There are many reasons to be happy when the snow falls, but there are certainly fewer when it comes to getting behind the wheel. No stress. There are some rules to follow and mistakes to avoid for drivers who are not accustomed to winter weather. Here they are.
The tyres
Winter equipment is mandatory in many regions of Italy from 15th November to 15th April. If you have fitted the winter tyres, your car will have a good grip even on snowy surfaces. All season tyres, i.e. those marked with M+S and the three-pointed mountain symbol, comply with the Italian Highway Code. In any case, if you are still using your summer set, you'd better not drive on the roads that have not be cleared.
Sweep the snow off the car
Clearing the windscreen of snow is necessary, of course, but do not forget to clear the windows on all sides as well. Use a soft broom and an ice scoop to remove the ice on the roof because, it could slip off and strike the vehicle travelling behind you as you pick up speed or slide onto the windscreen when the car warms up. If your car is blocked by a pile of snow, dig it down manually before trying to drive over it with your wheels.
No abrupt manoeuvres
The first mistake to avoid is driving in a sporting manner. "Easy does it” is the key to driving in the snow. The grip between the wheels and the snow surface is low. So, to prevent the car from sliding, the steering wheel must be manoeuvred gently. Press the accelerator and brake carefully. If the wheels slip when you start off, try to engage second gear and “work the clutch”. Once you have picked up speed, aim to keep it constant without stopping. On level ground, however, it is best to keep in high gears.
Uphill...
To drive uphill on a snowy slope, engage first or second gear, take a little run-up without hesitation or accelerating too much, but also without losing speed. Even if the wheels slip, keep your foot firmly on the accelerator, letting the traction control electronics do their job.
...and downhill
In this case, the exhaust brake is the secret. One of the most common mistakes made when driving on snow is to brake like you do on clean tarmac. Instead, it is best to downshift to slow down. When you have to press the brakes, do so gently and, if possible, while the wheels are straight. Going down the hairpin bends of a mountain road, for instance, you have to keep a low gear like second gear, brake slowly before entering the bend, downshift the gear and negotiate the corner smoothly.
Keeping a safe distance
In case it's snowing, the safety distance from other vehicles must be increased. Braking distances become longer and the risk of rear-end collisions is high. At the same time, you must reduce your speed because, even if it seems easy to go fast in the straights, at the first bend (or the first obstacle to be dodged) you will realise how little grip you have.
Keep your eye on the cars ahead
It may sound trivial, but it is essential to keep your eyes fixed on the cars ahead of your own to understand where the critical points on the road are. It is also crucial to predict what other drivers are going to do. If you notice that they are stopping, e.g. at a stop sign, then increase the time to slow down.
Don't trust the snow ruts
Another mistake to avoid is to follow the trails left by vehicles in front because the wheels end up in a rut that restricts their movement. If the snow is very deep, you must immediately fit the snow chains (unless you have winter or all-season tyres), the size of which changes depending on the tyre. In any case, even with chains proceed at a walking pace.
Fitting snow chains
Each model of snow chains has its own method of attachment, so it would be best to learn how to fit them before finding yourself stuck in an emergency. In any case, untangle the chain first, lay it on the ground, pass it behind the front wheel and close the semi-rigid ring with the quick-release coupling. Then spread the mesh part over the tread surface well, pull it over the outer side of the wheel and finally secure it so that remains tight. The snow chains must be removed as soon as a clean stretch of road is encountered to avoid damaging the tyre and the road.
Beware of ice
Ice is even more treacherous than snow because it is often invisible. It forms after the passage of the snowplough if it has not spread salt or in the days following the snowfall - typically at night, when the melt water freezes, and shiny black streaks can be seen on the asphalt. Where you think there could be ice on the ground, the only thing to do is to reduce your speed and avoid touching the brakes. In this situation, good winter tyres can be of great help.
