Winter Driving Tips.

JJJJNR

Hey, thought it might be a good idea to stick a thread up as its that time of year again.

My main issue for the past couple of winters was when I got into my car after clearing ice off, I found it steamed up a bit down the road. I've tried a few things, some nano product, air con, opening windows, scrubbing! and not breathing for a while.. but I usually just end up pulling in for 5mins (wayy too long) waiting for it to clear. Nothing really works at getting the condensation off the window quickly. I don't want to sit in my driveway at 6am with my car ticking over waking the neighbours... and burning fuel. What's the best way to get in and just drive off with clear windows.

Also last year I experimented with All weather (not all season) tyres. In January for the first time my car slid into a curb and caused 100s of euros of damage, on a few micro mm's of dry ice but anyway it was down to me cheapening out on the tyre choice I made. This year I'm looking for some brand new winter tyres, not taking any chances this time around, even if we do not get snow or ice I'll be happy..so what are people fitting, part worn, new ? what brands if any are you going for.. personally would like to stick to about 120 per corner.

Interslice

How's your pollen filter? Helps clear the windoew's quicker to have a fresh one.

YbFocus

I never get special tyres or any of that Crap.
Let your car ready itself in the morning for 10 minutes and allow a bit more time to get there. Take it handy and prepare for stuff earlier than normal.
I never have any trouble in the winter weather when it hits, people just need to relax

NaNaNa1

Any must have tips for a newbie driver and her first car this winter?

YbFocus

NaNaNa1 wrote: »

Any must have tips for a newbie driver and her first car this winter?

Go easy, more distance for breaking.

Less aggressive throttle movement and less throttle overall.

No mad steering inputs, be really fluid.

Watch out for ridges of snow between lanes on the road, stay off them they really throw the car.

If you get into a slide, steer into the slide but don't go mad, just enough to get it back.
The earlier you correct the less you'll have to deal with. And most importantly when you straighten it take the lock off or you'll have another slide coming again

CiniO

JJJJNR wrote: »

Also last year I experimented with All weather (not all season) tyres. In January for the first time my car slid into a curb and caused 100s of euros of damage, on a few micro mm's of dry ice but anyway it was down to me cheapening out on the tyre choice I made. This year I'm looking for some brand new winter tyres, not taking any chances this time around, even if we do not get snow or ice I'll be happy..so what are people fitting, part worn, new ? what brands if any are you going for.. personally would like to stick to about 120 per corner.

When it comes to winter tyres, the golden rule is to buy even the cheapest brand new instead of secondhand used.
Winter tyres usually come with about 8mm tread when new.
At 4mm tread, they become completely useless on snow.
Also winter tyres are made of very soft rubber. When they get older (even few years old) rubber get much harder, and their ability to grip on snow decreases greatly.

When it comes to summer tyres, I would prefer used few years old Michelin or Pirelli than brand new Wanli.
But for winter tyres, if I couldn't afford good brand, I would go with the cheapest Chineese brand which is brand new, instead of few years old premium brand with only half the tread.


Also consider the fact, that while on snow winter tyres will make astonishing difference to summer tyres, on ice the difference will be very slight.

CiniO

YbFocus wrote: »

If you get into a slide, steer into the slide but don't go mad, just enough to get it back.
The earlier you correct the less you'll have to deal with. And most importantly when you straighten it take the lock off or you'll have another slide coming again

I don't think just knowing to steer into the slide is enough.
No one will be able to do it adequately without practising.
That's why I think that if we get some real winter weather and snow, it's well worth it to find a big place (like some big deserted parking or sth) and practice skids. There's no other way to learn controlling the vehicle on slippery surfaces like snow and ice, then practicing

I think that's one of the main reason for so many accidents during harsh winter weather in Ireland, as most drivers don't even allow skid into their mind, and drive like they never expected to skid.
Unfortunately, if you are driving on snow or ice, you will skid at some stage, and without knowledge (which was practiced) how to recover from skid, you will most likely end up in the ditch).

YbFocus

Thats very true actually, as you'll never react properly the first time this happens to you. Practice makes perfect

The Backwards Man

Keep yer lights on!

Cleveland Hot Pocket

YbFocus wrote: »

I never get special tyres or any of that Crap.
Let your car ready itself in the morning for 10 minutes and allow a bit more time to get there. Take it handy and prepare for stuff earlier than normal.
I never have any trouble in the winter weather when it hits, people just need to relax

Might find yourself needing it with the e60 though

JJJJNR

YbFocus wrote: »

If you get into a slide, steer into the slide but don't go mad, just enough to get it back.
The earlier you correct the less you'll have to deal with. And most importantly when you straighten it take the lock off or you'll have another slide coming again

Absolutely but in practice sometimes....another story.

Are there any skid pans in Dublin, as I think the initial shock of hitting into a slide is when auto pilot just kicks in.

biko

.

biko wrote: »

Just a thread with some things to check before it gets really nippy.

1. Check your coolant/antifreeze level.
If you've been topping up with water only lately the mix will be off so you'll need to add more antifreeze. If you can't remember when you changed coolant last this may be a good time to change for fresh stuff. Simply DIY or ask for quote in local garage.

2. Add windscreen washer fluid to the reservoir.
Pick up in any garage. It'll keep the washer water from freezing. Perhaps a new set of wiper blades too?

3. Check all bulbs front and rear. Don't put this off!
Also check if the headlights are straight so you don't blind oncoming traffic.

4. Will your tyres have grip?
You don't want to start skidding on frosty streets in the mornings. New tyres are cheaper than denting someone else's car.
Check and replace before this happens.

I'm sure there's more but this is from the top of my head.

Very big winter tyres thread here
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056355884

JJJJNR

YbFocus wrote: »

I never get special tyres or any of that Crap.
Let your car ready itself in the morning for 10 minutes and allow a bit more time to get there. Take it handy and prepare for stuff earlier than normal.
I never have any trouble in the winter weather when it hits, people just need to relax

I think my car rattling away in my drive at 6am is just what my neighbor needs after their weekend all nighter, might try a test run this week, thanks for the tip! but your way off with winter tyres, I personally have needed a different set, if the winter doesn't happen this year I'll possibly not bother next year. every situation is different. Esp with the Wicklow mountains on one side and the Irish sea on the other, I'd rather not take a gamble on it.

keithclancy

CiniO wrote: »

I don't think just knowing to steer into the slide is enough.
No one will be able to do it adequately without practising.
That's why I think that if we get some real winter weather and snow, it's well worth it to find a big place (like some big deserted parking or sth) and practice skids. There's no other way to learn controlling the vehicle on slippery surfaces like snow and ice, then practicing

I think that's one of the main reason for so many accidents during harsh winter weather in Ireland, as most drivers don't even allow skid into their mind, and drive like they never expected to skid.
Unfortunately, if you are driving on snow or ice, you will skid at some stage, and without knowledge (which was practiced) how to recover from skid, you will most likely end up in the ditch).

Don't they offer any courses on it in Ireland ?

E.G.
http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=nl&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anwb.nl%2Fauto%2Frijtrainingen%2Fgrip-en-slip-training

Place don't usually appreciate you using their private land as a personal skiddy test track

Julio1

YbFocus wrote: »

Go easy, more distance for breaking.

Less aggressive throttle movement and less throttle overall.

No mad steering inputs, be really fluid.

Watch out for ridges of snow between lanes on the road, stay off them they really throw the car.

If you get into a slide, steer into the slide but don't go mad, just enough to get it back.
The earlier you correct the less you'll have to deal with. And most importantly when you straighten it take the lock off or you'll have another slide coming again

Have to agree, but the biggest problem I come across in the snow is people not reading the road ahead i.e. having to use their brakes to slow down instead of engine braking because they have arrived at a corner/junction etc. at an inappropriate speed.
Also winter tyres will help you with grip in the snow, but travel too fast on ice and 1.5tonnes won’t stop so easily!!

YbFocus

Cleveland Hot Pocket wrote: »

Might find yourself needing it with the e60 though

Maybe I don't want grip

Soarer

NaNaNa1 wrote: »

Any must have tips for a newbie driver and her first car this winter?

You might let us know where she's based, so we can stay out of the way!

Cleveland Hot Pocket

YbFocus wrote: »

Maybe I don't want grip

Normally I would agree (hence my ditchfinder tyres still on the back of mine :P)
But snow is different, less fun more brown pants :P

Mr.David

Used to have a car that fogged up in the mornings. I bought a fistfull of those little silica packs you get to keep products moisture free and distributed them around the vehicle they worked a treat!

YbFocus

Mr.David wrote: »

Used to have a car that fogged up in the mornings. I bought a fistfull of those little silica packs you get to keep products moisture free and distributed them around the vehicle they worked a treat!

Nice tip man I'm going to give that a go

YbFocus

JJJJNR wrote: »

I think my car rattling away in my drive at 6am is just what my neighbor needs after their weekend all nighter, might try a test run this week, thanks for the tip! but your way off with winter tyres, I personally have needed a different set, if the winter doesn't happen this year I'll possibly not bother next year. every situation is different. Esp with the Wicklow mountains on one side and the Irish sea on the other, I'd rather not take a gamble on it.

If your living on the side of the wicklow mountains I totally agree, any grip you can get is definitely worth it.
I'm from the Midlands where our roads are usually flat and uncongested, though I think we suffer from less skilful drivers out here

For somewhere to practice, any Woodies etc car park is fine once it is deserted. Nobody will trouble toy when your genuinely trying to tune in your car control and not hooning around!

Ordinary man

I got a large cardboard and cut it flat. I left it on the windscreen at night and got up each morning, removed and put in the shed and drove off without any ice on windscreen.

TestTransmission

Windscreen cover ftw.Picked one up in tesco a few years ago for like 2/3 euro.Saves a lot of hassle in the morning

pred racer

Ordinary man wrote: »

I got a large cardboard and cut it flat. I left it on the windscreen at night and got up each morning, removed and put in the shed and drove off without any ice on windscreen.

I wish I was this organised! I cant even remember to bring a bloody bag to tescos:pac:

Mc Love

The Backwards Man wrote: »

Keep yer lights on!

Make sure that they are aligned as you dont want to blind other motorists

H3llR4iser

JJJJNR wrote: »

I think my car rattling away in my drive at 6am is just what my neighbor needs after their weekend all nighter...

What do you drive, a Formula 1 car that revs at 5.000 rpm while idle?

Anyway, letting the car warm up a bit before getting underway helps a lot preventing windows from fogging...and the driver from shivering!.

A few random pointers:

1. Often an overlooked point, but make sure to perform a "braking test" before you get to the first junction/light/tight corner of your journey. It will clear any dampness from the surface of the discs and give you a general feel of the road grip levels. Just make sure no car is following you when you do it!

2. Read the road; The car gives a lot of feedback about what's going on under the wheels, make good use of it;

3. Be one step ahead of the car and other road users: Always be ready to take action to keep control of the car (see suggestions about practicing made above) and keep an eye as far out as you can. Spotting a vehicle coming to a sudden halt 5 cars ahead of you will give you much more time to react; It's always valid, but all the more in the cold;

4. Look out for hidden hazards: leaves on the road will greatly reduce grip; during daytime, be aware that areas in the shadow of a buildings or trees might still present ice or sleet, even if it's 11am and the sun in shining; Watch out for "out of context" wet/icy patches, e.g. water streaming out of somebody's lawn as they water plants/wash their cars etc. on a sunny day.

5. Another thing that is often ignored: do not drive with an heavy coat on. In the cold, the roads are full of drivers stuffed in their weatherproof jackets, looking like the Michelin man behind the wheel. Doing so hinders your movement much more than you think. Wait for the car to warm up, turn the heating on and you'll have a nice cozy environment where you can lay your coat on the back seat;

6. Keep the inside of your car's windows clean; The cleaning is best done using a dry cloth. There are also products that can be applied to prevent fogging - their effectiveness varies, might want to try a few;

JJJJNR

TestTransmission wrote: »

Windscreen cover ftw.Picked one up in tesco a few years ago for like 2/3 euro.Saves a lot of hassle in the morning

Yeah I got a windscreen cover, tons better than scraping but still car steams up, will be giving the silica a go. Great idea.

JJJJNR

H3llR4iser wrote: »

What do you drive, a Formula 1 car that revs at 5.000 rpm while idle?

Next best thing a TDi

YbFocus

JJJJNR wrote: »

Next best thing a TDi

All from within a house it couldn't be loud. My big bad diesel never wakes a soul every morning at 6

Chimaera

Windscreen washer fluid: consider buying premixed fluid which has a lower freezing point than water and put it in now. It'll be too late when the whole system has frozen up in a month's time. Supercontrated washer fluid additives are great for summer use, but they're not that effective at freezing point supression for winter use. Halfords premixed stuff is good to around -9 *C when used undiluted and the 5 l bottles are not that expensive either (and probably on special offer right now).

Tyres: If it's snowy or icy, consider reducing tyre pressures a little; perhaps by 0.2-0.5 bar depending on conditions. Softer tyres will grip better but at the expense of wear/noise/economy. This isn't a magical solution that'll give summer tyres the grip levels of winters, but it's a little extra margin of safety.

If your car is fogging up a lot check that water isn't leaking in to the car somewhere. Check that your cabin filter is not getting wet too. You could rent a dehumidifier and run it in the car for a few hours to dry it out if it's very bad, but be sure to fix any leaks first.

Put extra effort into keeping windows and lights clean during the winter months. Visibility is reduced due to weather and less light, so give yourself the best chance. Low sunlight exacerbates the effects of any dirt inside the windscreen and creates a lot of glare.

NaNaNa1

Soarer wrote: »

You might let us know where she's based, so we can stay out of the way!

You'll be safe in Cork anyways. :P Not planning on doing a lot of driving this winter anyways, just want to keep my car running smoothly.

Scortho

YbFocus wrote: »

All from within a house it couldn't be loud. My big bad diesel never wakes a soul every morning at 6

The alfa woke 166mans dad while idling! :pac:

dgt

YbFocus wrote: »

All from within a house it couldn't be loud. My big bad diesel never wakes a soul every morning at 6

Imagine how much my neighbours like my car on a cold morning.... Or better still the Daily..... Or Tractor :pac:

Keep gloves handy for a cold wheel, don't drive in too much clothing (feck off you dirty minded lot ) don't assume the road will be frost free, expect dimwits to be even dopier on the roads and plan ahead, just if theres a diversion etc. then well all get along

YbFocus

Also remember to manji every conceivable straight that you can, drift non blind corners........... Ah no I'm messing :cool:

Dgt I can only imagine listening to it going at that hour of the morning, trying to get the window closed in time

Mycroft H

Drive to the conditions like any other day. You'll be sound then. +

Supergurrier

NaNaNa1 wrote: »

Any must have tips for a newbie driver and her first car this winter?

Don't rely on your brakes to slow down as much, and in general just drive 20% slower in the twisties.

Make sure your lights are all working and check your tyre pressure every week

CiniO

Supergurrier wrote: »

Don't rely on your brakes to slow down as much, and in general just drive 20% slower in the twisties.

If road is clear and dry, there's barely any point driving 20% than usual.
If there is ice or blackice on the road, 20% slower in most cases won't be enough.

Supergurrier

Seriously, stop nitpicking, it's getting old.

CiniO

Supergurrier wrote: »

Seriously, stop nitpicking, it's getting old.

I just expressed my opinion on you saying to drive 20% slower in the winter.
IMHO nonsense.

Stheno

If you have RWD and it's icy/snowing weigh down the back of the car to give you a bit more control.

JJJJNR

Well the panic started this morning, on the way to work, temp dropped down to 4c !! :eek::eek: buzzers going off warning me (im being sarcastic btw) and low and behold 4 yes 4 cars driving along my route at 50-60kph in an 80 zone.. long straight road no traffic on coming.. lads seriously WTF !

rant over.

YbFocus

Oh yes and as the temp gets down it'll get slower. Around my area you can meet people doing 20kmh!

JJJJNR

Mr.David wrote: »

Used to have a car that fogged up in the mornings. I bought a fistfull of those little silica packs you get to keep products moisture free and distributed them around the vehicle they worked a treat!

They are selling bags of this stuff in Aldi at the moment (Four @ 6.99) and I've stuck 2 in my car, and this morning there was no mist in my car temp 6c , just jumped in and drove off exactly what I wanted.

Taylor365

Go as slow as you can until you realise the difficulties of snowy driving.

The amount of people I've seen struggling over the winters in easy-going conditions is horrendous. To make matters worse, they're usually in small, light, low-torque hatchbacks. A little tiny bit of gas and you'd have grip.

I've been a victim of winter roads myself, the warning signs were there but i just had to keep pushing it again and again until i span out. I'd advise against 80-100km/h in snowy conditions. You even tip the brake and its goodnight sally.

CiniO

Taylor365 wrote: »

I've been a victim of winter roads myself, the warning signs were there but i just had to keep pushing it again and again until i span out. I'd advise against 80-100km/h in snowy conditions. You even tip the brake and its goodnight sally.

80km/h - 100km/h would be normal driving speed in snowy conditions in many countries.
It's the icy condition that require you to drive much slower.

barura

CiniO wrote: »

80km/h - 100km/h would be normal driving speed in snowy conditions in many countries.
It's the icy condition that require you to drive much slower.

Myself and the lady were in Poland in January this year, friend of ours was doing 110km/h in the snow. Little hairy, I will admit, but really taught me about engine breaking as it was only a Mk3 Golf with no abs. Actually, after seeing how he was driving I employed some of his techniques into my driving and has helped avoid a crash already.

Can't wait for the cold weather again!

Taylor365

CiniO wrote: »

80km/h - 100km/h would be normal driving speed in snowy conditions in many countries.
It's the icy condition that require you to drive much slower.

You're totally correct.

I've never seen snow and ice together.



Ever.



On a more serious note, countries that regularly get snow use winter tyres which allows for much greater control.

YbFocus

Taylor365 wrote: »

You're totally correct.

I've never seen snow and ice together.



Ever.


On a more serious note, countries that regularly get snow use winter tyres which allows for much greater control.

The frozen snow we had for 2 weeks two or so years ago?

Cleveland Hot Pocket

YbFocus wrote: »

The frozen snow we had for 2 weeks two or so years ago?

+1
in any period of combined freeze thaw freeze thaw weather there is snow on top of ice.

cjmcork

anyone got an expected date for putting on their winters - I'm loath to do it for the moment, but the first freeze of yesterday in D4 rattled me into having to think about it...........

Cleveland Hot Pocket

cjmcork wrote: »

anyone got an expected date for putting on their winters - I'm loath to do it for the moment, but the first freeze of yesterday in D4 rattled me into having to think about it...........

Aside from the severe winter of 2009, I don't think any Irish winter is harsh enough that it warrants winter tyres.