How To Drive On Icy Roads With 4×4
If you’ve ever driven on icy roads, then you have probably experienced that sinking feeling in your stomach when your wheels slide out from under you. Even if you’ve never encountered this situation, it’s worth learning how to drive on icy roads with 4×4 to avoid it.
Ice causes a number of problems for drivers. It:
- reduces traction between tires and road surfaces,
- makes steering more difficult and
- can cause skidding while braking.
All of which add up to a dangerous situation. But if you know how to drive on icy roads with 4×4, you’ll be able to navigate treacherous roadways easily. So no more worrying about- how much ice do you need to walk on.
Let’s get started!
Check your car’s 4WD system.
Ensure your car’s 4WD system is working before driving on icy roads. You can do this by checking the oil level in your car’s transfer case and ensuring it has enough oil. The transfer case is a separate transmission that transfers power from the engine to drive wheels, so it needs plenty of lubricants to keep things running smoothly. Make sure there are no leaks when you check the fluid levels; if there are, get them fixed before proceeding with any other steps.
Don’t use cruise control.
We do not recommend cruise control for icy or slippery conditions. Cruise control is designed to keep the vehicle at a constant speed, regardless of road conditions and driver input. This can lead to an accident if you’re going too fast for your tires to handle and they lose traction on an icy patch.
Go slower than you would on icy roads.
Slow down. You may want to drive as fast as possible, but going faster than your vehicle’s capabilities on icy roads is a recipe for disaster. The slower you go, the more control you’ll have of your car. If you’re driving a 4×4 truck with four-wheel drive and locking differentials, then it might be possible for you to safely travel at higher speeds than those who are in cars without these features.
Do not accelerate when turning.
Don’t turn the wheel sharply; don’t turn it quickly, either. As you’re driving on icy roads with your 4×4, try to avoid taking a corner too fast by using gentle, steady pressure on the gas pedal and steering wheel instead of jamming either as soon as you start turning. This will help keep your car from spinning out of control or sliding into another vehicle in front of you that may not be paying attention to its own speed limits (or lack thereof).
Conclusion
The most important thing you can do when driving on icy roads is to slow down. You should also avoid applying the brake suddenly, as this can cause your wheels to lock up and slide. Finally, if you start to skid or slide, don’t try to correct it by accelerating; instead, ease off the accelerator and gently steer in the direction you want your car to go.
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