16 Tips for safe driving in icy weather

If you have to make a journey in snowy or icy conditions this winter it’s essential that you properly prepared for your trip. Leave plenty of extra time so that you can drive at a reduced speed that’s appropriate for the road conditions. Below are some points that you may not have consider to keep you safe on the roads this winter.

1. Check all the car lights are working correctly and replace any worn bulbs, it’s also a good idea to carry a set of spare bulbs in the boot, so that in the event of one going out it can be quickly replaced.
2. Make sure that your vehicle battery is fully charged and in good working order it’s important to remember that batteries are less efficient in cold weather and one of the biggest causes of breakdowns. If your battery doesn’t hold a charge very well it’s probably a good idea to replace the battery.
3. Your vehicles tire tread should comply with the minimum legal tire tread depth which is at least 1.6mm of tread. If your tires are down to the minimum legal requirement in snowy weather they will be pretty ineffective useless when you consider a good set of snow tyres will have between 11-14mm of tread.
4. Ensure that your windscreen wipers are in good working order and that the water jets are not clogged. When you scrape the car windscreen make sure that the windscreen wipers are not stuck to the glass otherwise when you turn them on it may damage the wipers or even worse the wiper motor.
5. Keep the windscreen wash reservoir topped up with a good mix of water and a quality wash/antifreeze; be aware that in freezing conditions some of the cheaper UK superstore brands seem to freeze as soon as it’s sprayed onto the windscreen, which can be quite dangerous.
6. A can of de-icer and a quality ice scraper are essential for snow and icy conditions as driving with restricted visibility or even snow on your roof for that matter can result in a £60 police fine and 3 points on your licence for breaking rule 229 of the Highway Code.
7. The vehicles cooling system should contain a mix of 50-50 antifreeze and water to give an adequate protection to the engines cooling system and prevent any freezing. If you don’t use antifreeze and the coolant freezes you run the risk of cracking the engine block which can end up costing you a few thousand pounds in repairs.
8. Try to keep your tank topped up as much as you can, especially if you are travelling on the motorway or through a remote area. Freezing conditions and heavy snow will almost certainly increase the time your journey takes and if you are unfortunate enough to get stranded, it will mean your vehicle has enough fuel to keep you warm until you are rescued.
9. Check that your heater and windscreen defroster is working correctly if you become stranded in snowy conditions your heater will be essential to keeping you warm until your are rescued.
10. If your vehicle is due a service it’s a good idea to have one done before you take any long journeys in the cold weather so that any issues with the vehicle can be resolved. While you are having a service make sure that the mechanic checks the hoses and belt for problems.
11. Keep a good distance from the vehicle in front of you, breaking distance can be up to 10 times greater when the roads are icy or covered in snow.
12. If you do happen to skid don’t on ice it’s a natural reaction to slam your foot on the brakes, but this will only make matters worse. At the first sign of skidding, take your foot off the brake and do not use the brake, but turn the wheel to steer into the direction of the skid until the tyres find grip and the vehicle straightens out. An example of this is if your vehicle is skidding to the right, smoothly turn the wheel to the right until the vehicle gains control and then gently accelerate to gain control out of the skid.
13. Pack an emergency winter survival kit if you are travelling in snowy weather which ideally should include:
    • First Aid kit
    • Snow shovel
    • Torch and batteries or a dynamo flashlight
    • High visibility vest and triangle
    • Blankets
    • Water and high energy food (in case you become stranded)
    • Cell phone / charger (to call for help)
    • Warm clothing

If you get stranded in the snow

14. Make sure that the vehicles exhaust pipe is free of snow or ice, if it becomes blocked and you stay in the car with the engine running deadly carbon monoxide fumes can get into the vehicle which are odourless and colourless, so you will have no way of knowing that you are breathing them.
15. Run the engine for 10 minutes every half hour to keep the vehicle warm but open the window slightly to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Don’t keep the engine running permanently or you may use up all your fuel.
16. Unless it’s unsafe to do so stay in your vehicle as it’s extremely easy to get lost and disorientated in heavy snow with freezing temperatures.

The best way of all to avoid having an accident or getting stranded in bad weather is not to make any unnecessary journeys unless you absolutely have no choice to do so. If you have to go out make sure you prepare your car before the journey and leave plenty of time so that you are not rushing and can drive at a safe speed in accordance with the weather conditions.

If your vehicle needs replacing this winter or you are looking for more safety tips then you can try Quadrant van leasing or Van Suppliers a used vans specialist for more information or some of the best UK van deals.