Nine Winter Driving Myths
Ellie Dyer-Brown, 10 months ago
5 min read
- Creative
- Seasonal
FixMyCar reveals which winter driving myths are fact and which are fiction.
Think you know your stuff when it comes to winter driving? It’s time to find out as FixMyCar looks at some of the most common driving myths.
Contents
1. It's illegal to drive in wellies
2. Your engine needs time to warm up when it's cold
3. Winter driving is more dangerous because the days are shorter
4. If you leave the engine running to warm up, your insurance will be invalid if it's stolen
5. You should always use your fog lights when it's snowing
6. As long as you can see out of your windscreen, you're good to go
7. Crashing on ice isn't your fault, so your insurance will always pay out
1. It's illegal to drive in wellies
False
It’s a commonly held belief by many people that it’s illegal to drive in wellies. This myth isn’t true, though it contains an element of truth. Rule 97 of the Highway Code states that motorists should ensure "clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner".
As such, it comes down to personal judgement. If your wellies stop you from reaching the pedals and controlling the car as usual, it’s best to change them.
Find out how to make sure you're driving legally in winter.
2. Your engine needs time to warm up when it’s cold
False
A few seconds is enough to get full oil pressure in your engine. After that, the best way to warm up your car is to drive it.
3. Winter driving is more dangerous because the days are shorter
True
Although there tend to be more drivers on the road during the day, reduced visibility at night is one of the chief reasons that it’s more dangerous to drive at this time, along with the increased risk of snowy and icy conditions. Plus, since it gets dark much earlier, more people are forced to hit the road when they might usually avoid it.
4. If you leave your engine running to warm up, your insurance will be invalid if the car is stolen
True
Most car insurers have a ‘keys exclusion’ clause, which means that if you leave your engine running while the vehicle is unattended, it won’t be covered under the policy.
Learn more about car insurance and how to get it cheaper.
5. You should always use your fog lights when it’s snowing
False
It's not uncommon for us Brits to feel a bit unsure when driving in unusual weather conditions, such as snow. Some people assume that they should automatically switch their fog lights on as soon as it snows, but this isn’t the case.
The Highway Code states that fog lights should only be used when visibility falls below 100 metres. Using them with more than 100 metres of visibility could dazzle other drivers, putting them and yourself at risk.
This guide explains how to drive safely in snow.
6. As long as you can see out of your windscreen, you’re good to go
False
Many of us are probably guilty of ‘portholing’ - clearing a small portion of your windscreen so that you can see out - but this is an offence. Rule 229 of the Highway Code states, “before you set off, you must be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows.”
The police could fine you £60 if your windscreen or windows are obstructed in any way.
7. You only need your aircon in the summer
False
It's called air conditioning, rather than air cooling, for a reason. The warm air from the system is a great way to demist your windows, and because the air is dry, it acts as a dehumidifier.
Even more importantly, your aircon is like a human body - if you fail to use it for long periods, it'll seize up. To keep yours in good working condition, use it all year round. And remember to book an air-con regas whenever it runs out.
Find out how much it costs on average for an aircon regas.
8. Driving with snow on your numberplate is illegal
True
It’s easy to remember to clear your windscreen - after all, you rely on it to see - but your number plate is equally important and worthy of attention. If you drive while it’s obscured, you could receive a £1,000 fine. This applies to both front and rear plates, so check both.
Learn how to read UK number plates.
9. Crashing on ice isn’t your fault, so your insurance will always pay out
False
Since skidding on ice is sometimes unavoidable, even for the most cautious drivers, it would be nice if this was true. Unfortunately, it isn’t - you are responsible for all your actions behind the wheel, and if your crash doesn’t involve other drivers, you could find yourself with an ‘at fault’ claim.
Get winter ready with FixMyCar
Want to make sure your car is prepared for the cold months ahead? Book a winter health check now.
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Written by Ellie
Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Writer. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers in a language they understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.