Tips for Safer Winter Driving
If the arctic vortex that hit these isles in the first couple of weeks of November is anything to go by, the coming winter will be an especially chilly one. Driving in wintery conditions brings with it a whole host of challenges. To drive through these conditions unscathed, you’ll need to change up your driving habits. In this month’s article, we’ll be looking at how to drive safely in winter weather.
Check the Weather Forecast Before Driving
Knowing what you’re going to be up against when on the road is essential to driving safely. If a blizzard is inbound, driving safely will prove impossible, for instance. Alternatively, if the forecast identifies black ice as a potential problem in the next few hours, you can take precautionary action by driving slower along roads. Allow for extra time for journeys and set off earlier for appointments. It’s worth checking the travel news as well in case there have been any accidents or road closures along your intended route.
Plan Your Route Carefully
Although in the summertime you might travel down isolated B-roads without issue, in the winter these roads are less likely to be gritted. Replan your regular journeys to use as many busier roads as possible, which are not only likelier to be gritted, but will also have less ice and snow on them due to sheer volumes of traffic.
Keep Your Distance From Cars Ahead
In the slippery conditions, braking distances increase dramatically. To combat this, you need to ensure that you maintain a safe distance from the vehicles ahead of you. If you need to brake suddenly, you’ll have plenty of time to safely do so.
Always Have a Full Tank
In a previous article, we discussed what you need to do if your car breaks down in the winter months. Always ensuring that your vehicle has a full tank of fuel is one thing you should do to prepare for the possibility of a breakdown or traffic jam – it’ll allow you to stay warm if you run into trouble.
Use Winter Tyres
One way you can prepare for winter and therefore drive safer in the wintery conditions is to install winter tyres on your car. Winter tyres have excellent grip, working best at temperatures below 7°C, making them ideal for the winter weather.
Use Your Gears
By pulling away in a higher gear, you can avoid wheel spin on icy or snowy surfaces. Additionally, you should also use your gears to slow down as well as your brakes. Braking alone can lead to skidding, and engine braking by changing down gears can help to avoid this. If you do skid, steer into the skid to course correct and don’t brake or accelerate until the car is back under control.
Efficiently Clear Your Windscreen and Windows of Ice and Snow
Frost, ice and snow can impair your vision while driving, so you’ll need to efficiently clear your windows and windscreen of these to drive safely. Safe driving is reliant on your ability to observe hazards on the road well in advance, so clear windows are a necessity.
Ultimately, driving safely is only half the battle. The other half of the battle is fought by preparing your car for winter, which we have addressed previously. Fortunately, Auto Exhausts & Tyres are here to help you prepare for winter with our expert car servicing procedures.
Auto Exhausts & Tyres offer the highest standards at the greatest prices when it comes to servicing your car. Be it a full car service or a shorter interim one, our fully trained and experienced mechanics will ensure your car is in the best shape and up to scratch with industry regulations. For more information, or to book a car service at our garage in Lincoln, contact our friendly team today.
