Winter is finally here and if you’re reading this, you’re probably deciding to go to northern areas for a tour. But before packing your bags, note that precaution is necessary unless you don’t wanna die.
Slippery Roads in Snowfall
This is the start of snowfall, all northern areas above the Murree are experiencing snowfalls. The issue is not the snow, but the temperature which changes from day to day and causes the snow to melt. This issue makes the road extremely slippery and can be a serious problem.
You don’t want to be involved in any kind of accident during your tour, so it’s better to take full precaution. Here are some things to consider before you pack your bags to northern areas:
Why Tires Slip in Snowfall Season in Hilly Areas?
Under normal conditions, asphalt or concrete provides enough roughness for tire treads to grab onto. In snowy conditions, a layer of snow or ice smooths out the surface, drastically reducing friction.
On hills, gravity works against you. When climbing a slope, the vehicle’s weight shifts to the rear, and the front tires may have less grip. Descending a slope puts more weight on the front tires, potentially causing them to lose traction. Any sudden acceleration, braking, or steering can cause traction loss and hence slipping in these circumstances.
Must use the Chains
Regular rubber tires, even winter-rated ones, may struggle to maintain enough friction on dense snow or ice-covered roads. Chains dig into the ice and compressed snow, creating mechanical grip. The chains help your tires to get traction. Without proper traction, your vehicle’s tires can easily lose grip, causing uncontrolled sliding and reducing both braking effectiveness and steering responsiveness. Moreover, on slippery surfaces, braking distances tend to increase. Tire chains help by increasing the contact points and “bite” on the road, which can reduce stopping distances.
Drive Sensibly
Before heading out, check your brakes, lights, wipers, and defrosters to ensure your car is in optimal condition. Once on the road, reduce your speed and maintain a greater distance from other vehicles to account for longer stopping distances. Use gentle, gradual inputs for acceleration, braking, and steering to avoid losing control, as sudden movements can cause skidding. On uphill climbs, shift to a lower gear to maintain steady power without wheel spin, and use engine braking on descents to control your speed without overusing your brakes.
Always anticipate hills, turns, and icy patches ahead, adjusting your driving to approach them smoothly. If road conditions become too severe, don’t hesitate to pull over or turn around; it’s better to wait for the weather to improve than risk an accident.
Don’t do Sudden Acceleration
Sudden acceleration on snow-covered, hilly roads can cause your tires to spin out and lose traction, making it nearly impossible to maintain control of your vehicle. The smooth, icy surface provides far less grip than dry pavement, and the abrupt application of power can break whatever limited friction your tires have. Instead of moving forward steadily, you might find your wheels digging into the snow or sliding sideways, especially on inclines or declines.
Check Your Brakes
Start by checking the brake fluid level; it should be between the minimum and maximum markings on the reservoir. Low or dirty brake fluid can indicate potential issues with the system. Inspect the brake pads and rotors if possible—worn pads or scored rotors reduce braking efficiency and need to be serviced or replaced. Listen for unusual sounds, such as squeaking, grinding, or scraping noises, which could signal problems that require professional attention. A soft or spongy feeling in the brake pedal when pressed is another red flag that the system may need bleeding or further inspection. If safe to do so, test your b
