Essential Winter Driving Guide: Staying Safe and Prepared

(Posted on 05/12/24)

Essential Winter Driving Guide: Staying Safe and Prepared

As winter approaches and temperatures drop, the likelihood of encountering snow and ice on the roads increases. In the UK, unpredictable winter weather can often catch drivers off guard. To help you stay safe on the roads, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide with essential tips for maintaining your vehicle and driving safely during the colder months.

1. Vehicle Preparation: Checking Tyres and Condition

Regularly checking your vehicle’s condition is important year-round, but it becomes especially critical in wet and snowy weather. Here’s what you need to prioritise:

• Tire Performance: Winter conditions can impact tire performance due to tread depth, pattern design, and rubber compound. Reduced tread depth can decrease braking efficiency and increase the risk of hydroplaning. Make sure your tires have at least 3mm of tread depth and, if possible, use winter tires that are designed to handle cold and slippery conditions.
• Battery and Engine Checks: Cold weather can reduce your car’s battery power. Check your battery to ensure it is fully charged and consider having it tested if it’s more than three years old. Ensure your engine coolant is topped up and mixed with antifreeze to prevent freezing.
• Lights and Wipers: Ensure all lights, both front and rear, are fully operational to maximise visibility. Check that your windshield wipers are functional and replace them if they’re worn out. Use winter-grade windshield washer fluid to prevent freezing.

2. Dealing with Road Grit and Salt Damage

While road grit is essential for preventing ice buildup and improving road safety, the salt used in grit can be corrosive to your vehicle. Here’s how to protect it:

• Wash Regularly: Salt can wear down plastic bumpers, exterior trim, and metal parts. Wash your car frequently during the winter months, paying special attention to the underside, where salt buildup is most likely to cause rust and corrosion.
• Apply Protective Coatings: Consider applying a wax or sealant to your car’s paint before winter to add a layer of protection against salt and grit.

3. Driving in Snow: Essential Tips and Precautions

Snow is one of the most challenging driving conditions. If you can avoid driving in snow, it’s often best to do so. However, if you must drive in snowy conditions, be prepared and follow these safety tips:

• Keep Essential Supplies: Pack your car with emergency essentials like a warm coat, blankets, a first-aid kit, an emergency light, and food and water in case you get stranded.
• Clear Snow Thoroughly: Clear all snow and ice from your windows, mirrors, lights, and roof before setting out. Snow left on the roof can slide down and obstruct your view or cause visibility issues for other drivers.
• Driving Technique in Snow:
• Start in a Low Gear: Begin in a low gear for better control, and shift to a higher gear as soon as possible to maintain stability.
• Uphill Driving: Keep a steady speed and allow plenty of distance from the vehicle in front to avoid sudden acceleration or gear changes.
• Downhill Driving: Use a low gear and avoid braking whenever possible. If you need to slow down, shift down gears gradually. If braking is necessary, apply gentle, consistent pressure to prevent skidding.

4. Caution in Wet and Rainy Conditions

Rain can be as hazardous as snow and ice, so it’s essential to exercise caution when driving in wet conditions:

• Reduced Speed and Increased Distance: Reduce your speed and leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front, as wet roads increase stopping distances significantly.
• Avoid Standing Water: Driving through deep or fast-moving water can cause hydroplaning or lead to a loss of control. If you encounter standing water, avoid driving through it. If it’s a shallow puddle, drive slowly, keep your vehicle in a low gear, and maintain steady momentum.

5. Preparing Your Vehicle for Any Hazardous Weather

In any type of adverse weather, keeping your car in top condition is vital. Here are the basics to check:

• Inspecting Tyres, Lights, and Wipers: Confirm that your tires have adequate tread, all lights (front and rear) work properly and wipers are functional.
• Fuel and Charge Levels: Make sure you have enough fuel or electric charge to complete your journey, as getting stranded in cold weather can be dangerous.
• Stay Updated on Road Conditions: Regularly check for road and traffic updates to anticipate any sudden changes in conditions and plan your route accordingly.

6. Safely Navigating Puddles and Flooded Roads

Driving through puddles and flooded roads requires caution, as deep water can damage your vehicle. Here are some guidelines:

• Avoid Deep Water: If you suspect the water is deep, try to find an alternate route. Driving through deep water can cause serious damage to your vehicle’s engine, electrical systems, and brakes.
• Shallow Puddles: If the water is shallow, proceed slowly in a low gear, maintaining steady momentum. This will reduce the chance of water splashing up into the engine, which can cause serious issues.

Driving in winter conditions requires extra preparation and a cautious approach to stay safe. By following these tips and ensuring your vehicle is winter-ready, you can navigate through challenging weather more confidently. Make sure to stay alert, drive carefully, and prioritise safety for yourself and others on the road.