Icy road sections mainly include winter roads in the north (both paved and unpaved), high-altitude cold regions in the northwest, as well as frozen lakes and rivers in winter. When driving on snow with a depth of less than 5 cm, you may only experience difficulty in starting or braking, which can cause the vehicle to veer, whether on asphalt or dirt roads. In such cases, you can use standard driving techniques, but avoid driving too fast.
“Slow” is the key—stay alert to road conditions
Icy road sections mainly include winter roads in the north (both paved and unpaved), high-altitude cold regions in the northwest, as well as frozen lakes and rivers in winter. When driving on snow with a depth of less than 5 cm, you may only experience difficulty in starting or braking, which can cause the vehicle to veer, whether on asphalt or dirt roads. In such cases, you can use standard driving techniques, but avoid driving too fast.
When the snow is too deep, use 4H (four-wheel drive high gear) in first or second gear. In many northern areas, tire chains may be required.
Even on seemingly flat snow, pay attention to the terrain on both sides of the road, and be sure to identify potholes, roadside ditches, and other hazards. Snow can be deceptive under the influence of wind—the best way to avoid getting into trouble is to drive slowly and stay observant.
When driving through snow or crossing obstacles, keep the vehicle moving slowly.
What to do if your car slides into a ditch
Even if something goes wrong, don’t panic. If you slide into a ditch, use 4L (four-wheel drive low gear) in first or second gear, and place grass, soil, or even car floor mats or old clothes under the tires to increase traction. Once friction between the tires and the snow is improved, you should be able to drive out.
What to do if you encounter “black ice”
When snow melts and then temperatures drop again, a layer of ice can form on the ground, commonly known as “black ice.” Driving on this type of surface is similar to driving on frozen lakes or rivers. First, it’s very dangerous—you can easily lose control of the steering or the vehicle. In such conditions, not only should you drive in 4L first gear, but you must also move at an extremely slow speed. If there’s a slope steeper than ten degrees right outside your home, the safest choice today might be to walk instead.
One final reminder: when driving on icy or snowy roads, avoid sudden acceleration, hard braking, or sharp steering, especially on uphill, downhill, or curved sections. Always accelerate gently, brake earlier (to mimic ABS manually), and steer slowly.
What to do if your car gets stuck in the snow
If one of your tires gets stuck, turn the steering wheel back and forth. This can help the vehicle get free. If the vehicle is already stuck, stop and assess the situation. If you need tire chains, install them on the front wheels.
After your vehicle is stuck, dig around the tires, then place floor mats in front of them. Gently rock the vehicle back and forth, and turn the steering wheel repeatedly until traction is restored. If necessary, reduce the tire pressure to gain more grip.