A beginner's drive to winter driving

[BlackVanDyke]

Apologies for revisiting a well-covered subject but I'm looking specifically for a very, very user-friendly set of basics for a young friend who's only been driving a year and has never driven in snow or ice. I've said the couple of most obvious things I could think of (eg no sudden changes of speed or direction if you can possibly help it) but thought that the PH hive mind might know of a specific resource I can direct her to or something.

[Patrick Bateman]

Rear wheel drive and plenty of throttle.

[slipstream 1985]

as soon as it snows get out into a car park and find out. experience is everything.

[BlackVanDyke]

Patrick Bateman said:

Rear wheel drive and plenty of throttle.

That's mean.

She's also scared of anything bigger and more muscular than a 1 litre Micra (although a perfectly decent driver for all that).

[funkyrobot]

Pics please.

[Camoradi]

I found this one a while back which goes into actual driving techniques rather than the usual "stay at home", "take a flask", and "carry a shovel" (I always assumed this was for burying the bodies of people I skidded into)

Worth a read in my opinion

http://www.drivingfast.net/techniques/winter-drivi...

[Japveesix]

Sounds like he needs a camaro and a generous helping of right foot to drift the back end round corners under complete rear-wheel control.

[Mr2Mike]

Japveesix said:

Sounds like he needs a camaro and a generous helping of right foot to drift the back end round corners under complete rear-wheel control.

There's nothing better in the snow. Unstoppable.

[BlackVanDyke]

funkyrobot said:

Pics please.

[BlackVanDyke]

Camoradi said:

I found this one a while back which goes into actual driving techniques rather than the usual "stay at home", "take a flask", and "carry a shovel" (I always assumed this was for burying the bodies of people I skidded into)

Worth a read in my opinion

http://www.drivingfast.net/techniques/winter-drivi...

That is properly brilliant. Thankyou.

[CB2152]

Camoradi said:

I found this one a while back which goes into actual driving techniques rather than the usual "stay at home", "take a flask", and "carry a shovel" (I always assumed this was for burying the bodies of people I skidded into)

Worth a read in my opinion

http://www.drivingfast.net/techniques/winter-drivi...

This. It's exactly what I was about to post a link to. Useful stuff on this site regarding all driving techniques to be fair...

[belleair302]

Car and Driver a US publication run this most years which is pretty simple but sensible.....

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/winter-drivin...

I like the RoSPA guide which is pretty straightforward....

Or if she is very brave the Ari Vatanen Pikes Peak piece...ultimate car control followed by Walter Rohl doing the 'Ring mid winter in a 911....epic.

[okie592]

Blimey almost a whole page without mentioning winter tyres

[BlackVanDyke]

okie592 said:

Blimey almost a whole page without mentioning winter tyres

Just as well as she drives a few different vehicles (City car club mostly - Aygos and things) and doesn't own one.

I'm pondering putting them on my van this year, though. Instinct says there's *almost* certainly no need - I live in Manchester - but I've a close mate who's almost certainly going to die in the next few months and I'd never forgive myself if I couldn't get up to Rochdale to say goodbye when the time comes.

[CB2152]

okie592 said:

Blimey almost a whole page without mentioning winter tyres

Personally I've never needed them, so it wouldn't be something I mention first. Getting the right technique is more important in my mind. Winter tyres, like ESP in the wet, are an aid rather than a necessity for me.

I appreciate it was just mentioned offhand, but I thought it might be worth putting that there anyway

Edit: Unless it's a situation as above, sorry OP.

[davepoth]

BlackVanDyke said:

funkyrobot said:

Pics please.

Phwoar.



Being progressive with the controls is vital, as is keeping momentum. The big trick is judging the amount of momentum just right - too slow and you'll get stuck at the gentlest slope, too much and you'll be in a hedge. That only comes with a bit of practice.

[jjones]

get his mummy to drive him around

[BlackVanDyke]

jjones said:

get his mummy to drive him around

She hasn't got one, for all practical purposes. Cheers for your help though. Great contribution.

[SlipStream77]

CB2152 said:

Camoradi said:

I found this one a while back which goes into actual driving techniques rather than the usual "stay at home", "take a flask", and "carry a shovel" (I always assumed this was for burying the bodies of people I skidded into)

Worth a read in my opinion

http://www.drivingfast.net/techniques/winter-drivi...

This. It's exactly what I was about to post a link to. Useful stuff on this site regarding all driving techniques to be fair...

Excellent link, that covers everything I would have said and more.

[ging84]

slipstream 1985 said:

as soon as it snows get out into a car park and find out. experience is everything.

unless you only have a nice car, or nice cars
then just stay home instead