Icy roads, reduced visibility and unpredictable conditions require not only a completely correct vehicle, but also maximum concentration and knowledge of specific driving techniques. Although modern cars are equipped with advanced systems such as ABS, stability control (ESP), and some even have all-wheel drives (AWD), they cannot overcome the laws of physics. Ultimately, the most important safety element in a vehicle is still the driver. That is why it is crucial to understand how the vehicle behaves on slippery surfaces and how to react correctly in critical situations.
Preparation is half the job
Before you even set off on your journey, it is necessary to adequately prepare the vehicle. The basis of everything is quality winter tires, which in Croatia are legally mandatory on winter sections from November 15 to April 15. Their compound remains soft even at low temperatures, providing significantly better grip than summer tires. The legal minimum profile depth is four millimeters, but it is important to know that a tire with a smaller depth loses its winter properties.
In addition to the tires, check the condition of the battery because low temperatures drastically reduce its capacity. Also, fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir with a winter non-freeze mixture and thoroughly clear all snow and ice from all glass surfaces, roof and lights. Driving with an uncleaned vehicle is not only irresponsible, but also punishable.
The art of driving on a slippery slope
The key to safe driving in winter conditions is smoothness. Any sudden movement of the steering wheel, sudden braking or acceleration can lead to a loss of grip. Take off gently to reduce torque on the wheels and prevent skidding. Keep a significantly larger distance from the vehicle in front, even eight to ten seconds, because the stopping distance is up to four times longer on snow, and up to 10 times longer on ice.
Brake lightly and much earlier than usual, using engine braking (downshifting) whenever possible. In the event of an emergency, if your vehicle has ABS, you must press the brake pedal with all your strength and do not release it. You will feel the pulsation of the pedal, which is a sign that the system is working properly, while you avoid the obstacle with the steering wheel.
How to correct drift
Even for the most careful drivers, it can happen that the vehicle skids. The most important thing is to stay calm and not panic. Instinctively applying the brakes is the most common and most dangerous mistake that only makes the situation worse. There are two basic types of drift. With understeer, the front wheels lose grip and the car continues straight despite turning the steering wheel.
In this case, it is necessary to reduce the gas and slightly reduce the turn of the steering wheel until the front wheels “catch” the ground again. When oversteering, the rear part of the vehicle starts to “run away” to the side. Then it is crucial to turn the steering wheel in the direction of drifting the rear part, the so-called “counter”. If the rear part slides to the right, you turn the steering wheel to the right. The gaze must be directed where you want to go, not towards the obstacle. Be prepared for the fact that, after correcting, the car may drift in the opposite direction, which will require quick and calm corrections.
It should be noted that all-wheel drive (AWD or 4WD) provides a false sense of security. While it helps significantly with acceleration and going uphill, it does nothing to improve braking or cornering ability. That’s why caution remains necessary regardless of the type of drive. While driving, also pay attention to the blinking stability control (ESP) light on the dashboard, it is an early warning that the wheels are on the verge of skidding and a sign that you need to ease off the gas.