Connect with us

General

Top 10 Tips For Safe Winter Driving

Don’t let the snowy weather keep you out of your car this winter. Follow these top tips and every journey will be a safe and pleasant one.
If you thought the winters of 2010 and 2011 were bad, you could be in for a shock. Forecasters have warned that Britain is facing its worst winter for decades this year, with record snowfall set to hit the country in November.

There’s no point in panicking, however. The Met Office has said that they don’t know for sure, after all.
At the same time there’s no harm in being prepared. Driving in the winter offers plenty of challenges, and if the snow does hit you’ll be glad that you know these top ten tips for safe travelling.

Keep your windscreen clean

It’s not just snow that causes trouble in the winter. Fog, rain, and wind can make it hard to see where you’re going. Adding a dirty windscreen into the equation could mean disaster, so take time to wash it properly and give it a good clean. The same goes for your headlights.

Check your battery once a week

Breakdown service RAC are called out for more battery problems than anything else during the winter months, so take the time to check your fluid levels at least once a week. You don’t want to become another statistic shivering by the roadside.

Create a winter survival kit

Breakdowns do happen, so make sure your car is stocked with a winter survival kit. Pop in some essentials such as warm blankets, chocolate bars, bottled water, candles, matches, and a fire extinguisher. If you’re planning a lot of longer, rural, drives then add a first aid kit, a torch, some grit, a tow rope, and booster cables.

Don’t pour hot water onto your windscreen

It should take you 10 minutes to clean the ice off your windscreen. Don’t be tempted to speed up the process by throwing boiling water onto it. The drastic change in temperature can cause your screen to crack, leaving you with a massive bill. If you must put something on the screen, invest in a good de-icing fluid.

Don’t leave your car running while you de-ice

Another temptation is to leave the keys in the car with the heating running while you clear the windscreen. Don’t. Around 40% of Brits do this and according to the AA it’s a “Christmas gift for car thieves.” Your car insurance company is unlikely to be sympathetic when they find out you left the keys in the ignition.

Have the right tyres

Before the snow hits it’s a good idea to fit winter tyres on your vehicle. These have a deeper tread and make it easier to drive on snow and ice. Don’t throw out your old tyres: as long as they’re up to regulation, they can be fitted again in spring.

Give yourself extra time

Add an extra half an hour onto every journey so that you don’t feel stressed. If you do find yourself running late, call the person you’re planning to meet and give them your estimated arrival time. This should calm you down and help you to finish your journey safely.

Don’t overtake gritting lorries

Being stuck behind a gritting lorry or a snowplough can be very frustrating, but try not to overtake. Their visibility will be limited, and the road will be icier in front than it is behind. Just remember to keep your distance, as stray bits of grit can chip your paintwork.

Drive (and brake) slowly

Driving too quickly can be a recipe for disaster in the snow, as your car could easily hit a patch of black ice and skid. Try to go at least 10 miles below the speed limit. If you do have to break, don’t slam them on: instead pump the pedal slowly and gently.

Steer into it

If you do end up skidding, steer into it. for example, if the car is veering right, steer right. The most important thing to remember during the winter is to keep a cool head: panicking is likely to make the situation worse, so try to just roll with it.
What are your top winter driving tips?

Featured images:

License: Creative Commons
image source
Cathrine is an avid car enthusiast with a passion for writing. Working with leading car manufacturers Cathrine covers various topics dealing with car culture and maintenance advice.

Continue Reading

Recent Posts

Autos8 hours ago

In a Car Accident? Here’s How to Find a Great Lawyer

If you’ve recently been in a car accident, you know that it can be an overwhelming experience. Not only do...

Education1 day ago

Considering Therapy? Here’s a Few Common Therapy Techniques Explained

If you’re considering therapy as a means to improve your mental health, you may be curious about the type of...

home repairs home repairs
Home Improvement2 days ago

Top 5 Home Repairs You Should Never DIY

DIY home repairs are all the rage these days. But before you jump on the bandwagon, there are some things...

Health2 weeks ago

The Power of CBD Oil for Relaxation: How to Use it for Sleep and Stress Relief

If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep or feeling stressed, try CBD oil. CBD oil has a moment...

General2 weeks ago

Benefits of Getting your Mobile Phone Repair

Mobile phone repair is a task that needs high skills and experience. That is why we always recommend users trust...

Home Improvement2 weeks ago

Great Ways To Clean To Get Your Security Deposit Back In Full

Moving is almost always stressful as there are tons of things to plan and do. Getting your security deposit back...

Home Improvement2 weeks ago

DIY Garage Door Repair: Tips and Tricks for Fixing Common Problems and Maintaining Your System

If your garage door needs to be fixed, wait to call a repairer. Many common problems can be fixed quickly...

Education3 weeks ago

7 Tips to Choosing the Right University for You

Are you considering continuing your education at university? If so, it can be overwhelming to decide which school is right...

Finance4 weeks ago

3 Ways Loans from Credit Unions Are Different From Major Banks

If you’re in the loan market, you may wonder if a credit union is the right choice. Here are three...

Food1 month ago

The World of Coffee: Exploring the Aromas, Flavors, and Benefits of the World’s Most Popular Beverage

Coffee is one of the world’s most popular beverages, enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. It’s also one...

Education2 months ago

New Driver? 5 Things to Consider When Looking for Driving School

When it comes to choosing a driving school, there are many factors to consider. Not all driving schools are created...

Home Improvement2 months ago

Landscape Irrigation Systems: The Basics

If you’re a homeowner, you know that keeping your lawn and landscaping looking nice can be a lot of work....

Travel2 months ago

5 Things to Look for in Luxury Hotels

When it comes to luxury hotels, there is a lot to look out for. Here are five key things that...

Home Improvement2 months ago

Is There a Difference Between Commercial and Residential Concrete?

If you’re a contractor, you know that concrete is a versatile construction material. But did you know that there are...

Law2 months ago

5 Tips to Find the Right Litigation Firm

When it comes to selecting the right litigation firm for your legal needs, choosing wisely is of utmost importance. It’s...

Categories

Archives

Trending