The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #170893   Message #4134612
Posted By: robomatic
31-Jan-22 - 03:18 PM
Thread Name: BS: Cold Weather Care (Where It's Rare)
Subject: RE: BS: Cold Weather Care (Where It's Rare)
SRS I avoided driving tips for those inundated by unexpected conditions because unless one is in an emergency, if you've never driven mixed conditions and the ice/snow/slush is a major yet temporary condition for you, you are far better off staying out of it. Keep your parking space or better yet, your warm indoor garage. You and your vehicle will be far better off.

I was once way north of town (Anchorage) in my rear wheel drive Toyota in winter and a brand new Toyota pickup in front of me lost directional control partly because he was in four wheel drive and he was on an icy bridge. All his wheels in motion each with varying traction made him a metaphor for a 'hog on ice' and he bounced off a railing. I had to relax accelerating and braking, steer by prayer and hope he would remain out of my way. He had to park it and lock it and I drove him into town.

Meanwhile, I've been enjoying the miracle that is ABS braking. I did not have it in my learning-to-drive youth and nowadays it bloody works. But when it can't slow you down, it WON'T slow you down. You will proceed forward at whatever good your braking can do until you stop one way or another. A few years ago I didn't anticipate the slipperiness of the turn lane I'd sidled into and I stopped short by about an inch of the vehicle bumper in front of me.