How to Drive in the Snow like a Pro
With the first snow of 2019 landing today. Our friends at SEAT have published this guide on how to drive in the snow…like a pro.
SEAT professional racing driver Jordi Gené shares his top tips to keep you accident-free, on the move, and home to your family in record time!
Tips for driving in the snow
– The golden rule: Gené’s first piece of advice is: “Anticipate what’s ahead and take it easy; that’s the basic rule for driving in harsh conditions.”
– How do you drive down a mountain pass or a steep road in the city?:“Using the engine to brake is fundamental. Driving downhill in low gears will help you stay in control and take a lighter toll on the brakes”. This recommendation is especially important in low temperatures when cars can lose grip more easily.
–Stay calm and don’t make sudden manoeuvres. When driving on snow, pay careful attention to dark patches on the road where there could be black ice. “It’s important to stay calm and avoid making sudden manoeuvres,” explains Jordi. “You have to turn the wheel gently and lightly step on the brake until you’ve passed the ice patch and the wheels begin to gain grip again.”
– Try to Only use the fog lights in extreme conditions: Their use should be restricted to when visibility is poor”. Fog lights deliver added brightness and are useful during heavy rain or in dense fog, however “they can dazzle oncoming traffic if used incorrectly,” warns Jordi.
– Parking in sub-zero temperatures: Jordi advises putting the car in ‘P’ for parking if the car is automatic and either in neutral or first gear if it’s a manual. He recommends “putting the wiper blades up so they don’t stick to the windscreen during a snowfall or if the temperature falls sharply,”
Further recommendations to help make winter travel and driving in the snow safer are inspecting the vehicle regularly. Using winter tyres or even authorised snow chains, and increasing the distance to the vehicle in front.
Is this winter weather making you want an SUV or 4×4?
Apply for finance today. Consider a SEAT Arona, Ateca, Terraco or Leon CUPRA 4Drive to help you tackle the worst of winter!
