How to drive up an icy hill in winter: techniques that really work

No need to press the gas pedal sharply

Ice on uphill roads in winter turns an ordinary road into a trap, even for experienced drivers. Auto expert Mikhail Revin reminded of proven ways to drive up an icy hill without wheelspin and unnecessary risk.

Smoothness is key

The main rule is to move smoothly, "under load", without sharp gas pedal presses. Wheelspin instantly deprives the wheels of traction. On front-wheel drive cars, if the wheels start to spin, it is worth carefully turning the steering wheel: when the angle changes, the tread may catch on ice or bumps and give the car a chance to continue climbing.

ESP is not always a helper

For cars with a stabilization system, Revin advises trying both options - with ESP turned on and off. The algorithms for different models vary greatly: in some cases, the electronics help to start moving, while in others, on the contrary, they "strangle" the traction and prevent the car from climbing the hill.

Reverse as a last resort

For front-wheel drive, there is another trick - moving uphill in reverse. It works by redistributing weight to the drive wheels. The method is effective, but requires experience and confident car control when moving backwards.

Technical tricks

If the climb is short, it helps to sprinkle the paths in front of the drive wheels with sand, gravel, or a mixture with salt. Another way is to reduce the tire pressure to 1.2-1.5 bar to increase the contact patch. After the climb, the pressure must be immediately restored with a compressor.

For the most difficult conditions, anti-skid bracelets or chains are suitable. They significantly improve traction and allow you to overcome almost any icy climb.

When is it better not to go

Even knowing all the tricks, the driver must soberly assess the situation. If the car clearly does not drive up the hill, it is wiser to look for a detour or wait until the road is put in order.