Citygate

As part of our ongoing blog series, Surviving the Cold, at Citygate, we’re sharing essential winter driving tips to help you stay safe on the roads this season. Winter can present many challenges, with snow, ice, and sleet making roads slippery and more hazardous. It's crucial to adjust your driving style to stay safe, as winter weather can significantly impact stopping distances and overall vehicle control. Here are some simple yet essential driving tips to ensure you're well-prepared for the icy months ahead.

1. Take it Slow

When the roads are icy or snowy, your stopping distance can increase by up to 10 times. It's essential to reduce your speed and drive gently to maintain control. Avoid harsh braking or sudden steering movements, as they can cause your vehicle to skid. Patience is key - slower speeds are much safer on slippery surfaces.

2. Clear Your Car Properly

Before starting your journey, always allow extra time to clear any snow or ice from your car. This includes the windows, mirrors, headlights, and the roof. Snow left on the roof can slide down onto your windscreen while driving, obstructing your view and becoming a hazard for other drivers. Always make sure you have full visibility before setting off to stay safe and avoid a fine.

3. Dress for Safety

It may sound simple, but wearing comfortable, dry shoes is essential during winter driving. Wet or slippery footwear can lead to a loss of control when pressing the pedals. Choose shoes with good grip to maintain firm contact with the pedals.

4. Keep an Eye on Fuel and Battery Levels

In winter, it's important to ensure your fuel tank or battery charge is never too low. A quarter tank is the minimum you should aim for before setting off, particularly if there’s a chance you could face unexpected delays or detours. For electric vehicles, make sure your battery is well-charged, as cold weather can reduce range. Having enough fuel or charge will give you peace of mind, especially if you get stuck in traffic or need to take a longer route.

5. Plan Your Route Carefully

Stick to main roads whenever possible, as these are more likely to be gritted and cleared of snow and ice. Local roads can be less well-maintained, increasing the risk of encountering icy patches or getting stuck. Always check weather conditions and avoid roads that are closed or impassable.

6. Use Second Gear to Move Off

When starting off on icy or snowy roads, try moving off in second gear rather than first. This helps to reduce wheel slip, giving your car more traction. Many modern cars also feature a winter mode that automatically adjusts the power to the wheels to improve grip, so check your vehicle’s handbook to see if your car has this function.

7. Be Prepared for Uphill and Downhill Driving

When driving uphill in winter, leave plenty of space in front of you so you can maintain a steady speed without the need to change gears. Avoid over-revving the engine, as this can cause wheel spin.

When going downhill, shift into a low gear to use engine braking rather than relying on your brakes. This reduces the risk of skidding. Keep a good distance from the car ahead, and only brake when absolutely necessary.

8. Use Fog Lights Wisely

If visibility drops below 100 metres due to fog, snow, or heavy sleet, make sure you turn on your fog lights. However, remember to switch them off once visibility improves, as fog lights can dazzle other drivers when the conditions are clearer.

By following these tips and adjusting your driving to winter conditions, you'll be better prepared to stay safe on the roads this season. Slow down, stay vigilant, and make sure your car is ready for whatever the winter throws your way!

If you missed our previous post on winter car maintenance tips, be sure to check it out here to ensure your vehicle is properly prepared for the season.