Guide to driving & surviving in winter

Breaking down  

On long winter journeys, prepare for the possibility of breaking down by dressing warmly and taking a flask of hot soup or tea, extra blankets and warm winter shoes. If you break down on the motorway, remember to park as far to the left on the hard shoulder as possible, and turn on your hazard warning lights. Get everyone out of the vehicle by the left hand doors and stay well away from the road. It's also worth considering bringing a shovel and maybe some hessian bags, if there is a possibility of snow & ice. You never know when you may get stuck in soft ground or deep snow!    

In snow and ice  

Before you set out, remove ice and snow from all over your vehicle using a windscreen scraper or a de-icer, and clear your car lock with a key de-icer. Make sure that all windows and mirrors are totally cleared of ice and snow? The Highway Code states that it is illegal to drive with poor visibility. Don't just clear a small patch of your windscreen!   Otherwise, much of the same advice for driving in the wet applies if you find yourself driving through snow or ice. Slow down and leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front. Use your headlights if necessary. Brake and accelerate gently.   It's not always easy to tell if you're driving on ice. If you do skid, don't brake or you'll lock the wheels and lose control unless you're car is fitted with ABS (anti lock brake system). Instead, depress the clutch and steer into the direction of the skid. When the car straightens, steer as normal.   If you experience wheel spin when moving off, then, try a higher gear. 2nd gear reduces the torque going to the drive wheels and therefore reduces wheelspin.

In the wet  

Driving in heavy rain is difficult and can be treacherous, but only if you don't heed a few simple precautions. For a start, slow down: the wetter the roads, the longer your braking distance, and the heavier the rain, the worse your visibility. Either way, driving cautiously and leaving a good distance between you and the vehicle in front is the safest thing to do.   If there's lots of surface water around, you could find the car losing grip, or aquaplaning. Don't brake or steer suddenly. Instead, take your foot off the accelerator and slow down gently.

Emergency Stopping  

You may have more need for a well-executed emergency stop in the slippery conditions of winter, so remember the rules. Try to apply the brake, without locking the wheels. If the vehicle starts to skid, ease pressure from the pedal and then reapply. If your car is fitted with ABS (Anti lock brakes) then DO NOT ease the pressure on the foot brake. Keep braking firmly, as ABS requires firm pressure for the system to work. Press the clutch in just before you stop. Try to avoid emergency stops by looking & planning well ahead, so you can slow down sooner!

Car maintenance  

You might be OK to drive, but what about the car? Keeping your vehicle well maintained is important all year round, but doubly so in winter. For example, worn tyres won't hold the road in wet conditions as well as those with a good, deep tread. Before setting off, make sure all exterior lights are working correctly, that car windscreen wiper blades are in good condition. Check the oil, coolant and washer fluid levels & pay particular attention to the anti-freeze content of your cooling and washing systems and also make sure you have plenty of fuel for your journey.

Is your journey necessary?

If your journey is not necessary then why run the risk? Wait until conditions improve before attempting a long journey, that way you can be sure you & your family will be safe!!

Happy motoring & have a safe start to 2010