As winter tightens its grip, driving becomes increasingly challenging. While it’s best to avoid non-essential journeys during severe weather, sometimes driving is unavoidable. Here’s your comprehensive guide to staying safe on winter roads. Before You Set Out Essential Car Checks:

Ensure tires have at least 3mm of tread Consider fitting winter tires for extra grip Keep your battery well-maintained with regular long journeys Top up screen wash with proper anti-freeze Maintain a full fuel tank for emergencies For electric vehicles, factor in faster battery drain in cold weather

Winter Emergency Kit:

Warm clothes, coat, hat, gloves Sturdy boots Blanket Fully-charged mobile phone Essential medication Food (chocolate and biscuits) Water and hot drinks Shovel Ice scraper Old carpet pieces or cat litter for traction Sunglasses for bright conditions

Preparing Your Vehicle De-icing Tips:

Never use boiling water on windscreens Clear ALL snow and ice from windows, windscreen, and roof Check lights are clear and working Place cardboard between wipers and windscreen overnight to prevent freezing For EVs, garage storage or covers can help maintain battery performance

Driving Techniques Starting Off:

Manual cars: Use second gear, lift clutch gently Automatic cars: Check for snow/winter mode Maintain steady momentum without excessive speed Brake, steer, and accelerate smoothly

Safety Distances:

Stopping distances increase up to 10 times in snow and ice Leave extra space between vehicles On motorways, use the clearest lane Follow existing tire tracks where possible

Motorcycle Riders:

Reduce speed significantly Consider snow chains for better traction

If You Get Stuck Immediate Actions:

Don’t spin wheels – it worsens the situation Clear snow from under tires Use cat litter, sand, or gravel for traction Rock gently between forward and reverse

Staying Safe When Stranded:

Run engine only if exhaust is completely clear of snow Limit engine running to 10-15 minutes per hour Stay with or close to your vehicle Hang bright cloth on car for visibility Be aware that snow can cause disorientation

Emergency Tips:

Never risk carbon monoxide poisoning – ensure exhaust pipe remains clear Keep emergency services numbers readily available Share your route with someone before traveling Use main roads where possible – they’re more likely to be gritted

Electric Vehicle Considerations:

Plan more frequent charging stops Use “eco mode” for better efficiency Consider reduced range in cold conditions Keep vehicle sheltered when possible

Remember: The safest option during severe winter weather is to avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. When you must drive, thorough preparation and cautious driving are your best defense against winter hazards.