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.
Read more on the topic:
- Mercedes-Benz registered new trademarks in Russia: what does it mean
- Touch screens recognized as dangerous: driving deteriorates by 40%
- Counterfeit under the hood: how to recognize fake auto parts in a minute
Now on home
Expert says that 10-12 brands from China should remain in the Russian car market instead of 56
Why current engines last less than before and whether they really cannot be repaired - debunking myths
Why the four-wheel steering system disappeared in the 2000s and returned on heavy premium models
The novelty is being tested on the roads of the capital
69% of young buyers are open to new brands, but dealers express doubts
Who raised car prices, and which models became cheaper
A survey by the Avtostat agency revealed the best mileage to sell a car
Avtodor publishes new prices for travel on M-4, M-11, M-12, Central Ring Road and M-1 and a list of sections without indexation
Autostat Publishes Ranking of Most Interesting New Products in the 2026 Auto Market
Formula V6, Wankel rotary engine, gas turbine, and even two engines at once - recalling the most unconventional solutions
Handling, acceleration, reliability, and emotions - what actually changes depending on the type of driving wheels
The plant in Leipzig will start using humanoid robots in the battery assembly shop