(Reading time: 2 - 3 minutes)

Driving tips & advice

Winter Driving advice - Snow and Ice
 
As the UK comes to a stand-still due to snow, here is some advice for snow driving which should keep your car on the road under control.
 

Quick snow driving tips

When ever possible drive in 2nd gear or higher.
When skidding never brake, steer into the skid.
 
Check the latest weather reports - Check the MET forecast for more snow that may affect you, also do research into your route and check primarily if you can get to your destination with the current weather conditions.
 
Keep your Petrol tank full - In adverse weather especially snow you may be required to change routes, halt your journey or even turn back.
 
Store a breakdown kit in your car - When braving Britain's roads in Winter it's always a good idea to carry a few essential items including Torch, Blanket, Bulb Kit, Fuses, Chocolate, Water and the most important a Mobile Phone. Breakdown membership is also a good idea ideally with roadside assistance and recovery.
 
Keep your wits about you - A snow covered road isn't such a problem however a frozen snow covered road or black ice under the snow, makes for treacherous driving conditions. Where ever possible travel on gritted or salted roads, if this isn't possible have your route planned and drive within your limits, drive in 2nd or 3rd gear, the higher the better this aids traction. When driving up hill never slowdown or stop unless you are forced to, losing momentum on a snowy road can stop you dead in your tracks and you will have to reverse or leave your car. When going down a snow covered hill ideally use 1st gear this enables your car to use engine braking rather than locking the wheels and possibly skidding.
 
Recovering from a skid - If your car starts to skid you should never brake, no matter how tempting it is. When you start to lose control and skid, decelerate the best you can and steer the vehicle into the skid till the car regains grip. 
 
Always watch out for hidden ice known as Black Ice, this is a type of ice extremely slippy and almost invisible, your more likely to hit it before you see it, if you do hit Black Ice, stay calm and follow the instructions above.
 
Stuck in snow - The best way to get out of beging stranded insnow, is to not get stuck in the first place. In some cases this will be completely unavoidable, when you have started your engine avoid excessively revving your car when in gear this will dig you deeper and deeper into the snow instead remove most of the snow and ice with either a spade or your hands then try and find something that your car can gain traction from, ideally a piece of wood, carpet or gravel etc, place this behind or infront the wheels which drive the car and slowly drive forwards or backwards till you get traction.
 
Driving in snow isn't rocket science just be careful, don't speed and keep your eye on the road and also watch out for snow ploughs and gritters they don't seem to be affected and try and have fun, lets face it it's rare that the UK gets snow.
 
Pin It
 

Northern Group of Motoring Writers NGMW

Northern Group Of Motoring Writers

Annabelle Quirk Vice Chairwoman
Ben D T Quirk Member