auto IQ auto IQ Get a Grip
the dos and don ’ ts of driving on icy roads and slippery surfaces
By Mark richarDson
Winterize Your Ride
caa can help get you winter-ready
Driving on slippery snow and ice is a skill that should be learned and practised . When tires lose grip , it can be a challenge for you to keep everything under control .
First and foremost , CAA recommends a good set of winter tires . “ The different rubber compound in winter tires allows for better traction and control ,” says Scott McIntyre , VP of Automotive Services , CAA Saskatchewan . He adds , “ Always hold the steering wheel with both hands . If you use the 9 and 3 o ’ clock position , you can easily straighten it out without oversteering . It ’ s the least fatiguing and has the most control .”
Don ’ t use cruise control on a slippery road . Your tires can lose their traction trying to keep to a set speed . And always brake well before any turns , so the vehicle slows down in a straight line . Leave plenty of extra room for braking .
If your car was manufactured before 2011 , it may not have an anti-lock braking system ( ABS ), which prevents the wheels from locking and skidding . If so , push your brake pedal until it ’ s at the threshold of locking , and then ease up from there . You can steer if your wheels are turning , but not if they are locked .
If you do have ABS , follow this important trick of the ice trade : Do not pump the brakes . You ’ re saying to the system ‘ I want to stop , I don ’ t want to stop , I want to stop …’” McIntyre says . “ With anti-lock brakes , as soon as you apply the brakes fully on , it tells the system , ‘ the driver wants this vehicle stopped ’ and it brings the vehicle to a stop .”
If you ’ re driving around a curve and the car slides out from the front wheels or all of them , keep a light grip on the wheel and steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go . Don ’ t turn the wheel too much — when the wheels catch their grip again , you don ’ t want to overcorrect the turn and worsen the situation .
Don ’ t touch the brakes if your car is skidding out . During a front-wheel skid , try to straighten the steering wheel . Let the car slow on its own . Look ahead down the road at where you want to go and that ’ s where you ’ ll steer to . When the tires have found their grip again , resume an appropriate speed — probably a little slower this time .
caask . ca / automotive / repairing-maintaining
Caa Car Care Centre at Regina Battery Depot : save 10 % on labour for vehicle inspections and maintenance , including oil service , tune-ups , brakes , steering / suspension and winter tire service
Caa approved auto Repair Services facilities : get complete car care and tune-ups at certified locations across the province
Mr . Lube : save 10 % on oil changes at participating locations in saskatchewan
Precision auto Body Repairs : earn 35 caa Dollars on repair services over $ 500
auto Electric : save 15 % or more on parts
DECo Windshield Repair : earn 3 % in caa Dollars on all services
Pirelli tires : earn up to 25 caa Dollars with the purchase of four tire : mariakraynova / istock ; sign : kayla gerein
20 winter 2017
CAA saskatchewan