Winter driving tips for car drivers
Mon, 21 Nov 2011
While it's important to take care on the roads at any time of year, the winter months bring with them the need to take even greater care. Given the UK's near Siberian weather in recent years, it's important to be prepared. Sainsbury's car insurance shares some helpful winter driving tips.
Vehicle preparation:
- Check your battery (make sure you check your car manual before you do this), monitor your oil, water and brake fluid levels on a regular basis and make sure your car has a winter service
- Check tyre condition for both pressure and legal tread depth - the current minimum legal tread depth for cars is 1.6mm
- Make sure you have antifreeze in your car's engine – you need a 50:50 mix of antifreeze and water for maximum protection – check your car's handbook if in doubt
- Make sure you also have antifreeze wash in your car window washers - take care not to confuse the two as engine antifreeze can damage paintwork
- Check all lights are working and any faulty bulbs are replaced
- Ensure your battery is fully charged
- Ensure your number plate is clean and fully visible
- Consider obtaining and fitting winter tyres for extra grip – some insurers require you to tell them you've done so.
Before you set off:
Stay alert and in control and slow down…
- Make sure you de-ice all of your windows before driving
- Take a few extra minutes to make sure all the condensation on the inside has gone too
- Ensure you remove snow from your roof, bonnet and boot as when it begins to melt it will fall off in big chunks which may distract you and cause potential hazard to other road users
- If your lock, handle or wipers are frozen use warm water to defrost them not hot
- Use your headlights in rain or snow – remember to ensure your lights are clean so that you can see and also be seen
- Don’t drive too close to the vehicle in front of you, allowing more time and distance to brake - it can take up to ten times longer to stop on slippery roads
- If driving a rear-wheel-drive car, take extra care and reduce your speed
- Where possible use major routes, which may have been gritted/salted
- Take your mobile phone - remember to ensure the battery is fully charged – consider obtaining a in car charger - don't use your phone whilst driving unless you have a hands-free kit
- Check the weather and travel advice before you set off
- Make sure you have adequate fuel for your trip
- Consider how long your journey will take in the bad weather and plan for the unusual terrain – extend your journey time if need be
- It's wise to make sure you have a torch, warm clothing and emergency food and drink as well as a first aid kit
- It's a good idea to travel with a spade / shovel and grit or salt I the car in case you get stuck
- Ensure you have your car insurance and breakdown service details and emergency numbers with you.
If you find yourself in difficulty:
- Feeling the car slide can be very scary – if roads are icy reduce your speed and join major routes as soon as possible
- Skidding can be a big fear but driving slowly can prevent it – don't brake or accelerate hastily, drop gears before applying brakes
- Take care on motorways and dual carriageways – don't let other drivers influence your speed and don't hug the car in front
- Take extra care around large vehicles which may not see you
- Give motorcyclists and cyclists plenty of room
- If you get stuck in ice or snow make sure your parking brake is on – clear the area around the wheels and apply grit or salt around the slipping wheel – use low revs to gently move away. Taking off in second gear can provide more traction.
If you have an accident:
- Stay calm, it's likely you'll have had a shock so take a moment to compose yourself
- If you have a reflective triangle place it in sight of other drivers – apply your hazard warning lights
- For your safety, move off of the road away from traffic – ensure you are wrapped up warmly
- Make sure you get the driver's name and licence details as well as insurance company name and contact details, the type of car and licence plate number
- Obtain details of any eye witnesses
- If you have a phone with a camera take photos of the scene
- If the police attend, ask them to provide their report incident number
- Contact your insurer as soon as possible
- Keep your records up to date – all expenses, conversations with your insurer, the police and any medical visits
