What are your tips for touring in icy conditions?
31 replies
Oneputt replied on 13/01/2017 09:57
SteveL replied on 13/01/2017 10:00
Posted on 13/01/2017 10:00
We are in the fortunate position of not needing to get to work, so when caught on a site a few years ago by several inches of snow, we booked an extra couple of nights until the roads cleared. Not normally a problem as there are always cancellations in these circumstances. Personally I think even if still working, I would have preferred to leave the van and pick it up later, rather than tow in thick snow.
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volvoman9 replied on 13/01/2017 10:37
replied on 13/01/2017 10:43
Posted on 13/01/2017 09:57 by OneputtHigh gear, look well ahead and anticipate
Posted on 13/01/2017 10:43
Agree with the above. If you have optional 4 wheel drive then use it. Brake gently well before you need to and 'feel' the road condition. Snow not as great a problem when fresh but what lies beneath it!!
I have towed safely on snow and ice but still would not recommend it. We drove 50 miles and the compacted snow/ice was for the last 4 or 5 miles on a fairly straight road with gentle curves.
Also towed a few miles on fresh snow in a built up area on another occasion.
crown green bowler replied on 13/01/2017 11:11
Posted on 13/01/2017 11:11
I have drove many times in Denmark and Sweden in the winter, and people in those country's cope a lot better than here in the UK, a lot use winter tyres which help a lot, but if you use chains or whatever you must still be very light with your right foot, and more so on bends and no sharp braking, the only way is less speed.
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brue replied on 13/01/2017 11:28
Posted on 13/01/2017 11:28
Have driven in bad winter conditions. In areas where it can get severe be prepared, take warm clothes and a hot drink etc, and keep your distance from other vehicles. Don't expect your brakes to work on ice, anticipate and slow down well in advance.
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EJB986 replied on 13/01/2017 12:02
Rocky 2 buckets replied on 13/01/2017 12:07
Posted on 13/01/2017 12:07
Drive slowly, don't change gears on a corner, light brake usage if any, better to let the car slow you down by stepping off the accelerator, lots of distance atwixt you & the vehicle in front, Snow isn't the hardest driving condition-ice is(frozen slush too) 4wd is no good on ice. If I need to be out early in the morning in severe icy conditions then it's chains on the tyres. Drive safely.
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JVB66 replied on 13/01/2017 12:26
Posted on 13/01/2017 12:26
As a AA supervisor told me "Chelsea 4x4 Tractors" are one of the worst in slippery conditions, as they normally only have standard road tyres, and the difference is most drivers think they are "better" but end up getting into trouble more often, and the result is usually more spectacular than a front wheel drive only saloon .And rear wheel drive only vehicles are the first to get stuck
After driving in some really poor winter conditions when working on the Woodhead Pass, when the only 4x4 was a Landy, I learnt Slow speed in Highest gear ,give plenty of space to the one in front,and keep Off the Brakes ,and a tow rope comes in very handy + shovel and thermos of hot drink
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replied on 13/01/2017 14:52
Posted on 13/01/2017 14:52
I was surprised a few years ago when there was a lot of snow, we were staying at Southport over Christmas and drove some 20 miles or so to visit OH's relatives. The road that they lived on meant going up hill on thick ice and then turning left at the top of the hill. I did a three point turn and parked outside their home. The road was that icy and treacherous that I walked around the car to help OH out. I say walked but in reality I held the rail at the top of the car and pulled myself along so that my feet just slid over the ice. It was safer than walking. We did the same reaching the footway and then did the same using the wall in front of their house. Thankfully their drive was clear.
With having just the original tyres I thought that I would struggle but not in the least. Tyres are just original Dunlop ST20 Grandtrek
RochelleCC