Summary of driving tips for driving in snow days

How can we drive more safely in rain and snow? Here are some driving tips for driving in rain and snow.

Increase friction with anti-slip chains

The installation of anti-skid chains increases the friction between the tyres and the snow and ice, making driving smoother. It is especially worth mentioning that the tractor drive axle and the last axle of the trailer should be equipped with anti-slip chains.

Don't accelerate too hard

After accelerating too hard, the adhesion between the tyres and the ground will be reduced after high speed rotation, and skidding will occur very easily. The truck driver should remember to lift the clutch slowly and give the fuel gently, at this point you can choose to start in 3rd gear to reduce torque. If slippage occurs at the start, immediately close the throttle fully and gently adjust the steering wheel to ensure that the vehicle drives in the correct direction.

Braking with engine inertia

To drive at low speeds on snow and ice, make full use of engine braking to slow down. It is much better to maintain traction between the wheels and the road by engine braking than by using the brake. If you are driving at low speeds, then consider driving in a lower gear and keeping the engine at a slightly higher speed. If the throttle is lifted gradually, engine braking can be obtained.

It is a good idea to pre-apply the brakes a few times before braking, whether the truck is equipped with ABS or not, so that you can alert the vehicle behind you to slow down to avoid tailgating.

When using methods such as engine exhaust braking, more attention needs to be paid when driving in snowy conditions. The exhaust valve braking system, which can be of the electronically controlled adjustable type, needs to be operated according to the instructions for use with a small engine exhaust valve braking system, while for the non-electronically controlled adjustable type, the use of engine braking is forbidden especially in the case of high rotation speeds.

Notes for going up and down hills

Going up and down a hill in snow is highly dangerous. When going uphill, you must keep double the distance from the car in front of you and finish the climb without stopping.

In case your wheels slip due to ice on the ground, increase friction by sprinkling sand or laying felt in front of and behind the wheels. If necessary, you can also use tools to make a groove through the hard ice to avoid wheel slip. When driving downhill, shift smoothly into first gear and reduce your speed.

Do not change lanes frequently

Do not change lanes too often. Also keep a safe enough distance from the overtaken vehicle when you have to overtake, and do not rush back onto the original road after overtaking, but put enough distance between you and the car behind you before returning to the original road.

Avoid sharp steering

Avoid steering, accelerating or braking sharply when driving in snowy conditions and keep your speed as low as possible. Snowfall can reduce tyre grip, so if you are driving and experience a skid, let off the accelerator immediately. Do not slam on the brakes as this is likely to cause a skid. If you have already skidded, release the brakes immediately to allow the steering wheel to regain control of the vehicle.

When steering slowly, you should also slow down first and increase the turning radius appropriately and, the steering wheel should be operated evenly and slowly, otherwise a skid will also occur, causing the rear of the vehicle to be thrown out to the outside.

Choosing the right tyre

You can choose professional snow tyres, which provide excellent grip and drainage on snow and ice. If you encounter icy weather on the way and are unable to replace your snow wheels in time, you can deflate the tyres some to give them more contact with the ground and improve their grip.