Essential Winter Driving Tips in Winter

Driving Tips for winter : Driving during the winter in the UK can be challenging, with icy roads, rain, snow, and fog. We will give you some tips on how to overcome these challenges.

Before You Start

1. Plan Your Journey:
   • Before you head out, check the weather forecast and road conditions. The Met Office website is a reliable resource—perfect for staying informed! 
   • Be sure to select the best route, typically the main road, as it is usually treated with salt for winter conditions.
2. Check Your Car:
   • Tyres: For better grip, ensure tyres have a minimum tread depth of 3mm. If you frequently drive during the winter season, consider using winter tyres.
   • Battery: Cold weather can drain batteries quickly, so ensure yours is fully charged and in good condition.
   • Fluids: Check and top up essential fluids (antifreeze, windscreen washer fluid, and oil).
   • Wipers and Lights: Ensure wipers and lights are working correctly and clean.
   • De-icing Equipment: Keep a scraper and de-icer spray handy.
3. Pack Essentials:

Essential Emergency Kit:

– A reliable torch to light up the dark

– Cosy blankets for warmth and comfort

– Jump leads to revive your vehicle when it needs a boost

– Non-perishable snacks and refreshing water to keep your energy up

Remember, your mobile phone and charger are needed to stay connected!

Pack a warning triangle and a reflective jacket to ensure your safety on the road. Be prepared for anything!

Clear Your Car:

Snow and ice are on all windows, mirrors, lights, and the roof. Driving with snow on the roof is not only unsafe but could also lead to fines.

While Driving

1. Reduce Speed: Drive slower than usual to maintain better control and reduce stopping distances.
2. Increase Following Distance: On icy roads, stopping distances can be up to 10 times longer than normal. 

As the temperatures drop and icy winds blow, driving through winter in the UK can feel like navigating a slippery slope! But don’t fret; with the proper preparation and mindset, you can master those challenging conditions. Here’s how to gear up for safe travels this winter!

Preparation is Key Before You Hit the Road:

Plan Your Journey:

Before you step outside, check the weather forecast and road conditions. The Met Office website is your best friend here—it’s packed with updates to help you decide the best route. Stick to main roads, typically treated with salt to combat winter’s icy grip.

Give Your Car a Thorough Check:

– Tyres: Aim for a minimum tread depth of 3mm for optimum grip. If winter driving is your ritual, consider some winter tyres!

– Battery: Cold weather loves to drain batteries. Make sure yours is fully charged and ready for action.

– Fluids: Make sure to refill essential fluids such as antifreeze, windscreen washer fluid, and oil to avoid any issues on the road.

– Wipers and Lights: Ensure your visibility is spot-on with clean wipers and functioning lights.

– De-icing Equipment: Keep that scraper and de-icer spray close at hand.

Pack Your Essentials:

Prepare an emergency kit that covers all bases:

– A reliable torch to light up the dark

– Cosy blankets for warmth 

– Jump leads for when your vehicle needs a boost 

– Non-perishable snacks and refreshing water to keep your spirits high

Remember your phone and charger to stay connected! A warning triangle and reflective jacket are also must-haves for your safety.

Clear Your Car:

I am trying to remember the snow and ice from all the windows, mirrors, lights, and roof! Driving with snow on your roof isn’t just unsafe; it could also lead to fines!

While Driving: Adjust Your Mindset on the Road

Slow Down:

When winter arrives, lower your speed to maintain control and decrease stopping distances.

Increase Your Following Distance:

Stopping might take up to 10 times longer on icy roads than on dry surfaces. So keep that space!

Use Gentle Inputs:

Smoothly accelerate, brake, and steer. Sudden movements are your enemy; they can lead to skids!

Engage Low Gears:

Use lower gears on icy or snowy roads for better traction and control.

Anticipate Hazards:

Stay sharp! Look out for black ice, which can appear without warning on bridges, shaded spots, and rural roads.

Avoid Sudden Braking:

If you find your car skidding, steer gently into the skid rather than slamming on the brakes—this can prevent you from spinning out.

Correct Use of Lights:

Feel free to use your dipped headlights; turn on your fog lights in fog if you need better visibility. Just remember to switch them off when visibility improves!

Stay Alert in Rain:

Rainy conditions require special care—reduce your speed and be mindful of aquaplaning risks when your tyres lose contact with the road.

Be Cautious on Hilly Terrain:

When climbing uphill, give extra space and don’t stop if you can avoid it. When descending, take it slow and use lower gears.

If You Get Stuck:

Avoid Over-Reving:

If you get stuck in snow, gently rock your car back and forth between drive and reverse to build traction.

Use Traction Aids:

Placing mats, sand, or cat litter under your tyres can help you regain grip.

Stay with Your Car:

Staying with your vehicle and calling for help is safer in severe weather.

Know Your Legal Obligations in the UK:

Driving with limited visibility can lead to fines, so ensure your windows are clear and your number plates are visible and clean.

Tyre Safety:

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm, but the aim is to have at least 3 mm for winter driving.

• You can confidently tackle the UK’s winter roads by preparing your car and tweaking your driving habits. So bundle up, buckle in, and enjoy your winter journeys—safe travels ahead! It is longer than on dry roads.

1. Use Gentle Inputs:
   • Accelerate, brake, and steer gently to avoid skidding. Sudden movements can cause a loss of control.
2. Low Gears:
   • Use lower gears on icy or snowy roads to increase traction and control.
3. Anticipate Hazards:
   • Look for potential hazards, such as black ice (particularly on bridges, shaded areas, and country roads).
4. Avoid Sudden Braking:
   • If you feel the car skidding, steer gently into the skid and avoid slamming on the brakes.
5. Use Lights Correctly:
   • Use dipped headlights in poor visibility and fog lights if visibility is reduced (but turn them off when conditions improve).
6. Stay Alert in the Rain:
   • Use slower speeds and increase stopping distances. Aquaplaning occurs when tyres lose contact with the road due to standing water.
7. Be Cautious on Hills:
   • Leave extra space when driving uphill and avoid stopping. When going downhill, drive slowly and use low gears.

If You Get Stuck

1. Avoid Over-Reving:
   • If stuck in the snow, gently rock the car back and forth by shifting between drive and reverse to gain traction.
2. Use Traction Mats or Sand:
   • Placemats, sand, or cat litter under the tyres to help grip.
3. Stay with Your Car:
   • Staying with your car and calling for assistance is usually safer if stranded in severe weather.

Legal Obligations in the UK

• Clear Your Windows: Driving with limited visibility due to snow or ice can lead to fines, so ensure your windows are clear.
• Ensure Number Plates Are Visible: They must be legible and clear of snow or dirt.
• Legal tyre safety in the UK requires a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm. However, if you’re driving during winter, consider aiming for a tread depth of at least 3mm to ensure better grip and control on slippery roads. Additionally, it is important to regularly check your tire pressure and ensure they are properly inflated to improve traction in winter conditions. In case of extreme weather, it is recommended to carry emergency supplies such as a blanket, shovel, and snacks in your car for safety.

You can safely navigate the UK’s winter roads if you prepare your vehicle and adjust your driving habits.

Travel only if necessary. If not try to find alternative means of transport to avoid risk.