- Ensure safe driving during harsh conditions
- What to be aware of before starting a journey
- 10 tips for safe winter driving and preparation
Winter driving in the unpredictable British weather can be challenging. From frosty mornings and reduced daylight hours to sudden snow showers and icy road surfaces, the colder months demand extra caution and preparation. As the temperatures drop and the risks on the road increase, drivers must be aware and prepared for hazards like black ice, heavy fog, and poor visibility.
In this guide, we’ll explore essential tips and practices to keep you safe and secure on the road this winter, helping you to confidently navigate through the season’s winter weather challenges.
1. Tyre checking
Unlike your standard summer tyres, winter tyres have a higher rubber content and deeper tread pattern which helps to provide more friction and grip on the road to prevent skidding and sliding. It is recommended by the met office that you swap your tyres when the temperatures get below 7°C, so if you have spare winter tyres you’re able to use, it’s best to put them on in November before conditions worsen.
If you don’t have spare tyres, there are precautions you can take to ensure your existing tyres are ready for the harsher weather. It’s important to check that your tyre tread depth is at least 4mm before driving on icy roads. While the legal minimum is 1.6mm, having only this amount of tread is considered dangerous in icy or wet conditions, as it significantly increases your car’s stopping distance. Additionally, checking your air tyre air pressure before setting off is important, as tyre pressure can drop between 0.07 to 0.14 bars when the temperature lowers by 10°C and significantly hinder your car’s performance.
2. Windscreen wipers
As temperatures worsen and snow or rain occurs, your windscreen wipers need to be in top condition to remove obstructions and keep your vision clear. Upon inspection, if your wipers appear damaged, leave streaks, or don’t operate smoothly, you should replace them.
3. Drive with caution
Along with checking your car is prepared for challenging driving conditions, you as the driver also need to proceed with caution. Remember, your stopping distance can increase as much as 10 times in icy conditions, and reducing your speed to leave a larger gap between you and the car in front will allow you more time to stop and prevent a collision.
Before you start a journey, plan and set off early to allow for extra travel time. Although lowering your speed will get you to your destination slower, it will make sure you get there safely.
4. Prepare for emergencies
Unfortunately, some things are unpreventable, so it’s best to keep an emergency kit in your car just in case you break down or have an accident. Packing emergency equipment such as jump leads, portable chargers, torches, maps, and a first aid kit can make a breakdown easier to manage should you be away from local amenities.
Although it may not happen, preparing for the worst will make it much easier to get you and your car back on the road should a breakdown happen.
5. Use your anti-lock braking system
Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) can help prevent your car from skidding when you brake suddenly. Although this safety feature is useful all year round, it can be particularly helpful in wet or icy driving conditions where you are more prone to skidding. Your ABS should work automatically when hitting the brakes harder than usual.
Take caution when driving on completely snow-covered roads, as your ABS may not work. Avoid these roads if possible, and if the weather is too hazardous, it’s best to postpone your trip until conditions improve.
6. Check your car battery before your journey
Cold weather can prevent a car’s battery from working properly. This can make your vehicle difficult to start during winter. To avoid this, park in a garage or purchase a battery blanket to minimise the temperature’s effect on your battery. If your battery is still not working correctly, get it checked to ensure it is in working order.
7. Use the right headlight settings
With colder temperatures come difficult vision conditions. Fog, snow, and sleet can start in an instant, and you may require your headlights to be on to be able to see and be seen by other vehicles.
Ensure you are using the correct settings before you set off on your journey, and change them should conditions vary during your journey.
8. Check your essential fluids
To ensure your car is prepared for colder weather, it is essential to check your antifreeze, wiper fluid, break oil, and engine oil. These fluids help your car run properly and without them, you might not get very far before you run into trouble, so be sure to fill up your fluids before setting off on your next journey.
9. Travel with essentials
Winter essentials like de-icer and an ice scraper can make winter mornings much more tolerable. Should you wake up to a layer of ice on your windscreen, spray de-icer and remove the ice with an ice scraper. Turn on your A/C to remove condensation and wait until your windscreen vision improves before setting off.
To prevent ice build-up, consider purchasing a windscreen cover to provide a layer of protection and negate the task of laboriously scraping ice off your windscreen.
10. Check the forecast
The best tip for winter driving is prevention. Checking your upcoming weather forecast can help you plan your journey effectively and make the needed checks to avoid unsafe driving. Most weather apps will tell you the conditions by the hour, some even minute-by-minute, so you can plan your journey accordingly. If the weather conditions are dangerous at 7pm, but safe at 8pm, then why not leave your home a little later so that you can drive in the safest conditions possible.
Driving in winter requires extra vigilance, preparation, and patience. By taking the necessary precautions—such as planning routes, checking your vehicle, and adapting your driving style to weather conditions—you can greatly reduce the risks associated with winter travel. Remember, safety should always be the top priority, so if the weather looks severe, don’t hesitate to reconsider your journey.
With a little foresight and caution, you can ensure that winter driving doesn’t disrupt your plans and, most importantly, that you and your passengers stay safe on the road. Stay prepared, stay safe, and embrace the winter journey responsibly!
