The onset of winter means shorter days, freezing weather, and icy roads – all of which makes driving increasingly challenging. But with the festive season also seeing large numbers of journeys made by car, the likelihood of a collision is high. To keep yourself safe, and protect your vehicle against risk, it’s crucial to take extra care when on (and off!) the road.
Read our key tips and advice below:
1. Before you go – be prepared!
When it comes to winter drives, preparation goes along way. Taking extra safety precautions before you set off helps ensure your vehicle is up to the task, and reduces your risk of suffering an accident while on the road. As a starting point, allow for extra time to reach your destination – the roads may be hazardous, and other motorists will likely drive slower than usual. Being in a rush increases your risk of driving too fast or skidding on icy surfaces.
Other pre-driving checks:
Check your fuel levels – Cold weather reduces fuel economy (opens a new window) in various ways, including increasing drag, reducing tyre pressure, and requiring longer to warm up the engine. Ensure you have at least a quarter of a tank to account for unexpected delays and higher-than-normal usage.
Plan your route – Main roads are likely to be cleared and gritted, making them a safe choice for cold and icy conditions.
Prioritise visibility – If needed, use de-icing spray and scrapers to keep windows clear. Remove snow and dirt from headlights and brake lights.
Check your handbook – Your car may have specific settings for driving in wintry conditions, along with additional safety tips.
2. On the road – practice safe driving
Winter driving requires heightened awareness and steady control. Even the most experienced motorists can be caught off guard by black ice, sudden fog, or unexpected snow. With conditions likely to change quickly, it’s crucial to adapt your driving style to suit the environment and avoid unnecessary manoeuvres that could compromise stability. Staying calm and deliberate behind the wheel is the best way to reduce risk to yourself and those around you.
Keep speed constant – changing gear and slowing down can be dangerous in slippery conditions, particularly if driving up or downhill.
Maintain safe distances – Poor grip increases the likelihood that wheels lock up under breaking, leading to skidding. Keeping a safe gap minimises the risk of a collision.
Use the right tyres – When driving in winter, your tyres should have a tread of at least 3mm. Installing all-season tyres ensures you have maximum grip no matter the weather.
Use fog lights appropriately – Fog lights can reduce other drivers’ visibility if left on. Use them when no cars are around, and when the road is poorly lit.
Be mindful of other road users – When road conditions are poor, it’s even more important to show courtesy to other road users, including cyclists and pedestrians.
3. After the drive – store it securely
Safety doesn’t end with the journey. As the weather continues to plummet, many vehicles go into winter hibernation. But storing your car in the garage presents challenges of its own, such as the need for proper vehicle maintenance to avoid accidents and damage.
When storing your car:
Keep it clean – Lingering dirt can eat away at paint or chrome work if it’s not washed away. Use a towel to dry your car and prevent the build-up of water inside rubber seals and trims.
Protect against rodents – Animals may seek a warm, dry place to stay during colder months. If they gain access to a vehicle, they can damage wiring and other soft materials. Ensure garage access points are properly sealed.
Watch for floods – Winter weather can increase the risk of water damage to cars, particularly if garages are underground. Have sandbags ready, and ensure adequate drainage.
Eliminate fire risks – Garages are often a storage-space for a variety of household items, many of which are flammable. Take precautionary measures, such as keeping chemicals in a metal cabinet, ensuring fuel is in its correct container, and securing a fire extinguisher to a mounted bracket.
Talk to us
Winter driving presents unique challenges, but with the right preparation and awareness, you can minimise risks and keep journeys safe. If you’d like tailored advice on managing vehicle performance or broader risk considerations, we’re here to help.
Visit our Performance (opens a new window) page, or reach out to a member of our team.
