How To Drive In The Snow And Ice

The weather conditions in the winter can be ever so dangerous sometimes and with the weather on the turn for so many of us we need to be realistic. And althoughIt is often advised not to travel in such adverse weather conditions sometimes this is totally unavoidable so knowing how to drive in the snow and ice can make it safer!

You need to be prepared for the journey ahead to ensure that your car is safe to drive and you have the right things packed into the car too.

After last years bad weather and another driver not using common sense in bad weather conditions and running into the back of my car, causing some damage to the underneath of the boot. Here are some Top Tips To Keeping Safe Driving In The Snow And Ice:

Drive slowly

It is so important to drive slowly when there is a large amount of snow on the ground. Accelerate and decelerate. You don’t want to lose traction or control so applying the accelerator is the best method to get around and avoid any skids and gently using the accelerator to gain speed and lose speed instead of relying intently on the break which can mean less skidding. 

Increase the distance between vehicles

In normal weather conditions, you should have a following distance of three to four seconds. This is worked out but spotting the car in front and as it passes a marker, be that a road sign or post then count and your car needs to be before 3-4 seconds before you hit the same marker. For winter weather this needs to be increased to at least eight to ten seconds as you will take much longer to stop in the wet and frosty or snowy weather.

Try to avoid stopping

This may be unavoidable at some points but try to avoid stopping if you can. It takes much more effort to start moving again in the snow from a full stop than it does if the car is still rolling – try to slow down enough to keep rolling rather than coming to a full stop. Also as mentioned before breaking can cause skidding.

This also includes hills

Do not ever stop going up a hill – it is almost impossible to move up a hill on an icy road. Also don’t power up hills as this is very likely to get your wheels spinning.

Make sure your wipers are working

You need these to be in good working order so that you can clean your windscreen effectively. Make sure you also have a good quality screen wash that protects in minus conditions so it prevents the water from freezing. Most screen washes you buy will do the job but don’t forget to use it neat in the winter and don’t dilute it with water as this will freeze.

Are your tyres roadworthy?

Make sure they have adequate tread as poor tyres will not grip if driving on snow and ice. Consider changing to some winter tyres with a deeper tread if you intend to drive a lot of miles though the bad weather. 

Pack the boot well!

Don’t forget when travelling in the snow and any bad weather you need to ensure you have supplies in the boot. Pack some bottled water for drinking in case of getting stuck. Make sure you have some sturdy wellies or walking boots, an appropriate coat and warmer clothing to put on too and blankets. Packing a shovel, phone charger and torch are a must too. If you are traveling with children there is more information on this post HERE on what to pack in the car.

Don’t forget if you have to travel in the snow and drive it’s your responsibility to clear the snow from your car, making sure to clean not only the windscreen and back window but all to roof!

If you are currently under a blanket of snow, be careful and stay safe. I on the other hand will wait till we finally get some … it’s been a long wait so far.

Do you have any tips you want to share?