>22
Dec
Extreme weather will always make driving a challenge. Snow and ice can be especially difficult, making even short journeys dangerous.
However, by preparing your car properly and knowing the best way to drive in the snow, you can ensure your journey goes smoothly.
Before your journey
Consider whether your journey is necessary
In extreme weather, it can often be a better option to not drive at all. You should think about how necessary your journey is and also check weather warnings for expert advice.
You should also consider where you’re driving from and where you’re driving to. Routes in urban areas may be safer as these roads are more likely to be cleared and gritted. Roads through more rural areas may be more dangerous so it may be better to avoid driving, if possible.
Check your route
Before you set off on your journey, you should check your route online, using an app such as Google Maps or Waze. These will include up-to-date traffic reports so you can see where there might be congestion.
It is usually better to stick to the main roads when driving, as these are more likely to be gritted and safer to drive on.
Leave plenty of time
You should be aware that your journey will take longer than usual in the snow and ice. You, and others, will be driving slower. You may also face congestion and traffic and may need to find an alternative route if roads are closed due to accidents.
Check your tyres
You should check your tyres are in good condition with adequate tread. The legal tyre tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm across the middle three-quarters of the tyre. In the snow and ice, it’s essential that your tread is deep enough to help with gripping the road.
If you live in an area with extreme snowy weather, you may wish to switch to winter tyres, or use snow chains or snow socks for more grip.
Fully clear your windscreen
It’s illegal to drive without full vision, so you should make sure you entirely de-ice your windscreen and remove any snow that has fallen onto it. You may also need to demist the inside of your windscreen too, and you should never start your journey until it has fully cleared and you have full vision.
Check your windscreen wipers
If it is snowing or due to snow during your journey, it is vital your windscreen wipers are working properly, so you can maintain vision. Before you switch your engine on, you should make sure your windscreen wipers are turned off – if they are frozen to the windscreen, you could end up blowing the fuse.
Once your windscreen is cleared of frost and ice, test the windscreen wipers to make sure they are working properly.
Check your lights
Check your headlights and brake lights are all working properly. If it is snowing, visibility will be reduced, so your lights will help other cars to see you and avoid an accident.
Check your screen wash
You should use a good quality screen wash that will work down to temperatures of -35. If the roads are slushy, you could find that your windscreen becomes dirty and hard to see through, so it’s vital you’re able to clean your windscreen as you drive.
Pack the essentials
It can be a good idea to pack an emergency kit in your car, especially if you are planning a long journey in the snow. You should make sure you have a coat, as well as a blanket, water, some food, and a phone charger and battery pack.
You could also pack a torch, a high-vis jacket, and a warning triangle to ensure you’re visible if you break down. You might also want to pack a first aid kit, as well as a shovel and a piece of carpet or thick material that you can put under your tyres to help you get out if you get stuck.
How to drive in snow
When you drive in snow, you should operate your vehicle smoothly and slowly, including braking, steering, and accelerating.
Acceleration
If possible, you should move off in second gear, as this can help prevent wheel spin. You should accelerate using low revs and shift up to a high gear as soon as you can.
You should drive slower than you usually would and keep an eye out for any hazards, including cars that may have drifted to the side of the road or patches of ice.
Braking
You should shift down to lower gears to slow the car down. If and when you need to apply the brakes, do so very gently.
Make sure you leave plenty of time to brake and leave a greater distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. The ice and snow could cause your car to continue moving even after you’ve applied the brakes.
Steering
When you approach a corner, you should start to brake before your turn the steering wheel. Give yourself plenty of time to turn and avoid turning the steering wheel too quickly and sharply in any direction.
Driving on hills
If you are driving uphill, you should wait until the road is clear of traffic before you start your ascent. You want to avoid having to stop on the hill, as the snow and ice could cause you to slip backwards.
If you’re driving down a hill, make sure you leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the one in front. Try to avoid using your brakes and instead use engine braking by shifting to a lower gear. It can be a good idea to gently touch the brake pedal so your brake lights come on and the vehicles behind know you’ll be slowing down.
If the car skids
If you skid, try not to panic. You should steer gently into the skid, so for example, if the back of your car is swinging left, you should steer the car left. You should never slam the brakes on or move the steering wheel too abruptly.
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