Winter DrivingDriving on Snow or IceDrive carefully when there is snow or ice between thetires and the road, creating less traction or grip. Wet icecan occur at about 32°F (0°C) when freezing rainbegins to fall, resulting in even less traction. Avoiddriving on wet ice or in freezing rain until roads can betreated with salt or sand.Drive with caution, whatever the condition. Accelerategently so traction is not lost. Accelerating too quicklycauses the wheels to spin and makes the surface underthe tires slick, so there is even less traction.Try not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate toofast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surfaceunder the tires even more.The Traction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6improves the ability to accelerate on slippery roads,but slow down and adjust your driving to the roadconditions. When driving through deep snow, turn offthe traction control system to help maintain vehiclemotion at lower speeds.The Antilock Brake System (ABS) on page 4-4 improvesvehicle stability during hard stops on a slippery roads,but apply the brakes sooner than when on drypavement.Allow greater following distance on any slippery roadand watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can occur onotherwise clear roads in shaded areas. The surfaceof a curve or an overpass can remain icy whenthe surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden steeringmaneuvers and braking while on ice.Turn off cruise control, if equipped, on slippery surfaces.Blizzard ConditionsBeing stuck in snow can be in a serious situation. Staywith the vehicle unless there is help nearby. If possible,use the Roadside Service on page 7-7. To get help andkeep everyone in the vehicle safe:• Turn on the Hazard Warning Flashers on page 3-6.• Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.4-16
