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Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Drive carefully when there is snow or ice between the
tires and the road, creating less traction or grip. Wet ice
can occur at about 0°C (32°F) when freezing rain
begins to fall, resulting in even less traction. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain until roads can be
treated with salt or sand.
Drive with caution, whatever the condition. Accelerate
gently so traction is not lost. Accelerating too quickly
causes the wheels to spin and makes the surface under
the tires slick, so there is even less traction.
Try not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too
fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface
under the tires even more.
If the vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS)
on
page 5‑9
or Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
on
page 5‑12
, it improves the ability to accelerate on
slippery roads, but slow down and adjust your driving to
the road conditions. When driving through deep snow,
turn off the ETS, if equipped, to help maintain vehicle
motion at lower speeds.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS)
on page 5‑4
improves vehicle stability during hard stops on a
slippery roads, but whether the vehicle has ABS or not,
apply the brakes sooner than when on dry pavement.
Without ABS, if the vehicle begins to slide, let up on the
brake pedal a little and apply steady pedal pressure to
get the most traction. On vehicles without ABS, braking
so hard that the wheels stop rolling can cause the
vehicle to slide — brake so the wheels always keep
rolling so you can still steer.
Allow greater following distance on any slippery road
and watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can occur
on otherwise clear roads in shaded areas. The surface
of a curve or an overpass can remain icy when the
surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while on ice.
Turn off cruise control, if equipped, on slippery surfaces.
Blizzard Conditions
Being stuck in snow can be in a serious situation. Stay
with the vehicle unless there is help nearby. If possible,
use the Roadside Assistance Program
on page 8‑7
.
To get help and keep everyone in the vehicle safe:
.
Turn on the Hazard Warning Flashers
on
page 4‑3
.
.
Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
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