Winter driving can be a challenge for even the most experienced motorists. Snow and ice create slippery roads, reduced visibility, and an increased risk of accidents. If you are not prepared, a simple journey can quickly become hazardous. As an insurance provider, we want to ensure you stay safe on the roads this winter.
Here are our top tips to navigating icy and snowy conditions with confidence and care.
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Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter
Before you even think about driving in winter weather, make sure your vehicle is ready for the conditions.
- Check Your Tyres: Winter tyres or all-season tyres with sufficient tread (at least 3mm) provide better grip on icy roads. Regularly check your tyre pressure, as cold weather can cause it to drop.
- Top Up Fluids: Ensure your windscreen washer fluid is rated for freezing temperatures and your coolant is at the right level.
- Battery Health: Cold weather can drain your car battery, so check its condition, especially if it is more than three years old.
- Pack an Emergency Kit: Keep essentials like a scraper, de-icer, blanket, torch, and jump leads in your car. Add non-perishable snacks and water for longer journeys.
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Plan Journeys Ahead
When snow and ice are in the forecast, careful planning can make all the difference.
- Check the Weather: If conditions are severe, consider postponing your journey. No trip is worth risking your safety.
- Plan Your Route: Stick to major roads that are more likely to be gritted and cleared. Use navigation apps to check for real-time updates on road closures or traffic delays.
- Allow Extra Time: Leave early to avoid rushing and account for slower travel speeds.
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De-icing and Warming Your Car Fully
Getting your car moving on icy roads can be tricky, so take your time.
- Clear Your Vehicle: Fully de-ice your windscreen, windows, mirrors, and lights before setting off. Driving with limited visibility is dangerous and illegal.
- Warm Up Gradually: Avoid revving your engine when it is cold. Instead, let it warm up slowly to avoid wear and tear.
- Set Off Gently: Use second gear when starting off on ice to reduce wheel spin, and ease up on the clutch carefully.
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Adjust Your Driving Style for Ice and Snow
Once you are on the road, it is essential to adapt your driving to the conditions.
- Slow Down: Speed is your enemy on icy roads. Driving slower gives you more time to react and reduces the chance of losing control.
- Increase Your Following Distance: Stopping distances can be up to ten times longer on ice, so leave plenty of space between you and the car ahead.
- Avoid Sudden Movements: Jerky steering, hard braking, or rapid acceleration can cause skidding. Keep your steering, braking and gear changes smooth and deliberate.
- Use Low Gears on Hills: When descending, shift into a lower gear to reduce reliance on your brakes. When climbing, keep a steady speed and avoid stopping.
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Handling Skids and Slides
Even with the best precautions, skidding on ice can happen. Knowing how to react can make all the difference.
- Don’t Panic: Stay calm and focus on controlling the vehicle.
- Steer Into the Skid: If the rear of your car slides out, gently steer in the same direction to regain control. Avoid oversteering, as this can make things worse.
- Ease Off the Pedals: Take your foot off the accelerator and avoid slamming on the brakes.
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How to Spot Black Ice and Managing Low Visibility
Winter weather creates additional challenges that require your full attention.
- Black Ice Awareness: Black ice is nearly invisible and forms in shaded areas, on bridges, and overpasses. Watch for sections of road that look glossy or wet.
- Low Visibility: Snowfall, fog, or shorter daylight hours can reduce visibility. Use dipped headlights and fog lights when necessary, but remember to turn them off when visibility improves.
- Watch for Other Drivers: Not everyone will drive cautiously, so stay alert for erratic behaviour from others on the road.
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Choosing a Parking Spot in Snowy Conditions
Parking safely in snowy and icy conditions can be just as important as driving.
- Choose Your Spot Wisely: Avoid parking on slopes, as your car could slide if the handbrake fails to hold.
- Clear Your Wheels: When parking, turn your wheels towards the kerb to prevent the car from rolling if it does slip.
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What to Do If Your Car Gets Stuck in Ice or Snow
Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself stuck in deep snow or unable to move on ice.
- Don’t Spin the Wheels: Spinning only digs your tyres deeper into the snow.
- Use Traction Aids: Place sand, salt, or even car mats under the tyres to improve grip.
- Rock the Car: Shift between drive and reverse (or first and reverse for manual cars) to create momentum and free the car.
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Be Prepared for the Unexpected
Breaking down or getting stranded in winter conditions can be dangerous, so preparation is vital.
- If You Break Down: If you break down on a motorway, move your vehicle to the hard shoulder if possible, turn on your hazard lights, and exit the vehicle from the passenger side if it’s safe to do so. Otherwise, stay in your car with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives. Walking near traffic, especially in snow or icy conditions, can be extremely risky.
- Keep Your Phone Charged: Make sure you have a way to call for assistance if needed. Carry a portable phone charger as a backup.
- Emergency Kit: use your emergency kit to help stay safe and keep warm.
The Role of Insurance
Winter driving increases the likelihood of accidents, and even the most careful drivers can get caught out. Ensure your insurance policy is up to date and provides adequate coverage for weather-related incidents. Consider additional breakdown cover, which can be a lifesaver in freezing conditions.
For tips on how to prepare you home for winter conditions click here.
Get in touch
If you have any concerns or queries on your insurance cover, please don’t hesitate to speak to us. You can call any of the team on 0203 002 9859 or email pcl@jameshallam.co.uk.