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( 01474 359236 M 07778 355005 enquiries@ECPCdrivingschool.co.uk |
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Driving in North West and Mid Kent |
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E.C.P.C. Driving School |
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Driving in North West and Mid Kent |
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E.C.P.C. Driving School |
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Welcome |
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About ECPC |
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Areas Covered |
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Instructors |
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Preparing for the Test |
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Beyond the Test |
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ECO-Safe Quiz |
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Show and Tell |
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Useful Links |
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Contact ECPC |
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Frequently Asked Questions |
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FAQ |
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How can I drive in the snow? Are you sure you need to? · If the police are appealing for drivers not to travel, just stay at home or walk. Only try to drive if it’s really vital and you’re sure you can get through · If the snow is deep enough to reach your front spoiler, you can’t drive, just try to leave the car somewhere out of the way so the snow plough can get through · When the main roads are safely gritted, use these tips to get you through the local roads · REMEMBER—you may be perfectly under control, but in the snow there’s much more chance that someone else will get it wrong and block your way or crash. Preparing the car · Keep the fuel tank well filled when bad weather is forecast · Sweep all the loose snow off the car—to the side, so it’s out of everyone’s way · Scrape any ice off all the windows and lights · Put scraper, de-icer and a shovel in the car · Make sure you have warm and waterproof clothes and shoes for everyone · Keep some food and drink in the car. Controls It may seem obvious, but with snow on the road there’s much less grip. This will affect your car when you want to change speed or direction: · Be light and gentle with the controls—hold the wheel with your fingertips · Use only the lightest touch on the gas and brakes · Keep the speed down and scan ahead so you can start slowing down MUCH earlier than usual. Getting going Most cars use front-wheel drive, if your car is rear-wheel drive, you'll need to adapt the tips! · Make sure there’s no heap of snow or lip immediately in front of the wheels · If it’s dry under the car, reverse a couple of metres so you get a short run-up before you reach the snow · Now put the car in 2nd gear (yes, even up a hill) and move off. You need just enough gas to stop the car stalling. You probably will stall the first 2 or 3 times you try this—that’s fine, don’t give up · Keep slipping the clutch as you creep forward. When you get going (at least 10 mph on most cars) you can ease all the way off the clutch · If you have an automatic with a “W” winter setting, use that—it’s basically the same as moving off in 2nd. Why does moving off in 2nd gear work? 1st gear has too much torque—twisting power. With so little grip the wheels just start spinning. You can have great fun watching people spinning their wheels frantically with the engine screaming while the car slides backwards down the hill. While you’re moving · See and be seen, keep the headlights on and keep all the windows clear inside and out · Keep the speed down · If there’s fresh snow, you’ll get better grip on that than on someone else’s tracks · Stay in the highest gear you can · Scan ahead so you see problems early and can react gently. When snow is falling the flakes will come towards you and it takes a real effort to keep looking into the distance · No sudden movements! Chains Chains and similar devices make it possible to move on packed snow. Chains, gripping rods or special fabric are stretched across the tread of the tyres. · Chains and other devices go on the drive wheels—usually the front · Low profile tyres and some suspension systems are not suitable for chains, check your handbook—you may be able to use a fabric gripping system instead · Chains must be the right size for your tyres, or your vehicle will be damaged · Make sure you fit them properly. If possible, practice when you get them and it’s dry · When you’ve moved a bit, say 20 metres, stop and adjust the tension · Keep your speed right down, especially if you are driving a short distance on a cleared road.
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