Drive safely through winter with these anti-slip tips
Winter is upon us, and that means cold temperatures, slippery roads and potentially treacherous driving conditions. It is important to be well prepared on the road to stay safe and avoid accidents. In this blog, we share practical anti-skid tips to better control your car during the winter months.
Tips
Get winter tyres
Winter tyres are essential once temperatures drop below 7 degrees Celsius. These tyres offer more grip due to their special rubber compound and deeper treads. Check that the tread of your winter tyres is at least 4 mm deep for optimal performance. Also remember to check the tyre pressure regularly, as it drops in colder weather. Winter tyres are therefore recommended when you go skiing by car. If you stay in Belgium, you can also use four-season tyres. Just make sure you have certified allseasons! That way, you will definitely be protected.
Reduce your speed
On slippery roads, it is important to adjust your speed. The faster you drive, the more likely you are to lose control in the event of a skid. Moreover, you need more time to brake on an icy or snowy road. By driving slowly and keeping enough distance, you can react more safely to unexpected situations.
Be careful when braking
Braking hard on a slippery road can cause your car to skid. Instead, use the engine brake (by downshifting) to slow down gradually. If your car is equipped with ABS (anti-lock braking system), keep braking firmly during an emergency stop. The system prevents your wheels from locking so you can still steer the car.
Drive carefully when cornering and keep extra distance
Cornering is notoriously difficult in winter, especially when the road is wet or frozen. Brake before the corner and keep your speed low. Steer smoothly and avoid sudden movements, as these can cause the tyres to lose grip. In addition, make sure you keep your distance. In winter, your braking distance can be up to ten times longer than normal. A good rule of thumb is to keep at least six seconds distance from the car in front of you, but more is always better in slippery conditions.
Practice anti-skid techniques
If you do get into a skid, it is important to know how to react:
Front-wheel drive: Release the throttle and steer gently in the direction you want to go.
Rear-wheel drive: Release the throttle, steer against the direction of skidding, and avoid hard braking.
Four-wheel drive: Although this system offers more grip, you are not immune to skidding. Use the same techniques as with front- or rear-wheel drive, depending on the situation.
Consider an anti-slip course if you want to feel more confident in winter conditions.
The winter months can be challenging for drivers, but with the right preparation and technique, you can hit the road safely!
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