Hills, snow and ice

tomstickland

flyingscotno1 wrote: »

Do what this guy does. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uR6QPi-6u5k

When there are 2 clear lanes, pick the snowed over one to drive at speed in.

So lucky nobody was alongside and everyone appears to stop in time! :eek:

Oh and if you have speakers he does give a wee swear at impact if your boss is around.

Oh dear. He did swing it a bit hard for that lane change.

skiddlydiddly

eyeinthesky wrote: »

I was a bit perturbed to hear some people at work say that they use the gears to slow down in snow and ice instead of braking. I know that using a low gear to restrict your speed going downhill is a good idea, but I always advocate gears to go, brakes to slow. Any thoughts?

In normal driving circumstances yes, not in snow/ice.Engine braking is especially good on diesels as they have much higher compression engines.
Engine braking allows you to use your brakes less, so less likely to lock them up.For example, I will be slowing for a junction using a low gear and a light brake.I see an especially slippy bit so I ease off the brake but am still slowing down and don't lose grip.Or coming down hills I don't need to brake at all with a low gear and don't risk locking up the brakes.

Have seen plenty of people coming up to junctions with fully locked brakes and skid right over the hatched lines.

anewman

skiddlydiddly wrote: »

Engine braking allows you to use your brakes less, so less likely to lock them up.

ABS helps prevent just that, and the human brain can do the same although not as efficiently. If you're going too fast for the conditions engine braking could no doubt be just as problematic as normal braking.

Rolandtheroadie

anewman wrote: »

ABS helps prevent just that, and the human brain can do the same although not as efficiently. If you're going too fast for the conditions engine braking could no doubt be just as problematic as normal braking.

The problem with ABS is that it can increase braking distances on snow, ice or loose surfaces.

bromsgrovebarry

I drive a land rover and they make just a good sledge as any car on ice. People with these silly fashion statement 4X4s think they can drive anywhere in them. Deluded and dangerous fools.

skiddlydiddly

anewman wrote: »

ABS helps prevent just that, and the human brain can do the same although not as efficiently. If you're going too fast for the conditions engine braking could no doubt be just as problematic as normal braking.

It doesn't work unless you have grip which most don't in this weather.I'm not going to fast for the conditions as I am controlling my speed with the gears(and if necessary light application of the brakes) as mentioned.

Its not going to lock the wheels like regular brakes unless you are letting the clutch out too quickly in too low a gear or stall as the engine is still turning and allowing the wheels to turn also.

flyingscotno1

tomstickland wrote: »

Oh dear. He did swing it a bit hard for that lane change.

What is more worrying is that he states that the snow lane had most grip and traction and is recommended!

However in snow at speed you can get the old aquaplaning type effect if going too fast. I'm willing to bet that if the other lanes had some ice in them they are still a better bet!

Rossy.

Lum wrote: »

I disagree.

One person on the hill at a time, give way to whoever is already on it.

The person going downhill may well lose traction as soon as they try to stop.

In icy conditions i can partially agree with you

However it's compulsary to give way to vehicles coming up hill, just the same as it is to give way to the right

cyclonebri1

Not read all the thread but I have to say;

This recent spell of true winter weather, which us "old'uns" were brought up on has actually brought out the best and the worst in all drivers.

We up here have had our fair share of snow this year. Everyday you see the savvy driver that knows if he or the approaching car needs right of way and the idiot that thinks he can back out in front of a downhiller 20 yards off.

On balance I do actually think many drivers who maybe haven't experienced this level of winter weather before, have learnt well, but some are far too confident on icy roads with a smidgen of snow, the riskiest roads in my view.

Today however has brought a new hazard. The last minute xmas shopper, who really hasn't a clue other then getting to town before the credit card is cancelled:wall::wall::wall:, nearly collected one myself this morning

Strider590

I think I was fortunate that when I was learning to drive, I had 3 lesson's in snowy conditions.