Prepare to Drive in the Ice and Snow

When winter arrives in the UK, drivers often face challenging conditions—icy roads, heavy snow, reduced visibility, and freezing temperatures. Whether you’re commuting to work, heading out on a long journey, or taking part in a driving lesson, understanding how to drive safely in adverse weather is essential. In this guide, we’ll explore practical tips to help you stay safe, confident, and how to prepare to drive in the ice and snow.

Why Winter Driving in the UK Is So Challenging

Weather in the U.K. is very unpredictable. From one hour to the next, you can experience snow, rain and bright sun all in one short period of time - even within one driving lesson. The rapid changes can often catch the unprepared driver off guard.

Hazards in adverse conditions may include ice and black ice, snow-covered lanes, road signs and markings, reduced visibility, fog, and freezing temperatures which can affect tyre pressures, battery performance and the tyres grip on the road.

Car in Snowy Conditions

Preparation is key

Simple steps can be taken to reduce the chances of collisions, breakdowns, and other avoidable issues when driving in adverse conditions, such as snow and ice.

1. Check your tyres, ensuring they have adequate tread depth by using a reliable tread depth gauge, have no cuts, tears or bulges, are in good condition, and that the tyres pressures are correct by using a reliable tyre pressure gauge, as per the guidance in the user manual for the vehicle. Winter tyres should also be considered during the colder months.

2. Top up your essential fluids, including screen wash suitable for sub-zero temperatures, such as the one we use in our cars. A concentrated screen wash such as this is best, as you can then adjust the ratios to suit the conditions.

   Antifreeze is also essential to avoid engine components from freezing, so ensure this is at the required levels and is made up to the correct antifreeze to water ratio.

3. Wiper blades should be checked for damage. If they are not correctly maintained, they won't clear the windscreen sufficiently, and can create dangerous blind-spots in your view. A common mistake many people make is to switch the wipers on when the windscreen is still frozen - this is a surefire way to damage the blades.

4. Battery-related issues are believed to be the number one reason for winter breakdowns, so ensure yours is working efficiently. If it is more than 3 years old, it's recommended to have it professionally tested.

5. Cleaning any ice or snow, as well as other debris from your windows is essential to safe

   driving. This includes the inside of the glass, too. Be sure to also remove snow from elsewhere on your vehicle, as it can quickly make its way over your view line out of the windows once it slides about! Tools and sprays are available to make this job easier.

6. Check that all of your lights are working correctly, and ensure you have a spare set in your boot for when one fails.

7. There are many other considerations for if you were to breakdown in the dead of night in the cold weather, too. These include food and water supplies, a battery jump kit, thermal blanket, a rechargeable torch, a power bank, and a snow shovel can prove invaluable in difficult situations.

8. Before you set off, plan your route carefully. Check weather warning on your route, as well as establishing gritting routes. It is often best to stick to main roads, where other vehicles have helped displace the snow, making it safer to travel on.

9. Additionally, make sure you have a full tank of fuel in case of diversions, or other possible issues which would cause you to travel further, for longer.

Person Clearing Snow from Car Windscreen

We hope this blog has helped you understand what is involved in preparing for safe winter travel. Regardless of how prepared you are, only ever travel in adverse conditions when it really is necessary. No trip is worth hurting yourself or others for.

Stay safe.

Adrian

Company owner