Winter Driving

December 13, 2009  
Filed under Feature

With these adverse winter conditions, the entire approach to driving must be re-evaluated. To start, the concept of being in a hurry cannot exist until the snow melts. Driving must be done at slower, more controllable speeds to avoid accidents. Another key concept in winter driving remains using every feature of the automobile to its maximum advantage, to name a few: ABS (antilock brake system), traction control, the transmission (manuals or automatics equipped with a sport shift system), and the engine itself.

Antilock brakes have revolutionized stopping in both wet and dry conditions. The system functions by automatically releasing and reapplying the brake calipers in order to prevent the wheels from locking up, allowing for better stopping power. The problem is the antilock mechanism is computer controlled and tends to only engage when loss of control is very obvious or if the brake pedal is forcefully applied. For these reasons, drivers should still avidly pump their brakes when stopping in slippery conditions. This creates the same effect as the antilock system, however it places the control in the hands of the driver as opposed to the pile of silicon that is the car’s onboard computer.

In the case of traction control, the term “better than nothing” comes to mind. This system is usually found on two wheel (often front wheel) drive cars with automatic transmissions. Much like the antilock brake system, the traction control remains dependant upon the car’s onboard computer. Sensors connected to the drive wheels detect slippage; the system acts upon this information by throwing more power to the non-slipping wheel (via the deferential or equivalent transaxle device).  Again, while better than nothing, the system can often cause human intervention (via pushing) to be necessary.

The most advantageous way to drive in poor conditions is with a manual transmission. Having a stick shift allows the operator to shift into a lower gear and use the compression within the engine to slow the vehicle down. The ability of the driver to slow the vehicle without using the brake proves invaluable in icy conditions, reducing the chance of slippage to almost zero. The ability of a stick shift to be easily taken out of gear can also aid drivers in tricky stopping situations. The car will stop better if no power is reaching the wheels.

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