Snow, sleet, heavy rain, icy roads, leftover leaves, it’s fair to say that UK roads in winter can be full of obstacles. We are here to help you and your car get ready, while also offering tips to adapt your driving style in adverse conditions.
Before setting off in any challenging weather, plan your journey carefully. Use a route planner to get real-time traffic updates to make your journey as short and smooth as possible.
Keeping up to date with local weather forecasts can also help ensure you aren’t caught out. Consider areas prone to bad weather and flooding, and avoid them when possible.
Having essentials in your car in case of a breakdown may not be a priority, but you’ll thank yourself for it if you do find yourself at the side of the road with a car that doesn’t work! A few items you may wish to consider include:
- Warm Blanket & thick coat
- Torch (it’s worth having one alongside your phone to avoid using your battery)
- De-icer & ice-scraper
- First aid kit
- A bottle of water & non-perishable food
The most important thing to take with you before driving in snow is a charged mobile phone with the phone number of your breakdown provider stored in it, so you can always call for help.
If possible, you should make sure your car is serviced before winter sets in. If that’s not possible, there are a few simple things you can check yourself.
Keep topped up with fuel: Running out of fuel and breaking down in winter is much more hazardous than in the summer. Keep your tank topped up to at least halfway so you’re not left out in the cold if you run out.
Ensure your tyres are inflated correctly (and tread depth is at the legal minimum): Poor tyres will not grip when driving on snow and ice, so ensuring your tyres are in good condition is essential. Follow our tyre check guide to ensure you have adequate tread. If you live in an area where snow is common, it might be worth changing to winter tyres with deeper tread.
Check your wipers and washer fluid level: It is essential that you can clean your windscreen effectively to see clearly in adverse conditions. Ensure your wiper blades are clean, and you use a good quality screen wash that protects from freezing.
Winter brings longer nights, and for many drivers, the transition from day to night driving can be significant. Reduced visibility is the primary challenge, as hazards become harder to spot and judging distances becomes more difficult. Glare from oncoming headlights, poor weather conditions and increased fatigue can add to the difficulty. To help you stay safe when driving in the dark, keep these tips in mind:
- Use dipped headlights to ensure you can see and be seen clearly, and don’t rely solely on auto headlights, as they may not activate in low light or fog.
- Keep your windows, mirrors and lights clean to maximise visibility.
- Reduce your speed and leave extra space between you and the vehicle ahead.
- Take regular breaks on longer journeys, as tiredness is more common in the dark.
The most important advice for driving in snow and ice is to take it slow and avoid driving if possible. The Highway Code recommends only driving if your journey is essential. For those essential journeys, here are some top tips:
- Move off in second gear, gently easing your foot off the clutch to avoid wheel spin. Some cars have a winter mode that does the same job.
- Maintain safe stopping distances by leaving up to 10 times the usual gap in icy conditions.
- When driving uphill, leave plenty of room between cars or wait until it’s clear. Keep a steady speed and try to avoid changing gears.
- When driving downhill, slow down before the hill, use a low gear, and avoid braking if possible. Leave extra room behind the vehicle in front.
- If you skid, steer gently into it. For example, if the rear slides right, steer right. Do not remove your hands from the wheel or slam the brakes.
- If you get stuck in the snow, straighten the steering and clear snow from the wheels.
In colder weather, electric vehicles can become less efficient, so it’s important to try and preserve battery health as much as possible. There are a few ways that you can do this:
- Use eco-mode to extend battery life by reducing energy use for certain functions, like dimming lights or limiting heating.
- Use regenerative braking to recharge the battery while driving.
- Drive efficiently, maintaining steady speeds to avoid putting extra strain on the battery.
- Keep charged! Avoid running on low battery and keep your battery charged up; the last thing you want is to run out of charge on a cold day!
If you prefer to keep your luxury, classic, or supercar off the roads, a little preparation can help keep it in perfect condition until spring returns.
- Give it a good clean and wax to protect the paint.
- Pop on a breathable indoor cover to keep dust and scratches away.
- Keep the battery topped up using a trickle charger.
- Store it somewhere dry and secure, ideally in a garage.
That’s it! Quick, simple, and your pride and joy will stay pristine all winter long.
We hope you’ve found these winter driving tips for winter roads useful. Drive safely wherever your journey takes you this winter. For more helpful driving advice, head to our blog!