Winter causes the road conditions to be more challenging and therefore, causes many more breakdowns and accidents. Here are our top tips for driving in winter and staying safe on snowy and icy roads.
Plan ahead
- Plan your journey ahead of time and always check the weather forecast.
- Bad weather can cause flooding and fallen trees on the road. Top tip is to check local social media groups where updates might be provided on local areas.
- Check local traffic news and google maps. Get advance warning about traffic on your route and if there are any alternative roads you need to take.
Clear your windows of snow, ice and mist
- Ensure all your windows are clear of ice, snow and condensation before you set off. Clear any snow from the roof as this can fall onto the windscreen and decrease visibility.
- Air-con helps demist your windscreen faster and reduces condensation.
- Check your wiper blades and replace if worn or damaged.
- Use a suitable screen wash to reduce the chance of it freezing.
Ensure your car is visible in poor winter weather
- Make sure all car lights are working and all clean.
- Remember you might need to clean your lights after every trip due to road and weather conditions.
- Ensure to keep your number plates clean, to avoid fines. They need to be readable.
- You must use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced
Safe driving – Give others space
- Leave plenty of room between you and the car in front of you.
- If another car overtakes you and fills the space between you and the car in front, ensure to pull back to allow extra room and stopping distance.
- Do not weave in and out of traffic to save a few seconds. This dangerous driving can lead to an accident not only for you but for others also.
Choose the right winter tyres
- If you live in a place where the winter can cause problems – you may need to consider winter tyres. They are designed to offer optimum traction and grip in cold conditions. They have a softer compound, along with deeper grooves and narrow cuts built into the tread.
- Investing in an all-year, all-purpose is the best way to go in the UK (with the possible exception of Scottish Highlanders), as you will be ready for all types of road conditions.
- Do not let air out of your regular tyres to get more grip – it does not work and is unsafe.
- Only use snow chains when there is a layer of fully compacted snow or ice and never use on roads that have been cleared.
Check your fluid levels – especially antifreeze
- Ensure all of your various fluids are topped up.
- The most important winter fluid is Antifreeze, which only costs a few pounds, but a frozen and cracked engine costs hundreds to repair. It helps prevent scale build up and corrosion.
- Coolant is used to maintain the engine’s temperature all year round, and most good quality coolants also contain anti-freeze properties to keep the coolant functioning in sub-zero temperatures.
- Always check your oil levels as running low on engine oil can lead to damage to your engine. Top it up before the cold weather hits.
Carry essential winter accessories in your car
- You should carry essentials in your car when driving in winter to help you deal with ice, snow, cold weather and dark winter nights.
- Ice scraper, de-icer , torch, blankets, warm clothes and first aid kit.
- Ensure you keep your mobile full charged and carry a portable power bank with you.
