Top Tips for Winter Motoring

Top Tips for Winter Driving

Snow and ice warnings bring chilling echoes of last year’s ‘big freeze’, which caused chaos across UK roads and forced thousands of desperate drivers to abandon their vehicles.

Although we can’t stop accidents happening, below are some top tips to help you stay warm and safe whilst driving in difficult conditions.

1. Always park your vehicle downhill and in the direction you want to travel the next morning.
2. Ensure that the engine on your vehicle has warmed up before setting off.
3. If your vehicle starts to skid DO NOT hit the brakes. Ease off the accelerator and steer into the direction of the skid until you gain control.
4. When your vehicle is parked ensure the front and back windscreen wipers are away from the windscreen.
5. Be prepared - always plan your journey and check weather forecasts and have a good amount of petrol in the vehicle.
6. Check that windscreens, headlights and windows are free from chips or cracks. Always use screen wash additive and de-icer to help keep the windscreen clear.
7. Ensure oil and water levels are topped up correctly.
8. Check your battery electrolyte level. Low temperatures can cause discharge. Many garages offer checks free of charge.
9. Check tyre pressures and tread depth.
10. Take something to eat or drink in case your journey is slowed by bad weather or accidents.
11. Keep a shovel, torch, phone charger, warm clothing and the contact number of assistance companies in the car at all times.

Preparation
Allow extra time for your journey. Carry a mobile phone, ice scraper and de-icer, as well as things like a torch, first-aid kit and warning triangle for longer trips. Avoid B roads as they are likely to be blocked. Modern cars tempt us to travel light – but be sure to have a warm coat and shoes with you.

Vision & visibility
The low sun can dazzle drivers in the winter, especially when it reflects off white snow and ice. Ensure windscreens are clean and clear of debris. Use a proper additive to reduce the chances of wiper fluid freezing – do not make the mistake of using regular antifreeze.

Check your headlights regularly to ensure they work properly. In poor visibility you can use fog lights too, but make sure they don’t dazzle other drivers.

Tyres
Before you travel, inspect tyres for pressure, condition and tread depth. In the winter it is recommended you have at least 3mm of tread, significantly more than the legal limit of 1.6mm. If your car is suitable to carry a spare tyre make sure you know how to fit it so you can do it quickly should the need arise. Do not attempt to change a tyre if you are not completely comfortable with it.

Reducing tyre pressure to get grip does not work and reduces stability. You only need snow chains in extreme circumstances but if you live in a remote area with heavy snow, ensure you know how to fit them and when to use them. Using snow chains in normal conditions will ruin the road surface.

Driving
Drive carefully – remember stopping distances are up to 10 times longer in icy weather. Do not force the vehicle into sudden manoeuvres and use second gear when pulling away to prevent wheel spins. Apply brakes gently and try to climb hills at constant speeds. If you get stuck, use a shovel to clear snow and put an old rug under the tyres to get going again.

Antifreeze
Check antifreeze levels before the winter sets in. Components most at risk of cracking and freezing are the water pump, cylinder block, and radiator. Do not mix different types of antifreeze as this may cause sludge to build in the engine. If in doubt, visit a reputable garage.

Battery and electrics
Using lights, heaters and windscreen wipers is essential in the winter, but this will wear the battery, so please check the battery before the winter period. Try not to run car electrics any longer than necessary – switch heated windows off when they are clear and keep the heater fan on a low setting to conserve power.

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