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Testing Tesla’s Full Self‑Driving in a Snowstorm
When a Tesla’s Full Self‑Driving (FSD) system is put to the test in a blizzard, the results can be both reassuring and eye‑opening. In a recent drive through Winnipeg’s snow‑filled streets, the driver let the car handle everything from lane changes to turns while the vehicle’s sensors struggled with visibility and traction.
Preparing the Vehicle for Winter Conditions
The driver began by enabling the heated wipers, a feature that melts snow from the wiper blades to keep the windshield clear. The system heats the bottom right of the wiper assembly, where the blades sit, allowing the snow to melt as the wipers move. The car was also fitted with Pirelli Ice Traction winter tires, a choice the driver says is essential for maintaining grip on compacted snow.
With FSD version 14.2.2 active, the driver noted that the software had not yet been updated to the 14.2.3 release. The vehicle was set to drive in a 60‑km‑per‑hour zone, but the system consistently stayed below the speed limit, peaking around 45 km/h in a 50‑zone area.
Navigating the Snow‑Covered Roads
The streets were heavily snow‑blown, with lane markings barely visible. The driver described the road as a “double lane” with no clear lines, forcing the car to rely on its sensors and algorithms to stay centered. The vehicle performed a series of counter‑steering adjustments as it encountered patches of compacted snow and light drifts, which caused brief lurches forward when traction was regained.
Despite the challenging conditions, the driver reported feeling safe and not panicked. The car’s autonomous system handled lane changes without the driver’s input, and when a nearby vehicle pulled in abruptly, the FSD system reacted smoothly, maintaining a safe distance.
Handling Unexpected Situations
During the drive, a parked car with its hazard lights on appeared to move slightly, and a pedestrian stepped onto the road. The FSD system detected both and adjusted its path accordingly, slowing down and steering clear. The driver was ready to take over if necessary but found no need to intervene.
At a yellow light, the car proceeded straight through, a maneuver that would have been risky if the system had stopped abruptly. The driver appreciated that the car’s decision to keep moving prevented a potential slide into the intersection.
Reflections on the Experience
After the drive, the driver reflected on the overall performance. The system did not require a downgrade to a standard driving mode, and the car handled rough snow with only minor counter‑steering. The driver noted that the experience felt “very safe” and “not as nerve‑wracking” as earlier videos of the same system in similar conditions.
Statistically, the driver reported that 97 % of the drive was under FSD control, with the rest being manual inputs for parking and navigation adjustments. The driver encourages others to test the system in their own winter environments, suggesting a test drive at a local Tesla or with a friend who has FSD.
In sum, the test demonstrates that Tesla’s FSD can navigate snowy, low‑visibility roads with a high degree of autonomy, though drivers should remain alert for sudden changes in road conditions and be prepared to intervene if necessary.