Winter Driving Advice From The RAC

The last few winters in the UK haven’t exactly been conducive to safe, easy driving. Between, the snow, freezing temperatures, wind and driving rain, motorists in the UK have a lot to deal with through the dark months of the year.

But with the correct preparation and some considered planning and forethought there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to safely stay on the road this winter.

The 10 point check

1.     Check your car battery strength and charge it if necessary. If your battery is more than 3 years old it’s even more important to do this.
2.     Make sure you have plenty of tyre tread. Also check for damage such as splits or bulges and make sure the tyres are inflated to the correct pressure.
3.     Check your screen wash and use one with protection that works down to -35c at dilution one part screen wash to one part water.
4.     Make sure your coolant is between the minimum and maximum markers and that there is sufficient anti-freeze in the coolant.
5.     Test your windscreen wipers for damage and replace them if needed.
6.     Carry extra items in the car just in case you get stuck. It’s a good idea to carry the following items:

·         A Shovel to help clear ice

·         Bottled water

·         Snacks – chocolate or cereal bars

·         Bits of carpet or thick cardboard to place under driven wheels to help regain traction on ice or snow

·         Salt, sand or cat litter – to help clear snow and ice

·         Reflective jacket(s)

·         De-icer and ice scraper

·         Extra screen wash

·         Warm clothes and a blanket or sleeping bag for you and your passengers

·         Battery jump leads

·         Torch with spare batteries

·         Tow rope

·         Snow chains (if you live in a remote or rural area)

7.     Plan your journey, and if the weather is really bad consider whether the journey is really necessary. Even if you’re not embarking on a particularly long journey, tell someone where you are going – it could even be the people you are going to see – what time you’re leaving and when you expect to arrive.
8.     Take extra care when driving in snow and ice and follow our tips:

·         Accelerate slowly using low revs. You might need to move off in second gear to help decrease wheel slip

·         Leave as much as 10 times the normal recommended gap between you and the car in front

·         If you skid, steer into it.  e.g. if the rear of the vehicle is sliding to the left, steer to the left. Don’t take your hands off the steering wheel or stamp on the brakes

·         If the road hasn’t been gritted, be careful when driving in the wheel tracks of other cars as compressed snow can be icy

·         Operate the brakes, steering, brakes and accelerating smoothly and slowly

9.     Make sure you have full visibility before you set off on a journey. If you can’t fully see where you’re going, you’re not safe. That means ensuring all your windows and lights are clear from frost and in working order.
10.  Take care when driving in heavy rain and flooded roads:

a.     Look out for large or fast-moving vehicles creating spray, which reduces visibility.

b.    Reduce speed and leave more space between you & the vehicle in front to account for greater stopping distances.

c.     Don't use rear fog lights. They can mask your brake lights & dazzle drivers behind you.

d.    If you do go through water, drive in the highest section of the road.

A great list of driving tips to put into practice this winter! If you need further help with winter driving (or any aspect of driving) then why not contact our driving school to see how we can help?