Winter driving can be a real challenge for motorists and can lead to an accident, even for experienced drivers.
With this in mind, preparing yourself before embarking on a car journey this winter is crucial.
It is worth knowing how to prepare yourself and your car, while also considering different ways to approach your driving when faced with adverse conditions.
To help, we’ve got some great advice for winter driving with our top tips!
Before you set off in any adverse conditions, plan your journey carefully. Use a route planner to get updates on traffic news to help make your journey as short and smooth as possible.
Keeping up to date with local weather can also help to ensure you aren’t caught out. Consider areas that are prone to bad weather and flooding and avoid them if possible.
Keeping the essentials in your car should it break down may not be a priority, but you’ll thank yourself for it if you do find yourself at the side of the road with a car that doesn’t work!
Take a blanket, torch, de-icer, ice scraper, first aid kit, water, non-perishable snacks and any other winter driving kit essentials you think you may need if you find yourself waiting to be recovered in winter.
The most important thing to take with you before driving in snow is a charged mobile phone with the phone number of your breakdown provider stored in it so you can always call for help.
If possible, you should make sure your car gets a good service before winter sets in. If that’s not possible, there are a few simple things you can check yourself.
Running out of fuel and breaking down in winter is much more hazardous than in the summer. Keep your tank topped up to at least halfway so you’re not left out in the cold if you run out.
Poor tyres will not grip when driving on snow and ice, so ensuring your tyres are in good condition is essential. Follow our tyre check guide to ensure you have adequate tread. If you live in an area where snow is common, it might be worth changing to winter tyres with deeper tread.
Checking your wipers and washer fluid level is essential so you are able to clean your windscreen effectively in order to see clearly in adverse conditions. Ensure your wiper blades are clean and you use a good quality screen wash that protects from freezing.
The most important bit of advice for driving in ice and snow is to take it slow – and not drive at all if you can help it. In fact, the Highway Code states you should not drive unless your journey is essential. For those essential journeys, we have gathered a list of the top tips to help you along your way.
- Move off in second gear, easing your foot off the clutch gently to avoid wheel-spin. Some cars have a winter mode, which does the same job.
- Get your speed right and maintain safe stopping distances between you and the car in front, leaving as much as 10 times the normal recommended gap.
- Driving uphill – leave plenty of room between other cars or wait until it’s clear so you don’t have to stop part way up. Keep a constant speed and try to avoid having to change gear on the hill.
- Driving downhill – slow down before the hill, use a low gear and try to avoid braking. Leave as much room as you can after the car in front.
- If you do encounter a skid, steer gently into it - for example, if the rear of the car is sliding to the right, steer to the right. Do not take your hands off the steering wheel or stamp your foot on the brakes
- If you get stuck, straighten the steering and clear the snow from the wheels.
We hope you’ve found these winter driving tips for winter roads useful. Drive safely wherever your journey takes you this winter!