In the districts located in the high parts of Istanbul, snowfall has been effective since the morning hours. Due to the snowfall, traffic congestion occurred, and some vehicles skidded and had accidents on the snowy roads. The most challenging conditions for vehicles are snowy and icy surfaces. Meteorological warnings continue for tonight and tomorrow. So, what should be considered when driving on snowy and icy roads where traction becomes significantly difficult, and braking distances increase? Although the best option would be to avoid going out unless absolutely necessary, here are the do’s and don’ts on snowy and icy roads…The most challenging conditions for vehicles are snowy and icy surfaces. In recent days, challenging conditions have emerged for drivers in a large part of the country. What should be considered when driving on snowy and icy surfaces where traction becomes significantly difficult, and braking distances increase? Here are the do’s and don’ts…
SNOWFALL IN ISTANBULThe standard tires that come with our vehicles can provide maximum traction at 7 degrees and above. When the temperature drops below 7 degrees, these tires start to have traction problems and your braking distance increases. Therefore, winter tires must be used in the winter season.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING WINTER TIRES!Winter tires are designed for temperatures below 7 degrees, and as the weather gets colder, the traction performance increases, significantly reducing your braking distance. It is a serious mistake to change only two tires with winter tires. It is impossible for the vehicle to have a solid grip on the ground in this way. All four tires must be converted to winter tires. One of the biggest mistakes is deflating the tire pressure during snowy weather. This major error should never be made. If you deflate the tire pressure, weight is placed on the tire’s shoulder parts, and the back part that needs to touch the ground experiences contact problems. As you lower the tire pressure, gaps begin to close between the channels, grooves, and patterns that aid in snow removal. Therefore, traction, skidding, and slipping problems arise. To ensure safe driving on snowy surfaces, you should increase the tire pressure by 2 psi instead of lowering it. By increasing the air, the clearance between the drainage channels opens slightly, increasing traction. On normal surfaces, the tire pressures determined by the vehicle manufacturer should be used. In snowy terrains and areas with hidden black ice, minimal movement should be made whenever possible, and unnecessary lane changes should be avoided. Because with sudden and sharp steering movements, the weight transfer of the vehicle can be disrupted at any moment, causing slippage from the front or rear. Having very soft steering movements, increasing the following distance to avoid being affected by other drivers’ mistakes will be a good solution. Drivers driving on snowy surfaces where traction is difficult should avoid sudden gas and brake movements. Any sudden or harsh movement will cause skidding and slipping problems. Gas and brake pedals should be used very gently. Drivers who prefer to slow down by downshifting instead of using brakes should gradually release the clutch pedal very slowly. Otherwise, the weight will suddenly move to the front, the vehicle’s weight transfer will be disrupted, and slipping will begin. Giving excessive power to the front tires on snowy surfaces can cause skidding. Therefore, you can smoothly start with a second gear, applying gas and clutch movements very slow…