I live in San Antonio, TX and we are about to have our first major icy snow storm in about 22 years ( i was about 5 the last time it happened). I haven't had to drive in these conditions yet as the last few icy times I didn't have to go to work or school or it happened in the middle of the night. So...I just need a few pointers.
BTW I drive a 2005 Kia Spectra. Yes I know that's probably already a death sentence, but any advice will help. Thanks!
2007-01-15 06:20:29 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
Oh yeah and my car is a 5-speed manual transmission.
2007-01-15 06:22:50 · update #1
Unfortunately I am not able to just stay home. I am at work right now and get off in a few hours. I know once I'm home I'll stay there...but I just want to get home in one piece.
2007-01-15 06:38:31 · update #2
First of all don't be in a hurry. Drive slowly at a speed you feel comfortable with. Since your car has a standard transmission it will help you some because you can start off in 2nd gear rather than first to help avoid spinning the wheels. Also when slowing down to stop start slowing down a lot sooner, and slowly downshift your car but don't do it at high RPM's and too fast of a speed or you will cause the tires to break traction and you could loose control of your car.
2007-01-15 10:01:22 · answer #1 · answered by Bill S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I second that previous answer....there's really no safe way to drive on icy roads unless you drive 10 miles an hour and barely have to put your foot on the brake. I live in Canada and although we don't get many ice storms, when we do everything shuts down. It's too dangerous unless there's sand or salt down because your tires have nothing to grip. I didn't realize Texas had ice storms, but then people think because you live in Canada that it's the land of ice and snow. If you really can't stay home my advice is to drive very slowly, so slowly that you barely have to touch the brakes to stop. Your only hope is that everyone is doing likewise!
2007-01-15 14:36:34 · answer #2 · answered by lookwid 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes my friend, i lived in Norther Canada for years and driving on ice is not something to panic about. When you accelerate do so a little at a time and slow down well in advance of actually using your brakes. Also do not step on the brake pedal but rather fan on it or step lightly several times over again. Avoid sharp turns, but the biggest thing is how you use the throttle or gas pedal. always ease up to speed and ease back down. Then of course there is always tire chains. Great for traction. I hope this helps.
2007-01-15 14:35:10 · answer #3 · answered by rpm53 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
best advice is to stay home and wait until the salt trucks and the sun has a chance to get to the roads. If its that bad then schools and work locations will close or understand that the roads are dangerous. You risk getting hurt or damaging your car if you go out and are not comfortable with driving in this. Plus you need to be aware of all the other drivers out there who are inexperienced that may cause you to be in an accident too. Stay home and wait it out.
2007-01-15 14:28:59 · answer #4 · answered by thunder2sys 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You do not say how far you have to travel, or on what type of roads. Try to say on main roads if possible. The traffic will help keep them clearer, and they are more likely to be treated with salt first.
Drive like you have eggs between your foot and the gas and brake pedals. Slow and steady!
If the roads are bad, and you have a long distance to travel, consider a hotel for the night. It is better to pay for a hotel room than a hospital one!!
Good luck!
2007-01-15 15:21:34 · answer #5 · answered by fire4511 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Stay in if you don't absolutely have to go out. If you do have to do out the best way to drive is SLOW. When you need to brake tap your brakes very lightly several times before trying to stop, don't plan on brakes working at the last minute. Stop too fast and you go into a slide. Be careful.
2007-01-15 14:29:22 · answer #6 · answered by MeanKitty 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Without studded tires, you don't drive in ice. Ice is not like snow. No speed is safe, and you can actually accelerate with the wheels stopped if you are on an incline. Wherever you have to go is not worth $5k of damages to your car, and possibly injuring yourself or others. Stay home until it melts.
2007-01-15 14:28:01 · answer #7 · answered by crossbones668 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, of course stay home if you don't know what you're doing. But if you have no choice, your best bet is to apply brakes and gas SLOWLY and SMOOTHLY, and start braking WAY before you actually need to stop. It's better to hit someone if you have slowed down to 15mph than if you locked up the brakes at 40mph, see?
Just take your time, be patient, and be smooth.
2007-01-16 16:03:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry I don't have a good answer for you except to take it S-L-O-W, especially when breaking and crossnig over bridges.
I mainly just wanted to give you a shout-out because I am originally from SA (moved to Dallas almost 3 years ago). I miss it down there. I remember the snow of '85 - I was about 3! Take care.
2007-01-15 14:31:31 · answer #9 · answered by KJ 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ohio resident here...I'll drive all day long on snow covered roads but will absolutely NOT drive on ice covered roads. Stay at home.
2007-01-15 14:30:08 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋