Driving Safely on Snow: The Right Reflexes to Adopt

Driving a car in winter is never trivial, especially when snow and ice make their appearance on the road.

Snow is synonymous with loss of grip, reduced visibility, and longer braking distances. These conditions require calm, anticipation, and preparation. Driving well on snow is not only about technique but also about common sense and vehicle maintenance.

Before even turning the ignition key, a quick check is necessary. The condition of the tires is crucial: winter tires, or even chains or snow socks, can turn a risky trip into a controlled journey. Checking the windshield washer fluid level, the battery, and the proper functioning of the lights is equally essential. A poorly prepared vehicle quickly becomes unpredictable when the temperature drops.

Ode to Gentleness

Once on the road, gentleness is the golden rule. Sudden accelerations, abrupt steering, or hard braking should be avoided. On snow or ice, every movement must be gradual. It is also advisable to significantly increase safety distances: the car takes much longer to stop, even at low speeds. In case of heavy snowfall, turning on the front and rear fog lights improves visibility for oneself and other road users. Official recommendations from Road Safety also remind drivers to yield to snow removal vehicles, which are essential for traffic fluidity.

Electric vehicles require some extra attention. The cold directly affects battery performance and reduces range. It is advisable to preheat the cabin while the car is still plugged in and to always carry a charging cable. The regenerative brake, present in models like the Audi e-tron GT quattro, must be used delicately to avoid any loss of grip.

You might be interestedin this article:

Electric Car

• 15/02/2026 9:10

Cheaper electric cars with Volkswagen and EDF

Ultimately, driving slowly, anticipating, and remaining flexible are the best allies for winter drivers. As Mobiwisy regularly reminds us, it is better to arrive a little late than to not arrive at all.

ALSO READ: Real range of the Tesla Model Y