Winter Driving Tips and Vehicle Preparation
Winter weather presents unique challenges for drivers and vehicles. Proper preparation and understanding of winter driving techniques can keep you safe and prevent costly breakdowns during the colder months.
Pre-Winter Vehicle Checks
Essential Maintenance Tasks
Battery Health
- Test battery charge and capacity
- Clean terminals and connections
- Replace if over 3-4 years old
- Cold weather reduces battery performance significantly
Tyre Condition
- Check tread depth (minimum 1.6mm, ideally 3mm+ for winter)
- Inspect for cracks or damage
- Consider winter tyres for severe conditions
- Ensure correct pressure (cold weather reduces pressure)
Fluid Levels
- Antifreeze: Test concentration and top up
- Windscreen wash: Use winter formula to -15°C
- Oil: Check level and consider winter-grade oil
- Brake fluid: Ensure adequate levels
Lights and Electrics
- Test all lights including indicators
- Clean lenses for maximum visibility
- Check wiper blades and replace if worn
- Ensure heated rear window works
Winter Driving Kit Essentials
Emergency Supplies
- Blanket: Warm, waterproof covering
- Torch: LED with spare batteries
- First aid kit: Including any personal medications
- Food and water: High-energy snacks and bottled water
- Phone charger: Car adapter or power bank
Practical Tools
- Ice scraper and de-icer: Multiple scrapers recommended
- Jump leads: For battery problems
- Tow rope: In case of getting stuck
- Shovel: Compact folding design
- Sand or cat litter: For traction under wheels
Warm Clothing
- Extra coat: In case of breakdown
- Gloves: For handling equipment
- Boots: Waterproof with good grip
- Hat: Significant heat loss through head
Winter Driving Techniques
Before You Start
- Clear all windows: Remove all snow and ice
- Check mirrors: Ensure clear vision
- Plan route: Use main roads where possible
- Fuel up: Keep tank at least half full
Driving in Snow and Ice
Starting Off
- Use second gear to reduce wheel spin
- Gentle acceleration prevents skidding
- Rock the car gently if stuck
- Avoid sudden movements
Steering and Control
- Smooth inputs: Gradual steering movements
- Look ahead: Plan well in advance
- Reduce speed: Allow for poor grip
- Avoid sudden changes: Direction or speed
Braking Safely
- Gentle pressure: Avoid locking wheels
- Engine braking: Use gears to slow down
- Test brakes: Carefully when safe to do so
- ABS understanding: Don't pump brakes if fitted
Stopping Distances
Winter stopping distances increase dramatically:
- Normal conditions: 23 meters at 30mph
- Wet roads: Up to 46 meters
- Snow: Up to 92 meters
- Ice: Up to 230 meters
Dealing with Common Winter Problems
Frozen Locks
- Prevention: Spray locks with WD-40
- De-icer spray: Keep inside house, not car
- Warm key: Heat gently with lighter
- Lock lubricant: Graphite-based products
Fogged Windows
- Air conditioning: Use to remove moisture
- Fresh air: Crack windows slightly
- Clean windows: Inside and out regularly
- Demist spray: Anti-fog products available
Getting Unstuck
- Rock gently: Forward and reverse
- Traction aids: Sand, salt, or cat litter
- Dig out: Clear snow from around wheels
- Call help: Don't exhaust yourself
Specific Weather Conditions
Heavy Snow
- Stay home: If possible, avoid travel
- Main roads: Stick to gritted routes
- Following distance: Increase significantly
- Gentle movements: All inputs smooth
Black Ice
- Most dangerous: Often invisible
- Common locations: Bridges, shaded areas
- Early morning: When temperatures drop
- No sudden movements: If you hit ice
Fog
- Lights: Use fog lights appropriately
- Speed: Reduce significantly
- Following distance: Increase even more
- Windows: Keep demisted
Vehicle Technology in Winter
Electronic Aids
- ABS: Prevents wheel locking
- ESP: Helps maintain control
- Traction control: Reduces wheel spin
- Hill start assist: Prevents rolling back
Understanding Limitations
- Electronics can't overcome physics
- Still need appropriate tyres
- Driver skill remains crucial
- Don't become over-confident
Winter Tyre Considerations
When to Consider Winter Tyres
- Temperature: Below 7°C consistently
- Conditions: Regular snow or ice
- Legal requirement: Some European countries
- Safety benefit: Significant improvement in grip
Types Available
- Full winter tyres: Maximum cold weather performance
- All-season tyres: Compromise for year-round use
- Tyre chains: Emergency use only
- Tyre socks: Alternative to chains
Breakdown Prevention
Regular Checks
- Weekly: Tyre pressures and fluid levels
- Monthly: Battery terminals and lights
- Seasonally: Full winter preparation check
- Professionally: Annual service
Warning Signs
- Slow starting: Battery may be failing
- Poor heating: Cooling system issues
- Unusual noises: Get investigated promptly
- Dashboard warnings: Don't ignore lights
Emergency Procedures
If You Break Down
- Get off road: If safely possible
- Hazard lights: Make vehicle visible
- Call help: Recovery service or police
- Stay warm: Run engine briefly if safe
- Be visible: Use reflective clothing
If You're Stuck
- Stay with vehicle: Don't wander in poor weather
- Conserve fuel: Run engine sparingly
- Clear exhaust: Prevent carbon monoxide
- Signal location: Use phone, lights, or horn
- Stay hydrated: But conserve supplies
Legal Requirements
Equipment
- Lights: Must be clean and working
- Number plates: Must be visible
- Windscreen: Must be clear
- Tyres: Legal tread depth
Insurance Considerations
- Modifications: Declare winter equipment
- Breakdown cover: Ensure adequate coverage
- European travel: Check requirements
- Accident procedures: Know what to do
Post-Winter Maintenance
Spring Preparation
- Salt damage: Wash undercarriage thoroughly
- Tyre change: Back to summer tyres if used
- Battery check: After winter stress
- Service: Annual maintenance check
Summer Preparation
- Air conditioning: Service before hot weather
- Cooling system: Check antifreeze levels
- Tyres: Check condition after winter wear
- Emergency kit: Update for summer conditions
Planning Winter Journeys
Before Travel
- Weather forecast: Check conditions
- Route planning: Avoid minor roads
- Tell someone: Your planned route and timing
- Vehicle check: Quick pre-journey inspection
During Travel
- Regular breaks: Rest and check conditions
- Fuel stops: Keep tank topped up
- Weather updates: Monitor changing conditions
- Flexibility: Be prepared to change plans
Winter driving requires preparation, skill, and respect for the conditions. With proper vehicle maintenance, appropriate equipment, and careful driving techniques, you can stay safe and mobile throughout the winter months.
Remember, no journey is so important that it's worth risking your safety. If conditions are too severe, stay home until they improve.