Driving in ice / snow

[Aaron]

Wheels spinning like crazy trying to start off today, I learned to drive in Ice and snow but think I've forgotten everything.

With my A19 southbound commute in the dark to York ild like to not hit ice and end up in a tree.

Tips on driving in snow and ice?

Afaik I'm meant to drive in a high as a gear as possible at lowest speed gear can take to reduce spin?

Can't be done when setting off from 0 I think so on icey roundabouts I wonder what best technique is.


I'm by no means a clueless driver but knowledge sharing is always a plus. Please share.

[Taurus]

Start in 2nd or 3rd gear - it prevents wheelspin

Generally - drive as if there was an egg on your roof and you want it to be there when you reach your destination. ie - do everything gently. Snow and ice driving done right means you should hardly use your brakes, if at all.

And the obvious one - drive much slower and anticipate a lot more.

Reckon on everyone else on the road having no idea how to drive on ice and anticipate that at every junction someone will skid out in front of you - do that and you'll be right 99% of the time.

[Tim]

In the Evo I found out that putting the power on half way round a corner was a much better way to get where ever I'm going...

[Danny]

Use the handbrake at every opportunity for maximum street cred.

[Hardcore]

My first car i drove in the snow was my old clapped out 106 diesel. Not enough power to pull your foreskin back, but had good fun getting it to light up the tyres in ever gear until i shook the gearbox so loose it almost fell off the engine.

[Aaron]

Tbh I was using gas more when exiting the corner and straightening the wheel to get out of the slide. Don't think that's the best solution though. Thanks for the pointers although I've never started the car in second and third gear as thought would just stall?

If I hit Ice at 60 is there anything I can do or keep calm and brace for impact lol.


I'll keep my eyes peeled on my local streets as they Dont seem to be getting gritted. Never slid when learning in the diesel ...

[CorsaEdi]

Just don't rev **** out of car and try set off in 2nd when you can, as for spinning at 60 my advice is put opposite lock on and plant your foot if that fails then brace for impact lol

[jt999]

If there is a risk of ice I'd suggest not doing 60, common sense comes in there

[Aaron]

Lol I would hope not and expect A19 gritted, but with it been dark most of the time it be nice to know plan of action if possible if **** does hit the fan.

I try to keep revs low but this car loves to rev (4k RPM @ 75MPH).

Never tried starting off in second gear. Will give this a whirl soon before I set off.

For the route finder in you it's Middlesbrough to York in Google maps but it's mainly the bit between York and Thirsk.

Lovely little road in the dark...

[Taurus]

If there is a risk of ice I'd suggest not doing 60, common sense comes in there

This - this is good advice.

[CorsaEdi]

This - this is good advice.

Because there is s chance of this

[Aaron]

That isnt yours is it Edi? :P

Set off bit early, was no ice so happy days. took it nice and easy with some music on

Setoff from 2nd, didnt think it would work, surprised I never done this even by accident before.

[CorsaEdi]

Yeah "was" my old saxo lol was on motorway 3rd lane at 60mph and hit black ice :/ airbag didn't even go off lol no damage to me so that was a bonus, be careful on motorways pal normal back roads may be more slippery but least you won't be going fast on them lol

[Dave]

Personally I enjoy leaving junctions in 1st at 5k rpm. Rear wheel drive + snow/ice = barrels o' laughs.

[Vegas]

Go to an empty car park and have a practise