During any cold snap, and especially when there’s lots of snow and ice around, all the major motoring organisations sing from the same hymn sheet. They recommend that if conditions are very bad then simply don’t venture out.
However, if your journey is deemed absolutely necessary, they also offer advice on preparing to drive and driving in wintry conditions.
Firstly, you should always clear your car windows, plus your mirrors, of snow and ice before you set off. Never use hot water to de-ice windscreens as it can crack the glass – plus the water will only freeze again on the windscreen.
And make sure that before you begin your journey that your heater is blowing warm air because it will help to keep your windscreen clear. However, once you are on the road, keep your vehicle well ventilated because the car heater going at full blast can make you drowsy.
It’s also a good idea to pack an emergency snow kit. This should include some warm clothing, food, water, torch, mobile phone, sturdy boots, jump leads, cat litter or sand and a shovel (to clear snow) in case you run into difficulties.
Before setting off make sure you plan your journey. Try to stick to busier roads as they are more likely to have been gritted.
When driving in snow it’s important to get your speed right. If you drive too fast you risk losing control, but driving too slowly means you could lose momentum when you need it.
The motoring organisations advise that you should steer and accelerate as smoothly as possible – and avoid harsh braking.
If you have to brake on ice and snow then get into a low gear earlier than you normally would, allow your speed to fall and use your brakes gently.
Keep well back from other traffic. You may need to allow up to ten times the normal distance for braking.
If you get stuck in a rut you should be able to ‘rock’ the car out of it by moving slowly backwards and forwards using the highest gear you can.