Can't slow down? Use your manual gear (no manual transmission knowledge required)

You can’t rely on foot brakes alone on snowy roads. When traction is limited, using manual mode can help you slow down more safely—no manual driving experience required.

​To do this, slide the gear selector to +/– (usually to the right or left of D), then shift to –, or press the – paddle shifter behind the steering wheel.

You’ll notice the instrument cluster displays a number instead of “D”, “D4”, etc.

Each downshift lowers your speed further. As you slow down, continue downshifting until you can safely use the foot brake to come to a complete stop.

​TL;DR: Downshift to a lower gear while slowing down.

​This technique is called engine braking—and it works differently from the brakes most drivers think of.

​The “brakes” we usually refer to are foot brakes, which rely heavily on tire traction. In low-traction conditions like snow or rain, tires have less grip on the road, reducing the effectiveness of the brakes in slowing or stopping the car.

​Engine braking, on the other hand, uses the transmission to naturally limit speed through gear ratios and engine resistance. This allows the car to slow itself without relying as much on tire-to-road friction. Friction becomes most critical only at the very end when bringing the car to a full stop.

​That said, engine braking isn’t a replacement for proper braking. It’s just one tool.

Maintaining good tires, properly functioning brakes, and overall vehicle health is still essential for safe driving—especially in snowy conditions.