How to Drive a Straight Gear in Snow

Learning to drive in the snow can be a fun experience.

Manual transmissions come in many varieties and are sometimes referred to, as straight gears or stick shifts. Developing the skills to maneuver a vehicle with a manual transmission, safely on snow-covered surfaces can take time but can also be immensely rewarding. Knowing that you can safely tackle whatever road conditions winter presents to you helps maintain calmness and safety when faced with adverse driving conditions.

Things You'll Need

• None

Instructions

1. Check your tire pressure and condition. Your tires are the most critical element in driving safely in the snow. Be certain that the tires have, at least, an all-season rating. On icy surfaces, a slightly higher tire pressure will put more of the vehicles weight under the tire, increasing traction. In deep snow, a slightly lower tire pressure will increase the footprint of the tire, preventing the vehicle from digging down into the snow and getting stuck.

2. Practice operating the manual transmission in normal conditions. Becoming proficient with the vehicle in good weather conditions will convert to ability in adverse conditions.

3. Release the clutch pedal slowly and smoothly in snow. Spinning the drive wheels will only dig the vehicle into the snow. Decrease your speed in snow. If the vehicle slides, turn in the direction of the slide.

4. Downshift the vehicle before entering a turn. Downshifting while making a turn can cause the vehicle to slip sideways. Downshift before starting down hills, allowing the engine compression to help slow the vehicle. A vehicle with a manual transmission has more compression braking than a vehicle sporting an automatic so the vehicles brakes don't have to be applied as often if you are in the correct gear.

5. Apply the brakes and the accelerator slowly and smoothly. Try to be smooth in all of your movements, especially on ice. Always allow for a greater stopping distance in adverse conditions.

Tips & Warnings

• Do everything smoothly and focus on the task at hand.

• Maintain proper tire pressures.

• If traveling in bad conditions always have an emergency kit on-board.

• Wear sunglasses in extreme white conditions to avoid snow-blindness.

• Never drive on roads that have been officially closed due to extreme snow or ice conditions.

• If you get stuck and can't get the vehicle out, make certain that the vehicle's tail pipe is clear of snow, before running the engine for warmth. A blocked tail pipe will cause carbon monoxide to enter the passenger compartment, which can be deadly.

References

• " How to do Just About Anything"; Readers Digest; 1987