How to Drive Safely in Snow
Ellie Dyer-Brown, 2 years ago
3 min read
- How to
- Car ownership
WhoCanFixMyCar offers some timely advice on how to drive safely when snow starts to fall.
Poor driving conditions (coupled with poor visibility) can transform the most straightforward journeys into a nightmare. There's no need to panic. Find out how to stay calm and carry on safely with our guide to driving in the snow.
Contents:
Before your journey
Before you hit the road, the first thing to do is to ask yourself if the journey you’re about to make is necessary. If there’s any way you can avoid driving when conditions are at their worst, then you should.
However, if your journey is unavoidable, there are a few things you can do to minimise the risk.
Plan ahead
Bad weather has an unfortunate tendency to cause lots of road disruption, so check your route for any accidents or closures before you set off. It’s also a good idea to stick to main roads, which are more likely to have been cleared and gritted.
Preparing for the worst might seem pessimistic, but it will prove helpful if you do end up getting stuck, having an accident or breaking down. This ultimate winter driving guide offers advice about what to include in an emergency car kit.
Before you set off, you should also check your tyres (both the tread depth and for any possible damage), screenwash level, headlights and wipers. Ensure your windscreen is entirely free from snow, ice and other obstructions.
These guides may be of help:
During your journey
Use low revs
Set off in second gear, pulling your foot off the clutch slowly to avoid any wheel spin. Change gear as soon as you can.
Keep a safe distance
At 30 miles per hour, the normal stopping distance is 12 meters (40 feet). However, in wet conditions this number should be multiplied by two, and in snowy conditions by ten! The same applies for all stopping distances; the faster you drive and the worse the conditions, the greater the distance.
Slow down with engine braking
Move down through the gears to slow your car rather than hitting the brake pedal - though you should still touch it lightly, just enough for your brake lights to come on to warn other motorists that you’re changing speed.
Slow down before you reach a bend
As you approach a bend in the road, try to slow down before you start turning your wheel to avoid skidding.
If you start skidding, steer into it
This might sound counterintuitive, but steering into a skid is the best thing you can do. Definitely avoid slamming your foot down on the brakes!
Use your headlights
Day lights won’t be enough if it’s snowing, so it’s best to opt for dipped headlights. However, if visibility drops below 100 meters, turn your fog lights on.
Stick to the beaten path
If you’re on a road that hasn’t been gritted, try to drive in the tracks that other cars have left as there will be less chance of skidding.
Beware of black ice
Black ice earned its name because it’s almost impossible to tell that it’s there until you’re skidding on it. It occurs when rain falls on frozen surfaces, resulting in a thin sheet of ice that simply looks wet.
If there’s a chance you could encounter black ice - this usually happens in areas that don’t get much sun - then make sure you drive slowly, steering and braking gently. In the event that you skid, keep calm and try to steer straight until you’re over the ice. Resist the urge to slam your foot on the brake.
Driving an automatic in snow
Some automatic vehicles come with a 'snow mode' or 'winter driving' setting, which reduces wheel spinning and helps you to drive more safely. If your automatic car has two positions on the gearstick, put it in two, so that only two speeds are used.
While there is no magic bullet to make driving in snow easier, the most important advice is to do everything slowly and gently, including cornering and braking.
For extra peace of mind this winter, book a winter car check through WhoCanFixMyCar.
Consider buying winter tyres
Winter tyres make it considerably easier to drive in snow. They are designed to cope with cold temperatures and slippery road conditions.
This guide discusses whether winter tyres are worth it, including pros and cons. And for buying advice, check out our guide to the best winter tyres for your car.
Want to find out more about how you can prepare for the wintry weather ahead? Check out the following related guides:
