Keeping your car happy and your driving safe this winter - top tips from the experts

With dark mornings and evenings, plus the likelihood of bad weather, driving in winter can be a daunting prospect- even for experienced drivers. We’ve got the lowdown on how to stay safe on the roads this winter.

General tips

1. Try not to leave your car stationary for too long. If you don’t use it often, consider running the engine every so often to keep the battery charged. Make sure this is in a well-ventilated area.
2. Try to only run your electrical systems for as long as necessary. Running them for too long puts high demand on the car battery.
3. Got misty windows? Use the air conditioning to clear them.
4. It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast and driving conditions. If conditions are very bad, consider if your journey is absolutely necessary.
5. You should allow extra time in winter to prepare your car and plan your journey. Ensure your car is fully cleared of snow and plan your journey in advance. Where you can, use roads that are cleared and gritted.
6. If the road is flooded, do not attempt to cross if the water seems too deep. If you decide to go ahead, avoid the deepest water, and cross slowly in first gear.
7. If you have an Electric Vehicle, make sure it is fully charged, as the use of heated windows, heaters, wipers, radio etc. will put extra demand on your battery.
8. Having adequate fuel is even more important during the winter, as you could become stuck in traffic for long periods.
9. Make sure you have suitable clothes for winter in your car, such as a hat, gloves and warm coat. You’ll be happy you have them in case of a breakdown.
10. If possible, secure your car in a garage or park away from any object that may cause damage.

Driving in snow

1. Before you set off, make sure your windscreen is clear of dirt and snow. If your vision is obscured you could face a fine! Don’t forget to pay some attention to your roof; if built up snow falls onto your windscreen it can create a hazard for you and other road users.
2. If you have to drive in snowy or icy conditions, do not just drive as normal. Using gentle manoeuvres, reducing your speed and avoiding harsh breaking is essential. Remember that stopping distances are 10 times longer on ice and snow, so give yourself lots of time and space to stop if you need to.
3. If you’re unlucky enough to get stuck in snow, move your vehicle backwards and forwards. Do not try to power out of the rut – as this will make it worse.

Travel kit

Keeping a ‘winter travel’ kit in your car can make a sticky situation like a breakdown much easier to handle. We recommend having the following items with you:

• shovel
• wellington boots
• hazard warning signal or warning triangles
• de-icing equipment
• first aid kit
• car blanket
• torch or flashlight
• snacks and water
• spare tyre

Using these tips and spending a little extra time planning and preparing before your journey could make the world of difference when you’re on the move over winter.