Driving uphill/downhill on a slippery road?

Question

How can I maintain my driving ability when driving uphill on a slippery road, or downhill? Is there a safe way (if I don't have a choice and NEED to drive in these conditions?)
I am fearful of driving in slippery conditions, but when there is a sudden snowfall, and the sand trucks don't come out, right away, how can I drive, safely, without sliding all over the roads? Is there a way you're supposed to steer or maneuver the roads when driving uphill or downhill on a slippery road??

Answer 1

you are in an automtic transmission vehicle, drop it into 1st (or low) for down hills, as it will use engine braking to slow you, and not affect traction like your brakes can. For uphill climbs, try 2nd (or medium gear). In either case, take off the overdrive function if there is one.

If it is a stickshift, just keep it in first gear for downhill, and in 2nd or 3rd for up.

This will keep your engine from overspinning the wheels for the available traction.

For more confidence, get a car with all wheel drive, traction control, and/ or electronic stability systems. If a new car is not a feasible option at this time, try getting true snow tires for your car during these months. They make a huge difference

Answer 2

Having learned to drive in an environment wwhere the roads aer slippery a good bit of the time, I can tell you that you will only be able to confidently maneuver with practice in those situations. However, some tips:

Shift into a lower gear when descending slick hills.

Do not stop on an uphill slope. Not only will u get stuck, but you will screw everyone behind you.

You will not be able to turn when you are in a skid with the brakes locked. The best thing you can do is let off the brakes, get your car going in the direction you need to go, and then pump your brakes. If your tail end starts to come out, steer into it and give it a little gas. You should be able to straighten it out.


I know these things all go against your nature as a driver, but the worst thing you can possibly do is panic and just slam on your brakes. You WILL lose control and wreck into something.

Answer 3

Don't drive too slow going up hill because you can end up spinning your tires and getting stuck in the middle of the hill and have to back down sliding and breaking all the way. Just stay at a constant speed to keep you moving and gaining momentum to make it up the hill. When you are going downhill put your car in a lower gear and slow down your engine. Brake as needed if you are picking up speed but don't jam on your brakes because that is what makes you slide. If the roads aren't plowed, you'll get more traction by staying OUT of other peoples tire tracks if it is slushy snow. Sounds like you would be better off to prepare ahead of time if you know a storm is coming in and shop before hand or cancel appts. etc. There is nothing worse on a snowy road then someone who doesn't know how to drive in it.

Answer 4

First go slow and take your time. If you start to slide steer into the slide before you steer out. Pump the breaks when slowing until you at least learn where the point is where your tires will not slide. Some good tires will definately help. You might even consider studs in the tires. Front wheel drive is way better than rear wheel. Best thing is to go into a icy empty parking lot and play with the car and see what you can and can't do.

Answer 5

If you are in an automtic transmission vehicle, drop it into 1st (or low) for down hills, as it will use engine braking to slow you, and not affect traction like your brakes can. For uphill climbs, try 2nd (or medium gear). In either case, take off the overdrive function if there is one.

If it is a stickshift, just keep it in first gear for downhill, and in 2nd or 3rd for up.

This will keep your engine from overspinning the wheels for the available traction.

For more confidence, get a car with all wheel drive, traction control, and/ or electronic stability systems. If a new car is not a feasible option at this time, try getting true snow tires for your car during these months. They make a huge difference.

Answer 6

As most of the answers state already - for downhill select the lowest possible gear (stick or automatic) and avoid to use high pressure on the breaks (very gently). Going uphill the key issue is to keep a constant speed (eventually not too slow).
The key is to use 4 winter tires - and drive in such a way to avoid any sudden changes in direction and avoid as much break pressure as possible - try to be ahead! Good luck for the winter season anyway!

Answer 7

I am guessing that you have an automatic as most people do. If you do, just remember one thing NEUTRAL. An automatic car wants to continously keep driving the car when it's in drive or overdrive etc... If you start to go down a hill and it's icy, put it in neutral and press the brakes gently. You will have much more control of the vehicle this way. If you have a standard, you can push the clutch in or put in neutral to get the same effect. Standards don't have as much trouble in the snow as automatics because they don't automatically keep the car going like an automatic does (if you don't know what i mean, when you put the car in drive and let your foot off the break the car starts to take off, this is what it tries to do on the ice as well when your just cruising along - neutral keeps it from doing this). Your best bet is to get 4 studded snow tires to enhance your grip on icy/snowy roads and obviously go considerably slower than you normally would in snow/ice conditions. Hope this helps.

Answer 8

Snow is not so bad, ice is what gives me the willys... Try to accelerate and brake slowly... If you start to slide, steer in the direction the rear end of the car is sliding... that will negate the slide somewhat, depending on how slick it actually is... If you can figure out an alternate route that bypasses large hills, that would be worth the extra time spent in commuting... Keep as much kitty litter in your trunk as you can afford, and a shovel...the extra weight will help with traction, and if you need to dig out, use the shovel and place kitty litter under the wheels for traction...Good luck, hope you do OK...

Answer 9

use your engine brake,how? by shifting to the lowest gear 1st geat on downhill if uphill from 1st to 2nd gear and applying your accelator/gas pedal evenly.
for auto transmission,tansfer it to 1st then regulate your gas pedal..
then use special tire if you are travelling in snow,dirt or even pavements
this will do all the tricks in driving
and be sure to drive safely.

Answer 10

first big tip is dont lock up your brakes once the tire break free you have no control