Driving Lessons Gloucester - Driving In Poor Weather - Part 6 - Snow and Ice (Continued.)

This is part B of the "Driving In Poor Weather" post and we'll have a look at cornering on ice and snow, starting off on snow, climbing hills on snow and ice and dealing with other vehicles on snow and ice.
As we said in part A of this post, only drive in snow and ice if it's really necessary, so if you do venture out, this should help you to get back in one piece.

Cornering on ice and snow.
Timing is all important in these conditions and slow down enough, so that you do not have to use your brakes on a bend or corner.
Approach a corner at a steady low speed, using as high a gear as possible.

• Use the accelerator gently.
• Avoid using the clutch wherever possible.
• Steer smoothly - avoid sudden movements.
• Come out of the turn as carefully as you went into it.

Starting off on snow.
If your wheels spin when you are moving off on snow, don't race the engine because the wheels will dig in further.
Try to move the car slightly backwards and then forwards out of the rut, using the highest gear you can.
It's worth carrying an old sack or towel and a spade, to dig out and provide grip to help you get going.

Climbing hills on ice and snow.
It is obviously necessary to keep your speed low in slippery conditions, but this essential safety measure can create other problems.
You could lose momentum going uphill and trying to accelerate and regain speed can cause wheel-spin and loss of control.
If you are forced to stop, it may be difficult to get started again.
Keep a generous distance from other vehicles, so that if they stop, you may be able to get past without stopping.
Use the highest possible gear where possible to avoid wheel spin.
Avoid changing gear as much as possible, as it takes very delicate footwork to avoid wheel-spin and loss of speed.

Other vehicles on snow and ice.
Use engine braking where possible to avoid other vehicles, but if you have to use the brake pedal, be as gentle as possible.
Avoid braking and steering at the same time in icy conditions.
Check and assess what's ahead, looking for escape routes.

If you would like to learn more about these techniques in your driving lessons, why not start learning to drive in Gloucester now with John Lowe Driving. Our driving instructors are always ready to help.

Call us on 01452313713.

http://www.drivinglessonsgloucester.org