Guide to Winter Driving

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Dec 16, 2010 | 09:49 AM

#41 (permalink)

BoilerUpXFire

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Joined: Jan 2009

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From: Carmel, In.

Re: Guide to Winter Driving

Drove about 10 miles to work today in about 4-5 inches of slush and snow, the blizzaks kept me straight and true. I had no issues at all, except I really hope it does not snow too much more because of the ground clearence

Dec 16, 2010 | 12:10 PM

#42 (permalink)

Franc Rauscher

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Joined: Mar 2008

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From: St Louis MO

Re: Guide to Winter Driving

Quote:

Originally Posted by shapeshifter309

I actually do this ever since I rear-ended someone when I was 17. Even on dry pavement. Some idiots don't realize you don't need to slam on the brakes every time you stop, and you don't need to do 40 mph up to my bumper.

Going along with your advice, leave a little room between you and the guy in front of you. I don't know if it will matter any if you do end up getting rear-end in a XF, but if someone does rear-end you, at least you'll have some space in front of you so you don't get pushed into the back of the car in front of you.

This is always a good plan. Leave space in front and the car in gear. Don't watch the light, watch the RV mirror.
When the guy behind you miscalculates, you may have enough room to inch forward and save his @ss.

And Yours.

roadster with a stick

Dec 16, 2010 | 07:49 PM

#43 (permalink)

PNA

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Joined: Aug 2010

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From: Maryland (Central)

Re: Guide to Winter Driving

Drove mine the first time in the snow today. No choice, was at work when it started. Did great until I got in my neighborhood. I made it up the hill to my street (barely) and thought I was home free until I got to my driveway. Slight grade to the garage but couldn't get up to the door. Had to back up, shovel it out and finally got it in. Had to turn off traction control though.

Dec 16, 2010 | 11:14 PM

#44 (permalink)

OKC-XFR

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Joined: May 2008

Posts: 750

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From: Moore, OK

Re: Guide to Winter Driving

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pacemaker

Also, a trucker I used to drive with taught me that you should go into Neutral if you have any idea that you may slide in a stopping situation. Works well on the XF so far. No sideways funhouse stuff on these icy TN. hills (yet).

I agree wholeheartedly...At 5 mph and below when the car is in Drive, the engine is still driving the rear wheels, attempting to push the car along. So stepping on the brakes in Drive means not only having to overcome the momentum of the vehicle, but also the drive force of the rear wheels. Popping the car into neutral at 5 - 10 mph eliminates the extra push from the rear wheels and reduces the pressure necessary on the brakes to stop the car. Slowing down from above 10 mph, there are benefits of utilizing engine braking by removing your foot from the accelerator pedal.

I've noticed that stepping on the brakes on very slippery roads with the car in Drive, the front wheels tend to lock up and slide (losing steering control) while the rear wheels are still turning and pushing the car forward.

My experience is with nearly 20 yrs driving experience in Wisconsin, Illinois and New York snow - and 15 yrs in Oklahoma ice storms.

Dec 17, 2010 | 09:00 AM

#45 (permalink)

Cody M

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Joined: Apr 2010

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From: Griffith, Indiana

Re: Guide to Winter Driving

[/quote]Also, a trucker I used to drive with taught me that you should go into Neutral if you have any idea that you may slide in a stopping situation. Works well on the XF so far. No sideways funhouse stuff on these icy TN. hills (yet). [/quote]

Pacemaker I decided to add the last part of your tip. Though I have not tried this myself, others agree that this is helpful and that is good enough for me. Thanks for your tips!