Do you put the car in neutral if you are stopping on ice?

jimmyjames

No. Keeping the car in gear but taking your foot off the gas allows you to have the engine and its transmission help slow you in addition to any braking you may do. Putting the car in neutral will actually decrease the friction and drag in the drive train making it more difficult to stop because there in nothing slowing you down but brakes (which will easily lock up in icy conditions).

Best advice is to always expect to slide a bit when stopping on ice, that way will insure you allow for extra stopping distance.

Most people get into accidents because they have their foot either on the gas or brake at all times. Everyone should get used to coasting a bit prior to applying the brakes when stopping.

Extra note: 4wd vehicles handle the same as 2wd in the snow or ice or rain. The only real benefit from 4wd is the ability to accelerate better/faster from a stop. A 4wd vehicle is by no means better/safer/invincible in the snow or ice than a 2wd vehicle

Lance

No. Being in gear provides the ''drag'' of the engine to help you slow down (provided your not stepping on the gas). Light brake pressure along with the engine's slowing power should bring you to a safe, even stop. Don't forget, the best tip for stopping on ice is to not be going that fast to begin with!

mobildik

I do NOT. I downshift to a lower gear and that helps slow the car. You can downshift an automatic or manual transmission.

Bob

If your car has ABS (anti-lock breaking system) just step on the brake, and the car will stop without skidding. There may be a strange feeling in the brake pedal, that is normal. If you do not have ABS, then slowly pump the brakes, and if you skid, ease up on the brake pedal. Sometime if you have a large parking lot with no light poles, practice skids late when the lot is empty. Learn how to correct the skid if you get in one. Putting the car into neutral may make it harder to stop if you have 4WD car. Remember, 4WD may go better in snow, but stopping is the same as 2WD

Tinman_2_54

Yes, always. This is just one way of making a safer stop. This way you do not have to overcome the engine power also.

scruffy

yep

darlene j

i put the car in a lower gear to slow down the motor.. but ice is ice and your gonna slid and stop eventually..

Tab

No, if you do that you will lose traction on the road, just down shift.

linlyons

manual? automatic?
front wheel drive? rear?
ABS? not?

manual, neutral or releasing the clutch are the same.
automatic, i don't bother.

-Switzerland-

no i'm not the brightest on this topic so srry. ur welcome toodles.

uksawatdii

No..........Go down to 2nd and use the Handbrake gently to slow you down.................to much foot Braking will make you Skid

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: