Driving on sleet roads

pcombo

Anyone got any advice about driving when roads are all sleet/icey. Or do i just leave the car behind for a till it goes away :P

gaz_jones

Don't brake sharply! Try and use your gears to slow you down. Also if you do need to accelerate sharply make sure your wheels are pointing forwards first or you'll end up sliding all over the place.

Make sure you have warm clothes in the car in case you end up getting stuck somewhere and try and have some way of contacting someone should you need help (mobile phone or money for pay phone).

Andy_L

Check the manual and see if you should turn off any traction/stability control electronics

pcombo

Thanks people

gilbert_and_sullivan

Imagine you have a full cup of tea balanced on the bonnet of the car, you are not allowed to spill a single drop, thats how you drive on ice and snow, keeping all movements gentle same as you would if you were walking on the ice in you best high heels...i manage perfectly well..;)

The only thing keeping you in contact with the road is the tyres...this time more than at any other point in the year those tyres must have lots of tread (3mm minimum) and preferably be of cold weather design.

vikingaero

Drive smoothly with no sudden braking, steering or acceleration. If you are at a standstill accelerating with the car in second gear will reduce the torque and likely wheelslip.

hartcjhart

if there is snow on the road try to drive on the fresh stuff not the compacted stuff ie other wheel tracks

da1seggy

Drive in as high a gear as possible to reduce the chance of wheelspin

steveo3002

keep a huge distance between the car in front...you dont know if they will hit ice and spin /crash

plus that way you can let the car slow up without braking much

Mcfi5dhc

Always go for routes you know are ok and gritted well. I have two choices on the way home - one of which is gritted, and one i know will be a nightmare. I'd take the gritted everytime (even if it is many more miles)