Winter Driving Tips
Winter brings shorter days, colder temperatures and challenging road conditions. Snow, ice, sleet, heavy rain and fog can all dramatically increase the risk of accidents.
By planning ahead and adapting the way you drive, you can reduce those risks and help keep yourself and others safe on the road. Here are our essential winter driving tips.
Prepare Before You Set Off - Check the weather and plan your journey
Always check local and national weather forecasts before travelling. Allow extra time for your journey and, where possible, plan routes using major roads that are more likely to be gritted and cleared. If conditions are severe, consider whether your journey is really necessary.
Check your vehicle
A well-maintained car is crucial in winter. Before driving, make sure:
• All lights are working and clean
• Windscreen wipers and washers are effective
• The demister and heater work properly
• Tyres have sufficient tread (at least 3mm is recommended for winter driving)
• Fuel levels are adequate – aim for at least a quarter of a tank
Clear all windows and mirrors
Never drive with ice, snow or mist obscuring your view. Clear all windows, mirrors, lights and number plates before setting off. Use air-conditioning alongside the heater to demist the windscreen quickly and reduce condensation.
Drive to the Conditions
Slow down and stay smooth
In winter conditions, stopping distances can be up to ten times longer. Reduce your speed and avoid harsh acceleration, braking or sharp steering. Gentle, smooth inputs help maintain control.
Leave plenty of space
Increase the gap between you and the vehicle in front. This gives you more time to react and brake safely on slippery roads.
Use gears effectively
Pull away gently, often in second gear, to reduce wheel spin. When driving downhill, slow down before the slope, select a low gear and try to avoid braking. When driving uphill, keep a steady speed and leave enough space so you don’t have to stop part way up.
Understand your car’s safety systems
Modern cars are equipped with ABS and traction control systems that can help maintain stability and steering control. Keep these systems switched on unless you are trying to gently free the car when stuck in snow.
Tyres and Visibility Matter
Choose the right tyres
Winter or all-season tyres provide better grip in cold, wet and icy conditions. Never reduce tyre pressure to gain grip – it’s unsafe and ineffective. Only use snow chains where conditions and road surfaces allow.
Make sure you can be seen
Winter weather often means poor visibility. Keep all lights clean and working, and use headlights when visibility is reduced. Fog lights should only be used in severe conditions and switched off once visibility improves.
If You Get Stuck or Break Down
If stuck in snow or ice
Avoid spinning the wheels, as this will only dig you in further. Straighten the steering, clear snow from around the wheels and gently rock the car backwards and forwards using the highest gear possible. If needed, you may briefly switch off traction control, but remember to turn it back on once moving.
If you break down
If it’s unsafe to continue, stay with your vehicle and contact your breakdown service or emergency services. Leaving your car in severe weather can be dangerous.
Carry an Emergency Kit
Winter journeys can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to carry essential items in your car, including:
- Ice scraper and de-icer
- Torch and spare batteries
- First aid kit
- Warm clothes, blankets and sturdy footwear
- High-visibility jacket
- Food and hot drinks
- Shovel, jump leads and warning triangle
- Fully charged mobile phone and power bank
Final Thoughts
Winter driving requires extra care, preparation and patience. The safest option in extreme conditions is often not to travel at all. When you do need to drive, make sure your vehicle is ready, plan your journey carefully and adapt your driving style to the conditions. Taking these simple precautions can make a big difference in keeping you, your passengers and other road users safe this winter.
