Pinning the accelerator to the floor mid-corner simply resulted in the system cutting the power and braking the inside front wheel. With it activated, it proved virtually impossible. With this turned off, it’s easy to send the back end spinning. To demonstrate the difference stability control makes, Knockhill use a BMW 3 Series with switchable ESC. Says Bill: “These sensors are reading and transmitting data hundreds of times a second – far faster than a human can process them.” Knowing what systems are fitted and how they’re represented on the dashboard is important because the presence of stability control changes how you handle a skid. Each manufacturer has their own name and acronym for stability control so find out what yours is called. While all the acronyms might look confusing Bill insists it’s worth knowing what systems you car has and what they do.Ĭheck the handbook to see if you’ve got anti-lock braking (ABS), traction control and electronic stability control (ESC). Modern cars are loaded with technology designed to keep you safe. Smooth inputs will help avoid skidding in the first place. Sudden braking, accelerating and steering will unsettle the car and make it more vulnerable to bad surfaces. Throughout my time on the skid pan, Bill’s watch word is smoothness. Consider how you drive through these micro-climates and be prepared to slow down if you need to.” He adds: “Even when frost thaws, ice will stay around areas that are often shaded. That advice is echoed by IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards, Richard Gladman. So it’s important that you’re always alert to the road conditions,” he says.īy looking ahead you can spot potential hazards such as puddles or ice and adjust your driving or take evasive action in plenty of time.Īnd by keeping your speed down when conditions look dicey you lessen the chances of losing control in the first place and give yourself more time to react. “Wheel grip changes every few metres, every corner can be different, especially at this time of year. His mantra is OAP – the three pillars of safer driving: observation, anticipation and planning. “By properly concentrating drivers can reduce the chance of getting into difficulty in the first place.” “The vast majority of skids come down to the driver,” explains Bill. Knowing how to handle a skid is great, avoiding getting into one in the first place is even better. To help shed a little light on how to handle such a situation isought advice from Bill Wardlaw, instructor at Knockhill Racing Circuit’s skid control centre. Not being able to see properly could land you with a £60 fine and three penalty points. Leave yourself more time to get to your destination and be prepared for delays and accidents that could hold you up.įailing to properly clear all the snow and ice from your car, including windows and roof, is massively dangerous and illegal. Keep an eye on what the weather is predicted to do so you can plan your journey. Among the vitals are a torch, high-vis jacket or vest, sturdy footwear, shovel, blanket or extra clothes, warning triangle, ice scraper, phone charger and food and drink. It pays to be prepared for the worst so make sure you have a bag with essentials, in case you get stuck. Make sure your number plate and lights are clean and visible.Top up your fluids, especially anti-freeze and screenwash, and check your wiper blades are in good condition.Check your tyre pressures and tread depth – the legal minimum is 1.6mm but at least 3mm is recommended at this time of year.Ensure all your lights, including fog lights, are working.How do I drive in snow and ice? Check your carĪ few simple checks will ensure your car is in top condition in the worst weather.
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