How to prevent heavy trucks from slipping on icy and snowy roads?

Increase friction by using anti-skid chains

Installing anti-skid chains increases the friction between the tires and icy or snowy roads, resulting in smoother driving. It's important to remove the anti-skid chains promptly after passing through icy or snowy roads; otherwise, they can cause significant damage to the tires. It's worth noting that both the drive axle of the towing vehicle and the last axle of the trailer should be equipped with anti-skid chains. These small anti-skid chains can solve big problems.

Do not press the accelerator pedal too hard

Pressing the accelerator too hard can cause the tires to rotate at high speed, reducing the traction with the ground and leading to skidding. Truck drivers must remember to release the clutch slowly, apply the throttle gently, and usually start in second gear. Alternatively, they can choose to start in third gear to reduce torque. If skidding occurs during startup, immediately release the throttle completely, gently adjust the steering wheel, and ensure the vehicle moves in the correct direction.

Using the inertia of the engine to brake

On icy and snowy roads, it's important to drive slowly in low gears and make full use of engine braking to decelerate. Using engine braking to maintain traction between the wheels and the road is much better than relying solely on foot brakes. If driving at low speeds, consider using lower gears and keeping the engine at slightly higher RPMs. Gradually releasing the accelerator will engage engine braking. Regardless of whether the truck is equipped with ABS, it's advisable to tap the brakes a few times before applying them fully. This alerts vehicles behind to slow down and helps prevent rear-end collisions.

When using engine exhaust braking and similar methods while driving in snow, it's important to be extra cautious. In the exhaust brake system with electrically controlled adjustable types, it's necessary to operate the low-power engine exhaust brake system according to the user manual. However, for non-electrically controlled adjustable types, especially at high speeds, the use of engine braking is prohibited.

When using the vehicle, special attention should be paid to the tractor because engine braking only affects the tractor, and the trailer, influenced by the tractor, is prone to jackknife accidents, especially at higher speeds.

Precautions for going uphill and downhill

Driving on snowy slopes poses high risks. When ascending, it's essential to maintain double the distance with the preceding vehicle and strive for a smooth climb without interruptions. If wheels slip due to icy surfaces during ascent, spreading sand or laying felt in front and behind the wheels can increase traction. If necessary, tools can be used to create horizontal grooves on the icy surface to prevent wheel slippage. When driving downhill, smoothly shift to first gear to reduce speed and drive steadily.

Do not change lanes frequently

Avoid changing lanes frequently. When overtaking is necessary, maintain a safe distance from the vehicle being overtaken, and after overtaking, do not rush to return to the original lane. Instead, wait until there is sufficient distance from the following vehicle before returning to the original lane.

Avoid sharp steering

When driving in snowy conditions, avoid sudden steering, rapid acceleration, or harsh braking, and try to maintain a low speed. Snowfall can cause snow accumulation or icy and muddy roads, reducing tire traction. If your vehicle begins to slide sideways while driving, immediately release the accelerator. Do not brake suddenly, as this may worsen the slide. If a slide occurs, release the brakes immediately to regain control of the steering wheel.

Slow down your steering. When turning, decelerate first, increase the turning radius appropriately, and steer slowly. The steering wheel operation should be smooth and gentle; otherwise, a slide may occur, causing the rear of the vehicle to swing outward.

Choosing the right tires

You can opt for specialized snow tires, which offer excellent traction and drainage capability on ice and snow. If you encounter icy or snowy weather during your journey and are unable to change to snow tires promptly, you can release some air from the heavy truck tires to increase the contact area between the tires and the ground, thereby enhancing traction.