Freezing rain is one of the most unpleasant and treacherous weather phenomena. It occurs due to a sharp temperature difference between warm upper layers of the atmosphere and the cold surface of the earth. Water droplets form in the clouds, which, when reaching frozen objects, instantly turn into ice. As a result, everything around - sidewalks, trees, wires, and cars - is covered with a strong ice crust. Problems start immediately, and for the driver, the first of them is to simply get into their own car.
Locks and doors: how to get into the car
The first obstacle is the locks. On most modern cars, they are electric, so frozen cylinders often do not pose a problem. However, on simple or older cars without "smart" systems, you have to deal with mechanics: clean the ice, use lock de-icer, or try to warm them up with improvised means.
The situation is complicated if problems overlap: the battery is dead, the key fob does not respond, the central locking is silent. In this case, you can't do without a mechanical key, and patience becomes the main tool.
A more common problem is that the locks open, but the doors are frozen to the seals. In this case, you should try to gently push the door from the outside - sometimes the ice crust cracks, and the door is released. If that doesn't help, warm, non-freezing liquid will help. The most radical option is hot water, but it is risky: a sharp temperature change can damage the paintwork, and the glass may crack at very low temperatures.
For the future, it is worth remembering a simple but often ignored advice - to treat rubber seals with silicone grease in advance. Almost everyone knows about it, but few do it regularly, which is a pity.
Ice on the windows and starting the engine
Let's say you finally got into the car and started the engine. But then it turns out that the windshield is covered with such a crust of ice that you can't see anything through it. If there is no electric heating of the windows, the good old mechanical scraper comes into play - the one that many forget to buy in advance. Alcohol-containing liquids will also help.
You shouldn't turn on the wipers: they won't be of any use, but they can damage the rubber bands and the mechanism. Immediately direct the air from the heater to the glass so that it warms up gradually. If you first warm up only the interior, and remember about the glass later, a sharp temperature contrast can lead to the appearance of a crack.
First meters and brake check
Having started moving, first of all, carefully check the brakes. If, for example, the front brake discs are covered with ice, the first attempts to slow down may be ineffective. Usually the ice comes off quickly, but until that moment you need to be especially careful.
After freezing rain, the road is almost always covered with a thin crust of ice. Studded tires behave more confidently in such conditions, but they do not work miracles either. Keep in mind that other road users may have different tires and a completely different level of skills.
Therefore, the optimal tactic is the most calm driving:
- without sudden accelerations;
- without sudden braking;
- without trying to actively maneuver and drive in the left lane.
It is better to calmly let everyone who is in a hurry and wants to overtake pass.
Is it worth leaving at all?
Frankly speaking, it is better not to use a personal car in such weather at all. But such recommendations rarely resonate, and the roads are still filled with cars. If the trip is inevitable, the main thing is not to rush and remember that freezing rain does not forgive self-confidence.