Winter Driving - Tips For Driving On Ice & Snow

By: Jim Murrayjones

18th January 2024

Rule 1 = Don't drive in bad weather unless you absolutely have to.

Driving in wintery conditions is difficult and can be dangerous. Follow these simple steps to stay safe on the roads.

If you have to drive, perform these quick checks to ensure your car is fit for icy conditions.

Before you set off;

Your driving begins before you turn the key. So follow these steps to make sure you stay ahead and stay safe.

Tyres

Check the tread depth and the air topped up to the required level.

Lights

Your lights not only help you see where you're going, but that you're visible to other drivers on the road. So ensure you check your lights to make sure they're all working.

Planning ahead will give you peace of mind

Plan Your Journey

Check for weather warnings, set up your sat nav and familiarise yourself with the route.

Have Breakdown Cover

Make sure you taken out breakdown cover whatever the weather but especially if you are going to be driving in icy conditions, having someone to come and get you if something happens will make life much easier.

Use Major Roads

Unlike country lanes, most major road will be gritted, which means safer driving conditions.

Windows

Give yourself time to clear all windows of ice as this improves your visibility of the road.

Check Fluids

Top up your screen wash & anti-freeze - take 2 minutes to pop the hood and take a look.

Wipers

They should not squeak, skip or smear the windscreen.

Car battery ( 5+ year old vehicles)

A replacement is inexpensive and could save a lot of hassle.

more checks you can perform

Think

Is this journey worth taking? Can you postpone it until the roads are clear? Put simply, if you don't drive, you wont get caught in the traffic or anything worse.

Don't brave the ice unless you have to

On the road;

Leave plenty of room from the car infront

Remember your theory test? The stopping distance in snowy and icy conditions increases to 10 seconds. Allow time to stop should anything happen in front of you.

Using your breaks

Drive smoothly, apply your breaks slowly and gently to avoid skidding and losing control of the car.

Skidding

If you start to skid, remove your foot from the accelerator and turn into the skid (if the car is skidding to the the left, slowly turn your steering wheel to the left). Be sure not brake when skidding as this will make things worse.

Stay visible

Use dipped headlights as visibility can be low. However, avoid using fog lights unless visibility is under 100 metres, as your light could dazzle other drivers.