January 11th, 2023 by Sarah Miles

The risk of an accident when driving is much greater during winter when the roads can be icy due to freezing temperatures, snow, and sleet, and when visibility is impaired due to rain and snow. It pays to be prepared for this and there are several things you can do to reduce the risk.

Here are 10 really useful tips for staying safe during the winter when driving:

1. Make sure tyres are in good shape
   
   Tyre quality is incredibly important for maintaining a good grip on the roads so monitor them properly throughout the winter. They need a grip of at least 3mm and should be in good repair. Make sure they are inflated to the correct pressure, which you can usually find inside the driver’s door. Some believe that a softer tyre gives better grip but this is not true and can make driving on the ice more dangerous. If you live in an area that commonly gets a lot of snow or very cold temperatures, consider swapping to a winter tyre or all-weather tyre.
   
    
2. Look after your headlights
   
   Your lights not only allow you to see, but they also allow you to be seen by other drivers when visibility is poor. Regularly check your bulbs to make sure they’re all working and change them straight away if not. Also, keep the lights clean and free from snow. If they are obscured, they won’t be as bright.
   
    
3. Allow extra time before leaving
   
   It is vitally important that windscreens are completely clear before driving so give yourself plenty of time to clear any frost or snow away and allow windows to demist. Never set off driving unless all the windows and the windscreen are clear.
   
    
4. Dress appropriately for driving
   
   This may seem like a strange one but what you wear when driving can have an impact on safety. Shoes that are wet underneath can slip off the pedals and while a big coat is the most sensible option for walking around, and de-icing the car, you need to make sure you have a full range of movement while driving and some large, thick coats can be restrictive.
   
    
5. Is the Car struggling to grip when setting off? Try second gear
   
   If the car is finding it difficult to grip the road when setting off, try changing to second gear and easing your foot off the clutch gently. You will find that this offers a better grip and allows you to get going safely.
   
    
6. Change up gear quickly
   
   As well as setting off in second gear, it’s best to change up through the gears as quickly as you can when driving in snow. This helps to reduce the amount of torque and makes you less likely to overpower the traction.
   
   
7. Slow down
   
   Remember that the stopping distance between you and the car in front is much longer in icy conditions so control your speed and give other vehicles as much space as you can.
   
    
8. Use gears to slow down
   
   Brakes can lock on slippery roads so try to slow the car when going downhill by changing down the gears. Where you do have to apply brakes, do it as gently as you can.
   
    
9. Make sure the wiper blades are in good order
   
   Wiper blades are one of the more common consumable items that you have to replace periodically. Make sure they are always in good repair as you don’t want to find that they don’t clear the screen properly in a blizzard or on a motorway with excessive spray.
   
    
10. Keep screen wash topped up
    
    When doing your general checks around the car, make sure you check screen wash levels and always add anti-freeze, as not only does it help to keep the windscreen clear in cold weather, but it will also prevent the screen wash liquid itself from freezing. A good tip is also to make sure wipers are not frozen to the windscreen before turning them on (and don’t leave them set to ‘on’ so that they don’t start automatically), as this can damage the wiper motor.