Our tips for driving an automatic in the snow

Driving an automatic car in the snow is slightly different than driving a manual car. Read this blog to learn how to drive a manual transmission car in the snow. Snow and an automatic don't go well together, because you don't feel as good if you have grip. The most important thing you need to know when driving an automatic in the snow is that you shouldn't drive in neutral. For more tips and explanations about driving in the snow with an automatic, read this article.

Slippery conditions are treacherous

When there is snow on the road or it is slippery, driving an automatic is more dangerous, because you cannot feel whether and when you have grip on the road. Spreading salt and clearing the roads helps with this. However, this only works if the salt is spread in time and if other traffic has driven over it beforehand. Because an automatic clutches itself and you therefore do not feel whether you have grip, you cannot anticipate the slipperiness as well with an automatic.

Automatic and snow: winter mode on

Driving an automatic in the snow does not have to be a problem, if you follow a few basic rules. For example, it is best not to drive in neutral (N), but to press the winter button in your automatic transmission. This winter mode ensures that the car's engine shifts later. This is particularly useful if you are just setting off.

Responding to winter weather is important

In any case, drive calmly and try to anticipate. The control of your car is done via your accelerator and if you have other gears besides the drive (D) position, use them to keep control of the speed of your car when you are descending.

Accelerate in moderation

Driving an automatic in the snow also means that you have to carefully accelerate and carefully release the brake. In both cases, it is advisable to act slowly and in a controlled manner. An automatic brakes a lot less quickly. It is therefore also important to anticipate and start braking earlier than normal. Also keep a large distance from the car in front.

What to do with start/stop system?

When you drive an automatic in the snow, you can simply leave the start/stop system active. The engine will only be switched off when it is responsible to do so. This engine management is actually a smart system that checks when you are on the road whether it is safe to switch off the engine or not. You do not have to anticipate this yourself; this happens automatically.

Which tires for automatic in snow?

In this article we explain why winter tires are recommended when driving in the snow and what the risks are of driving with summer tires. Does this also apply to driving an automatic in the snow? Exactly, because you have to anticipate better with an automatic, it is important for this type of car to have winter tires. These tires are definitely recommended if you are on the road a lot with your car and have to drive long distances. They offer extra grip on slippery surfaces. 4-season tires are also possible with an automatic, because you do not have to replace them after the winter. This saves you extra costs for, for example, storing your winter tires. Read more about storing your winter tires in this article.