Important Tips For Driving In The Snow

Driving advice

3 min read

Snow is one of the biggest hurdles to overcome in the winter months and driving in snowy conditions can be both terrifying and challenging.

It’s best to avoid driving in bad conditions, unless it’s absolutely essential. But if you must drive, here’s how to make sure you are as prepared as possible.

First things first, always remember to slow down, take great care and allow more time than usual for your journey.

Starting off in Snow

• Clear all snow and ice from your windscreen, windows and the roof of your car before driving off as it can obstruct your line of vision if it falls off.

• Always use lukewarm water - boiling water can crack your glass.

Top Tip

Proper de-icer spray is really quick and easy, especially when paired with an ice scraper.

• Double check to make sure that you have a minimum of 1.6mm of thread on your tyres – anything below this is illegal and can seriously affect your chances of losing control.

• Try and steer clear of rural and country roads. Always plan to travel by main roads as they tend to be cleared quicker.

• Pack a winter emergency kit including some food, water and a fully charged phone.

Top Tip

Use a cigarette lighter to heat up a key for a frozen lock.

Driving in snow

• To avoid skidding you must adapt your driving and slow down - the faster you drive the higher chance of sliding.

• Keep well back from the driver in front, as stopping distances can be 10 times greater than on dry roads.

• According to the experts, braking while your car is skidding can actually make things worse. So, the advice from the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is to gently let your foot off the accelerator and allow the speed to drop by itself - at least until your car is pointing straight again. At that point, very gradually start to apply pressure to your brakes.

• The IAM also suggests staying in a higher gear to give you more control in snow.

• Slow down well before bends and corners.

• Use dipped headlights if visibility worsens.

If you get stuck in snow

• The RoSPA warns that revving the engine will only dig you deeper and can ultimately make things worse. Instead, they advise moving your vehicle back and forth slowly out of the rut, using the highest gear you can.

• Don’t forget to straighten your steering and clear as much snow as possible from the wheels.

• If this doesn't work - phone for help or ask a friendly passer-by for a push out of the snow.