Tips and advice for winter driving

You may find yourself driving in snow or on icy roads, in heavy rain or fog, so it is important to take measures to stay safe. 

With this in mind, to help you get ready for driving in the elements, we've created this handy guide of tips and advice on winter driving.

As winter driving can be dangerous, a key winter driving tip is to reduce the risk of incident or accident by being prepared. One way to get ready for winter weather driving is to prepare your car to be able to withstand driving in snow and driving on icy roads. 

There are many ways you can prepare your car for winter weather driving, including:. 

Fitting winter tyres

If you're going to be driving in winter, it is wise to consider fitting winter tyres. These tyres feature a rubber compound designed to provide your car with better grip when driving in wet, wintery conditions. Alternatively, ‘all season' tyres may be a good option, depending on how severe conditions are. Such tyres can even provide more beneficial effects than a four-wheel drive system in some cases.

No matter which type of tyres you have fitted to your car, it is important to bear in mind that the tread on your tyres must be at least 3mm. Don't forget to check that your car tyres are in good condition, keeping an eye out for damage and defects such as cracks and bulges.

Something to avoid for winter weather driving, however, is to let out a bit of air from your car tyres. It will not provide any extra grip and may actually cause you extra difficulty when steering.

Stock car with survival equipment  

One invaluable winter driving tip is to stock your car with survival equipment in case you find yourself stuck in the wintery conditions. Survival equipment can include items for you and your passengers, as well as items for your car that'll help you when driving on icy roads. 

Here are some essentials you should have with you in your car when winter weather driving:

• Extra layers of clothing
• A shovel for driving in snow
• An ice scraper for when your windows freeze over
• First aid kit in case a car accident occurs
• A torch
• A high visibility jacket  
• Food and drink

Don't forget to ensure your mobile phone is fully charged before winter driving too, in case you need to call for help.

Check fluids, lights and wipes

Before setting off on a drive in the winter, it is also important to check your car's fluid levels, lights and the condition of your wiper blades. 

If you encounter heavy rain for example, you'll want to be sure that your windscreen wipers are working effectively as spray from other cars - in addition to the rainfall itself - can affect how well you can see the road ahead. 

So, be sure to:

• clean your wipers before you set off
• top up - and stock up on - windscreen washer fluid
• if you leave your car overnight, lift your wipers off the screen when winter conditions are very cold

You must check your lights before winter driving. Your car has different lights for a reason and many of these become essential for winter driving. So before you leave for winter weather driving, ensure they all work and are all clean.

As the winter draws in, and temperatures plunge, you may ask yourself, “do I need to drive differently in winter weather?” Here we share a few tips to consider for different winter weather driving conditions.

Driving in snow 

Driving in snow is a skill that you do not often get a chance to practice in the UK, so snow driving can be very tricky if you're not used to it. Therefore, it is useful to take on board as many tips for driving in snow as you can. 

When winter driving in snow, according to the Highway Code (Rule 229) the following must have no snow or ice on before you head off:

• Lights
• Windows 
• Mirrors

Also you must ensure that your number plate can be clearly seen, and it is wise to move snow from the roof of your car. Any loose snow could fall from your roof and onto your windscreen, which could lead to trouble if your view is obstructed. 

When driving in snow, make sure you use a higher gear and watch out for treacherous black ice. Also, when the snow is really deep you may consider using snow chains.

Driving on ice 

Driving in icy conditions can be terrifying. No doubt you have asked others, “How do I drive in icy conditions?” A key winter driving tip when driving on icy roads is to keep a large distance between you and the car in front as the usual two-second rule is multiplied by 10 when driving on icy roads. This equates to 120 metres if you are winter driving at the sensible slow pace of 20mph!

When driving on icy roads, you should also remember these winter driving tips:

• Drive in a higher gear
• Try to steer into the slide, and continue to do so until you can feel that the car is straightening up
• Pull away in second gear, accelerating very gently to decrease the chance of wheel spin
• Stay alert and aware, and listen carefully - if it becomes quieter when driving on the icy road, you are likely to be directly on a piece of ice

Driving in heavy rain 

Heavy rain is something we in the UK often have to endure when winter driving. But while driving in the rain is a common experience, it is important to always consider how dangerous it can be without taking due care. 

Here are a few tips for driving in heavy rain that you may wish to consider:

• Slow down and drive at a speed relative to your visibility in the conditions
• Try to drive as smoothly as you can. Accelerate, change gear and brake gently, and try to avoid sudden changes in steering angle, in order to increase safety
• Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists as the spray from your car can affect how well a cyclist can see. It is illegal to purposefully spray a pedestrian with water when driving
• Use your air conditioning to help clear a steamy windscreen

Driving in wind 

Driving in the wind can be quite scary, particularly where the wind is unusually strong. In winter, when strong winds could be accompanied by heavy rain or snow too, the risk of accidents increases. 

So, when driving in windy conditions, be sure to:

• Slow down to allow yourself time to react to sudden crosswinds
• Ensure both hands are on your steering wheel
• Keep an eye out for debris

Driving in fog

Driving in fog is a typical winter driving condition that you're likely to encounter, especially on those cold early mornings. Foggy weather can significantly reduce your visibility, and not being able to see vehicles or the road ahead clearly can make you feel nervous and uncertain. 

Here are a few tips that may help improve safety, and help your confidence, when driving in fog:

• Use your headlights when fog reduces visibility and, especially when fog is really thick, your front and rear fog lights
• Reduce your speed so it is suitable for the level of visibility you have. Bear in mind that, the poorer your visibility is, the slower you should drive 
• Keep an eye on road signs as these may provide warnings and/or advice
• Be patient with other drivers who may be nervous driving in the conditions

Despite taking on board our winter driving tips, you may be unfortunate enough to be involved in a car accident when winter weather driving. If you are, it is crucial to know what you should do. Here are some tips if you are involved in a car accident when winter driving: 

• Stop your car as soon as you can, when it is safe to do so;
• Use your hazards to indicate there is an accident
• See if anyone is injured and call for emergency help
• Stay as calm as you can

What to do in case of car breakdown

An essential winter driving tip is to know what to do in case of a car breakdown. Driving in snow or cold weather, for example, increases the chance of a breakdown, as your car may be susceptible to adverse conditions.

So that you're prepared in the event of a car breakdown in winter weather, it is vital before you set off to ensure that you have breakdown cover and you have these details to hand to call for help if your car breaks down in winter driving. Also, having a jump start pack in your car could avoid you needing to wait for breakdown recovery help should you break down when winter driving.

In case you do face a car breakdown when winter driving, ensure you have extra clothes on board to keep you warm such as:

• A hat
• A scarf 
• A winter coat 
• Blankets

^{Last updated 21.10.22}