast) so I went from having plenty of space to follow to none very quickly. He made it to the top and went 60 again (it was a 50) and he nearly slid out on ice into a bunch of people by a plaza. Pick a reasonable speed and keep it.
DevinFraserTheGreat t1_j1rr8i3 wrote
Yes, you want to avoid a scenario with a lot of cars going in and out of lanes.
[deleted] t1_j1rg5xp wrote
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WyoGuy2 t1_j1re6s1 wrote
Also, as someone who lives in a snowy and hilly place, don’t be afraid to downshift while going downhill. It slows you down without braking and risking a spin out in icy conditions. If you drive an automatic, look up how to manually downshift in your car.
ContemplatingPrison t1_j1rlmh0 wrote
You forgot. When needing the hit the brakes you tap them. You never slam on the brakes. Tapping the brakes will keep your car straight where as normal braking will cause you to slide
tomhousecat t1_j1t4f7c wrote
If you have ABS, aren't you supposed to hold the brakes down? That's what I've heard, and my vehicle has ABS, but I've never been put into a position where I've had to rapidly decelerate on ice.
miningguy t1_j1tbh88 wrote
In the vast majority of cases you’re right including on ice. ABS will stop your car faster while allowing you to have control of your steering. I think in heavy heavy snow, you could decelerate faster if you lock up as the snow piles under the front of your tire.
tomhousecat t1_j1tfn1d wrote
Wow, incredibly informative video, thanks! I sincerely hope I never have to fully jam out my brakes, but I feel a bit better knowing it's the most effective option when necessary.
[deleted] t1_j1rn8ng wrote
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Billy0598 t1_j1rm2po wrote
Agree agree agree. Son drove MN to NY and describes it as "not even the worst blizzard he's been in"
He knows the route and agrees with me. I was watching the tracker and trying to keep them off closed roads. Girlfriend doesn't believe me and ended up taking 2 hours because her gps said to head north right by the lake onto a pennisula and bridge.
Put weight in your car over the powered tires. Kitty litter, dog food.
Leave extra space. More space.
sausage_ditka_bulls t1_j1s2ji8 wrote
New Englander native here - yeah all good advice. Gotta learn how to operate vehicle with limited traction. But once you get good at it bring on the Scandinavian flick!
Sometimes_Stutters t1_j1s35jb wrote
Also… BUY SNOW TIRES!!
sausage_ditka_bulls t1_j1s76p9 wrote
Yeah absolutely- the difference between all seasons and winter tires is drastic. Regardless of all wheel drive. Braking and turning is so much better. Winter tires just bite into snow while all other tires just make you glide over snow
FrankDrakman t1_j1u6a41 wrote
> Pretend you’re driving a boat.
As a Canadian, I concur. On a boat, you have to plan ahead; same thing driving in the snow.
Although, with the new traction control and ABS, you can't have any fun any more. One of the rites of passage for young men in Canada was taking the car to the empty shopping mall parking lot after a snowfall, and learning how to do doughnuts.
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