Peculiarities of riding on a car in winter
Driving in winter conditions like snow and ice requires different techniques depending on the type of vehicle's drive system - front-wheel drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD), or all-wheel drive (AWD)/four-wheel drive (4WD).
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): FWD vehicles tend to have better traction while climbing hills because the weight of the engine is over the front wheels. However, be cautious while turning and braking as these vehicles can understeer.
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): RWD vehicles are more prone to losing traction in slippery conditions. It's important to steer gently and avoid sudden acceleration or braking to prevent the rear end from sliding out.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD)/Four-Wheel Drive (4WD): These vehicles offer better traction on slippery roads and are more stable than FWD or RWD vehicles. However, drivers should not be overconfident as AWD/4WD doesn't provide invincibility on ice and snow, and stopping distances can still be long.
In all cases, it's crucial to drive slowly, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, use gentle steering, braking, and acceleration, and ensure your vehicle is equipped with suitable winter tires. Remember, no vehicle is immune to the dangers of ice and slippery conditions.
In case of skidding on different types of drives:
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): If your FWD vehicle begins to skid, ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want to go. Avoid sudden movements or braking.
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): For RWD vehicles, if the rear end starts to slide, gently steer in the direction of the skid and slowly ease off the gas. Applying brakes can worsen the skid.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD)/Four-Wheel Drive (4WD): In AWD or 4WD vehicles, similar to FWD, ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want to go. The AWD/4WD system will help in maintaining traction.
In all cases, the key is to remain calm, avoid overcorrecting, and gently steer in the desired direction.