Driving in winter conditions

Before setting off

Poor weather conditions lead to more accidents and more traffic build up on the roads, so you should allow additional time for your journeys at this time of year. Try to plan ahead and choose a route that involves major roads that are frequently used and don’t suffer so much from snow and ice build up.

Check navigation apps prior to setting off to see if there are any road closures or accidents so that you will be able to avoid them, and once you are in the car, switch on the radio so that you can listen out for traffic updates.

It is illegal to drive with your vision partially obscured so make sure that your windscreen offers full visibility by making use of any warm-up and air-con features your car has, turning the engine and heating on in advance to give your car time to warm up. Use de-icer if you have it and a scraper to clear snow and ice from your windscreen. Remove as much snow as possible from the roof of your vehicle too, as this could fall off and block your view while you are driving.

On the road

The most important thing to remember when driving in poor wintery conditions is to take it slow. Stopping distances can increase by ten times if roads are icy, so try to plan ahead and allow time for your journey but if you do end up running late, it is better to arrive late and in one piece than to risk your safety and the safety of other road users.

As well as driving slowly, being gentle with your steering wheel can make it easier to stay in control of your car. Try to be vigilant with spotting hazards and vehicles braking in front of you to give yourself plenty of time to come to a stop. Braking abruptly on slippery roads can lead to skidding and cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Using second gear to pull off and being gentle with the clutch and throttle can also help you to avoid wheel spin.

If you do feel your vehicle begins to skid, try to remain calm and gently steer into the skid to regain control. If you find yourself stuck in snow, again try not to panic, just clear the snow from the wheels and try putting something like fabric under the wheels to give the tyres more grip.

If you are in the market for a new car that will get you through the winter months, nothing will beat the snow and ice like an SUV with four-wheel drive. We have some great 4x4s on offer at Autozone which are available to finance. Browse our current range of used cars in Barnsley online here!