Winter driving

Winter Driving Tips

Take it slow – with stopping distances 10 times longer, gentle manoeuvres are the key to safe driving in ice and snow.

• Wear comfortable, dry shoes for driving.
• Pull away in second gear, easing your foot off the clutch gently to avoid wheel-spin.
• Uphill – leave plenty of room or wait until it’s clear so you don’t have to stop part way up. Keep a constant speed and try to avoid having to change gear on the hill.
• Downhill – slow down before the hill, use a low gear and try to avoid braking. Leave as much room as you can to the car in front.
• If you have to use your brakes, apply them gently.
• If you drive an Automatic, check the handbook – some have a winter mode or recommend selecting ‘2’ in slippery conditions.
• If you do get stuck, straighten the steering and clear the snow from the wheels. Put a sack or old rug in front of the driving wheels to give the tyres some grip.

Vehicle Checks

• Oil – Make sure you check your oil before any long journey
• Washer Fluid - Always make sure you windscreen washer fluid is topped up
• Engine Coolant – Always ensure you’re engine coolant is at the correct level (anti-freeze) please refer to product guidelines for correct amount.
• Tyres – Always make sure your tread depth is above 1.6mm, we recommend a minimum of 3mm
• Light – Make sure you check all operating lights before any journey.
• Fuel – Make sure you have enough fuel to reach you destination.

Weather

Check the weather before a necessary journey.