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Winter no time for cruise control

The Victoria Time -- Never use cruise control when it's raining or the road surface is wet. There is always a chance the vehicle will hydroplane on slippery surfaces. The tires rise up on a thin film of water at high speeds and lose contact with the highway concrete or asphalt. There is a much greater chance the driver will not detect this condition until it is too late for remediation, particularly when there is no sense of foot-feel on the accelerator pedal.

The same advice applies when there is an accumulation of snow or ice on the road. The drive wheels have a tendency to overspin before the driver notices the loss of traction. The vast majority of non-professional drivers panic in this situation. They slam on the brakes.

The result of this manoeuvre is to worsen an already dangerous situation. The

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Submitted Dec 18, 2012 By: Nicoalbum

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JustBigB All-Star Author British Columbia Posts:500 Points:90,600 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Apr 13, 2013 6:54:22 PM Ignore JustBigB Report Abuse Some people have not used the whole thought process they were given.
remay Champion Author Houston Posts:6,958 Points:2,115,665 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Dec 19, 2012 11:03:03 AM Ignore remay Report Abuse Wow, people would actually USE that under those conditions???
diesel8888 Champion Author Salt Lake City Posts:1,186 Points:357,565 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: Dec 19, 2012 9:05:27 AM Ignore diesel8888 Report Abuse Good refresher.
Grizdad Champion Author San Bernardino Posts:5,520 Points:782,225 Joined:Oct 2010	Message Posted: Dec 19, 2012 5:05:56 AM Ignore Grizdad Report Abuse Duh.
bicycle1966 All-Star Author Akron Posts:605 Points:401,090 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Dec 19, 2012 5:01:10 AM Ignore bicycle1966 Report Abuse when driving is difficult, I always want as much concentration and control as I can get. I don't even have the radio on when driving becomes sketchy.
Zonk Champion Author Michigan Posts:6,476 Points:2,101,040 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 10:33:02 PM Ignore Zonk Report Abuse Good advice...basic reasoning.
crreed1 Champion Author West Virginia Posts:1,980 Points:2,525,360 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 10:32:04 PM Ignore crreed1 Report Abuse slow down and live
wshokie12 Champion Author Winston-Salem Posts:1,313 Points:214,795 Joined:Aug 2012	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 10:29:10 PM Ignore wshokie12 Report Abuse also use your headlights at night...
RevDrCBJ Veteran Author Ann Arbor Posts:363 Points:187,010 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 10:26:05 PM Ignore RevDrCBJ Report Abuse This tip is really a no-brainer.
us4usa Champion Author Missouri Posts:5,984 Points:1,111,375 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 10:17:00 PM Ignore us4usa Report Abuse Really ok
boatfloyd Champion Author Jacksonville Posts:1,713 Points:387,000 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 10:14:41 PM Ignore boatfloyd Report Abuse Drive Safely
naspa Champion Author Cleveland Posts:1,261 Points:350,200 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 10:10:37 PM Ignore naspa Report Abuse Let's see the snow first.
rahcat Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:2,463 Points:661,225 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 10:10:12 PM Ignore rahcat Report Abuse You can use cruise control in Tucson in January.
Ferdman17 Champion Author Albany Posts:1,278 Points:372,585 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 10:09:07 PM Ignore Ferdman17 Report Abuse Gee common sense, hello.
Bubba44612 Champion Author Ohio Posts:7,386 Points:1,875,130 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 10:04:35 PM Ignore Bubba44612 Report Abuse Common sense can go a long way in everything you do.
MinnesotaDJ Champion Author Minnesota Posts:4,741 Points:772,535 Joined:Feb 2010	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 10:04:28 PM Ignore MinnesotaDJ Report Abuse If people are going to drive like idiots they are going to do it with cruise on or off, no matter.
Tsunamiron Champion Author Jacksonville Posts:1,424 Points:556,750 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 10:03:41 PM Ignore Tsunamiron Report Abuse People, use common sense!
Dodge_Me Champion Author Atlanta Posts:2,214 Points:554,730 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 10:03:19 PM Ignore Dodge_Me Report Abuse Just be safe people
bridgerunner Champion Author Virginia Posts:4,777 Points:1,004,885 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 10:02:54 PM Ignore bridgerunner Report Abuse Correct. Common Sense.
planoiceman Champion Author Dallas Posts:3,278 Points:476,320 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 10:02:13 PM Ignore planoiceman Report Abuse Common sense advice
cheaper0ON All-Star Author Ontario Posts:973 Points:396,105 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 10:01:30 PM Ignore cheaper0ON Report Abuse True.
Kawibiker Champion Author Illinois Posts:1,170 Points:204,475 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 10:00:25 PM Ignore Kawibiker Report Abuse Yep
TheHermit Champion Author Maine Posts:3,404 Points:127,780 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 9:56:55 PM Ignore TheHermit Report Abuse Good advise
NHLiveFree Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:11,083 Points:1,621,355 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 9:54:38 PM Ignore NHLiveFree Report Abuse Same sentiments for a winter drive over the Kancamagus Hwy. from N. Woodstock to Conway, NH in the winter jrsva.
exilion Champion Author Missouri Posts:9,890 Points:2,011,845 Joined:Aug 2003	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 9:54:37 PM Ignore exilion Report Abuse Good reminder of common knowledge
gd83goldwinger Champion Author South Bend Posts:1,428 Points:503,480 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 9:54:37 PM Ignore gd83goldwinger Report Abuse So True.
NHLiveFree Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:11,083 Points:1,621,355 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 9:52:21 PM Ignore NHLiveFree Report Abuse Only true for the 'unconscious' driver and those texting, eating, or reading the paper.
Shakleelady31 All-Star Author Fort Wayne Posts:571 Points:400,100 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 9:49:29 PM Ignore Shakleelady31 Report Abuse True.
bvrbill Champion Author Eugene Posts:3,207 Points:516,800 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 9:45:51 PM Ignore bvrbill Report Abuse As many have said, 'common sense'.
jrsva Champion Author Virginia Posts:9,843 Points:1,611,090 Joined:Jan 2006	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 9:45:14 PM Ignore jrsva Report Abuse “Winter driving is never fun.” Certainly never fun in Pensacola, Shea, with all the snow birds there. I love winter driving up here in the mountains, especially when I can get out before the plows and salt trucks have messed it all up. Crossing the mountains on six inches of fresh powder is a delight one can experience only rarely anymore.
Ahking Champion Author Orange County Posts:3,497 Points:601,520 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 9:43:50 PM Ignore Ahking Report Abuse what if you have traction control?
NedW Champion Author Indianapolis Posts:5,604 Points:1,140,295 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 9:40:20 PM Ignore NedW Report Abuse LOL, datsundriver.
frostyWV Champion Author West Virginia Posts:2,339 Points:519,235 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 9:36:56 PM Ignore frostyWV Report Abuse common sense.
joeschmo12 Champion Author New York Posts:1,011 Points:305,265 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 9:34:01 PM Ignore joeschmo12 Report Abuse i totally agree
SNOWMI Champion Author Michigan Posts:1,157 Points:215,555 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 9:31:54 PM Ignore SNOWMI Report Abuse Exactly, I never use cruise control when road is wet or snowy or icy. If you start losing traction, let go of accelerator instead of hitting brakes. COMMON SENSE, this is a no brainer.
shea33 Champion Author Pensacola Posts:2,358 Points:540,990 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 9:28:53 PM Ignore shea33 Report Abuse Winter driving is never fun
datsundriver Champion Author Houston Posts:6,768 Points:804,110 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 9:28:25 PM Ignore datsundriver Report Abuse I use cruise control all winter with no problem!!!!!!!
mdskier Champion Author Maryland Posts:9,930 Points:1,781,635 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 9:27:38 PM Ignore mdskier Report Abuse Cruise control is useable on wet/snowy roads. But ONLY if you are fully aware of the physics on reduced friction. ie,trip it off on curves or if a wheel spins and set it lower than normal. Total alertness must be maintained. This use of cruise is risky and not recommended for most drivers.
TheSnowstorm Champion Author Montreal Posts:8,614 Points:1,912,055 Joined:June 2005	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 9:26:55 PM Ignore TheSnowstorm Report Abuse As other posters have mentioned, I let road and traffic conditions dictate the use of cruise control. Of course the potential risks are considerably higher in winter months, more so with "black ice".
mcmonsta Champion Author Honolulu Posts:3,222 Points:816,820 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 9:25:27 PM Ignore mcmonsta Report Abuse lot of drivers have no idea of how a car operates in different conditions and probably think that no matter what it does the same thing....and we wonder where common sense left the building sometimes
SavALot Champion Author Virginia Beach Posts:8,464 Points:1,709,885 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 9:23:17 PM Ignore SavALot Report Abuse Good tips for those in areas of wintry conditions
FlogNut Champion Author Chicago Posts:104,305 Points:1,986,700 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 9:23:07 PM Ignore FlogNut Report Abuse Misleading headline. I let road conditions determine whether I use my cruise control, not the season.
mstearno Champion Author Dayton Posts:8,061 Points:1,730,260 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 9:18:00 PM Ignore mstearno Report Abuse without saying
pacecar68 Champion Author Oakland Posts:4,661 Points:867,095 Joined:Jan 2007	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 9:17:24 PM Ignore pacecar68 Report Abuse good advice.
abcdMA Champion Author Worcester Posts:7,917 Points:1,574,005 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 9:16:01 PM Ignore abcdMA Report Abuse duh
PoohMcGoo Champion Author Alabama Posts:3,067 Points:799,085 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 9:15:47 PM Ignore PoohMcGoo Report Abuse Ok
WIPACKERFAN Champion Author Chicago Posts:8,794 Points:1,841,500 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 9:15:22 PM Ignore WIPACKERFAN Report Abuse No kidding. THis is a no brainer!
savannahoaks Champion Author Rockford Posts:2,687 Points:633,285 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 9:14:56 PM Ignore savannahoaks Report Abuse Isn't this covered in driver's ed?
BREW9 All-Star Author Tampa Posts:876 Points:2,911,005 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 9:14:45 PM Ignore BREW9 Report Abuse slip slidin
toadNY Champion Author Albany Posts:7,037 Points:1,512,175 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 9:13:33 PM Ignore toadNY Report Abuse Thats good to know if you use cruise.