Most Indians wait for winter with bated breath. The cool air brings the thrill of outdoor adventures and the possibility of long drives to the mountains to enjoy fresh snow. While the snow offers crisp air and respite from water concerns, it also brings a few road troubles. Several parts of India deal with smoke, fog and poor visibility through the winter. Fresh snow adds further complications with slippery roads and limited traction.

In India, only places with a higher altitude deal with snowfall. Let’s explore the issues drivers often face while navigating through snow.

Steep inclines, sharp turns, and winding mountain roads can be tricky to navigate in dry weather. Snowfall increases the chances of sliding and skidding, which makes it challenging for even experienced motorists.

Snowfall can significantly reduce visibility, making it challenging for drivers to see the road ahead, other vehicles, and road signs. During heavy snowfall, drivers must rely on headlights and cautious driving to navigate safely.

As temperatures drop, melted snow can freeze on the road surface, forming black ice. The nearly invisible layer becomes incredibly slippery and poses a significant risk to drivers, particularly on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas where ice can persist even when the ambient temperature rises slightly.

Snowfall can lead to road closures, traffic disruptions, and delays. Accidents, the need for snow removal, and the closure of multiple routes can affect travel plans and require drivers to exercise patience.

The cold weather accompanying snowfall can affect the performance of vehicles. Frozen fuel lines, dead batteries, and decreased tyre pressure are common issues. Drivers must ensure their vehicles are winter-ready to prevent breakdowns in challenging conditions.

Now that you understand how snow impacts your vehicle, you might wonder - how to drive my car in snow? Let’s explore our top tips to help you stay safe on the road.

Let’s start with the basics. When you’re driving through snow and ice, avoid high acceleration. Reduce your speed to maintain control and limit the possibility of losing traction. Be especially cautious while approaching intersections since you might struggle with limited visibility.

Your car likely requires a long braking distance on snowy and icy roads. Ensure you maintain a safe distance from vehicles around you to avoid collisions.

While driving in snow and ice, consider using lower gears and engine braking instead of pumping your brakes. Engage a lower gear and release your feet from the pedals. Then, let the decelerative force in the engine slow your car. While engine braking, keep your hands on the wheel to manoeuvre the vehicle and let your leg hover over the brake to help you stop quickly in an emergency. Engine braking works best in cars with manual transmission.

When you must stop the vehicle, attempt to find a clear area away from hills and slopes. Avoid stopping on icy slopes since your car can slide back.

Snow chains wrap around your tyres to provide better grip on snowy and icy roads. Ensure you identify the ideal snow chains for your tyres. They should fit properly to help maintain traction. Apart from snow chains, you can consider switching your tyres to winter tyres. These tyres have a larger tread design to improve traction on snow and ice. Ensure you switch back to regular or all-climate tyres during warmer months for the best driving experience.

While driving through snow in winter, ensure you keep your eyes on the road. Continuously scan the path ahead for ice patches, snowdrifts and falling debris. Apply your brakes and accelerator gently to maintain control of the vehicle.

Despite driving safely, your car may end up stuck in the snow. Let’s explore what you should do to deal with the situation.

We understand that getting stuck in the snow can be scary. However, you should try and remain calm. Attempting to race your engine or speed out of the snow can damage your vehicle and cause an accident.

Use a shovel or another tool or implement to remove the snow under your car and around the wheels. Clearing the surroundings can help your tyres gain traction, allowing you to manoeuvre your vehicle back onto the road.

While in drive or first gear, move your car slightly forward. Then, shift to reverse and move slightly backwards. Rock your vehicle back and forth slowly to help the wheels gain traction and get out of the snow. 

If you cannot get yourself out of the snow, consider calling roadside assistance or a tow truck for support. While waiting, ensure you keep your hazards on to alert other vehicles to your location.

Understanding what to do if your car is stuck in snow can seem overwhelming. Instead of getting stressed, follow these tips to get back on the road safely. Ensure you prepare well by stocking your vehicle with a small shovel, food and drinks for long drives. Keep your car insurance policy updated and utilise add-ons like roadside assistance to ensure quick and easy access to help when you get stuck without any way to free yourself. Visit the Zuno website today to browse our car insurance policies and find the ideal one for your needs.

ARN: Zuno/Blog/What to do if you’re stuck in your car during a snowstorm/02/24/05.

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