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Driving In The Winter Best Practices

As it starts to get colder and darker in the mornings and evenings, it’s time to think about how to carefully drivein the winter to avoid accidents or breaking down.

This guide contains some advice on frequently asked questions, so you know how to prepare.

Clear Your Windscreen

​It’s essential that your windscreen is clear when driving in all weather conditions, but especially in dark or icy conditions, so you can see any potential hazards in advance. If there is any condensation built up, dirt or mist, pull over to clean your windscreen. ​

Use Your Lights

​Before you start your journey, check that your rear and front lights are fully functioning, as not only will this help you see the roads and so other drivers can see you, but it’s also a legal requirement.

It is best to use your dipped headlights an hour before and after sunset and keep them on for an hour before sunrise. If you are on unlit roads, you may use full beam lights but turn them back to dipped once you encounter another vehicle to avoid dazzling them.  

Be Extra Cautious of Hazards

​It’s harder to see children, cyclists, and animals are harder to spot, so take extra care when you are on busy roads or in residential areas, even if streetlights are on. Cyclists can be tougher to spot, especially if they aren’t wearing hi-visibility clothing or they don’t have bright lights attached.​

What To Check Before You Start Your Journey

​Before you start your journey, make sure you follow this checklist to ensure your car is safe for the road:

  • Make sure you have more than enough fuel for your journey.
  • Check your oil level is above the minimum limit and give it a top-up if necessary.
  • Feel your windscreen wipers to see if there are any cracks or splits.
  • Your tyres should be a minimum. 3mm of tyre tread in the winter for better grip.
  • Ensure your screen wash & coolant levels are topped up.
  • Test if your interior and exterior lights areworking. 

Take Breaks If Driving at Night

​Don’t drive if you are feeling tired, so you aren’t a danger to yourself or others on the road. Schedule breaks after an hour and have a caffeinated drink or stop for the night, so you feel fully alert on the road. ​

Advice For Driving in The Snow or Ice

​When there is ice or snow on the road, make sure you give yourself more time in case there is an accident on the road or if there is heavy traffic.

It’s best to drive slowly so you are more cautious of any hazards and reduce the chances of skidding. Black ice is hard to identify,so if you are unsure at any point, it’s best to pull over. If you skid at any point, steer in the direction of the skid to help recover and set the car straight.

In addition to this, you should consider investing in winter tyres, snow socks, and snow chains. 

What is aquaplaning, and how do you avoid it?

Aquaplaning or hydroplaning is when a layer of water builds between the wheels of a car and the road surface, resulting in a loss of traction that prevents the car from responding to control inputs.

How to tell if your car is aquaplaning?

  • The engine suddenly becomes louder.
  • As you drop to a lower gear while driving at speed, your revs increase.
  • Steering feels light.
  • The back of your car may start to drift side to side.

How to control aquaplaning?

  • Slowly and gently ease off the accelerator.
  • Don’t sharply break.
  • If it’s on, turn off the cruise control.
  • Once you gain control, slowly brake to reduce your speed.

How to avoid aquaplaning?

  • ​Ensure your tyres have a minimum of 3mm of tread. 
  • Drive at a cautious pace.  
  • Drive smoothly and avoid any sudden braking.  

De-Ice Your Car

​When there is frost and ice on your car, make sure it’s completely gone before you set off, so you can clearly see the road and your blind spots.  ​

Driving Uphill

​Driving uphill can be more difficult, so try driving slowly and leaving plenty of room in front, so you consistently drive at a steady speed. Apply extra acceleration as you pull off, so you have extra power to get up, then reduce as you go downhill.  ​

What To Pack in An Emergency Breakdown Kit:

​Items that would be useful to pack in your car in case of a breakdown are:  

  • Ice Scraper and deicer 
  • Torch and spare batteries  
  • Spare warm clothes and blankets  
  • High-Vis Jacket  
  • First Aid Kit  
  • Comfortable and warm shoes 
  • Jump start cables  
  • Empty fuel can  
  • Food and drink 
  • Shovel  
  • Two reflective warning signs  
  • A road map 
  • An in-car phone charger or a portable battery charger  
  • Sunglasses 
  • Locking wheel nut key  
  • A flat tyre kit  
  • Tow straps  
  • A spare tyre  

Get A Winter Health Check

Take advantage of a Winter Health Check service at Snows. These checks are designed to ensure your car is equipped to handle the colder weather and icy roads. It’s a great way to get peace of mind that your car is functioning as it should.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact our team, and we will be happy to help!

Contact Our Team​

Book A Winter Service