Spring in the Baltic States is characterized by frequent changes in weather conditions, with heat flashes alternating during the day with winter temperatures at night. The large temperature differences are a test for motorists, who have to adapt to the combination of both seasons – warm and cold – and be prepared for all the surprises on the road.
Jānis Vanks, the director of the Safe Driving School (DBS) and the highway champion, urges motorists to follow the weather forecasts more closely during this year and to be ready to drive in changing conditions.
“Vigilance behind the wheel and refusing to do distractions is a good start in itself. The most important thing when driving is not to forget about driving. In the spring, being careful and choosing the right speed is one of the main things, especially in a wooded area where on the road forest animals can run away, and dry asphalt in the shade of trees can suddenly turn out to be covered with ice, “warns a safe driving expert.
According to J. Vanka, another feature of spring is road pavement defects and potholes, which are especially dangerous in curves. When cornering, the driver sets a certain trajectory, but entering the pit can change it unexpectedly and cause a dangerous slip in the case of a simple vehicle.
“My advice is to choose a safe speed; being vigilant is doubly important. Of course, situations are very different, and the optimal course of action may vary from one to another, but there is a universal rule that says driving must be the right car.”
“There are manufacturers like Jaguar, all models of which are designed for driving enthusiasts, people who want and are able to enjoy the driving process. But even at the wheel of this car it is important not to forget – even if you choose a car with good handling and responsiveness, at the steering wheel is up to you, “says Mr Vanks.
The head of DBS notes that modern models have made the lives of motorists much easier by offering a wide range of electronic systems that help to stay on the road. In more expensive cars, the driver also has a number of specific driving modes that suit the engine, transmission, brake and steering.
Modern cars have the ability to process huge amounts of data. The stability system takes into account the steering angle, the speed of each wheel, the distribution of torque and many other parameters, so it can predict and react ahead of time, sometimes without the driver even realizing the risk.
It works, for example, with the upgraded Jaguar F-Pace’s intelligent driving dynamics system, which is able to distribute torque between the wheels in good time and help control the car before it starts to slip.
Its algorithm, using signals from sensors, detects accelerator pedal depression and steering, and constantly compares it with engine, transmission and stability system data to analyze slip potential. In this way, the system determines the required torque for each wheel and the car does not lose traction.
“Parts of the road that are lit by the sun and parts in the shade differ in traction like day-to-night. Torque redistribution systems are very supportive in these conditions, and getting each wheel at optimum torque is simply invaluable help.” emphasizes J. Vanks.
Does the all-wheel drive system provide more safety? An experienced athlete wants to turn this question a little differently – who will use it and how? In particularly difficult driving conditions, the answer is very simple, but in 99 percent of cases, driving on asphalt, more attention should be paid to good tires and careful driving.
At the same time, according to J. Vanka, all-wheel drive systems combined with electronic assistants clearly offer a wider safety ‘network’.
“The possibility of using all-wheel drive, which makes the car more stable on the road, is undoubtedly an advantage. Combining mechanical systems with electronic support ensures more precise car behavior in an even wider range of road conditions,” the expert emphasizes.
Another important aspect is the behavior of the suspension on the road. Engineering in this field has reached a level where control systems are able to analyze the movement of wheels and bodywork, link this data to other automotive systems and ensure the optimal combination of their operation.
“All the electronic systems that help the car stay on a slippery road without slipping, slipping, wheel slipping or locking are a great support for the driver’s main safety system. It’s important that the driver’s computer works as fast as the car. And it’s important to “When a wet area is seen on a seemingly dry road or icing, the driver takes appropriate action and helps the car systems do their job faster and more efficiently, while maintaining control,” sums up the DBS director.
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