How to drive safely when driving in snow

12 Dec 2022    

Driving in snowy conditions can be a challenging and sometimes daunting task, even for experienced drivers. Snow and ice can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, making it important to take extra caution when behind the wheel. Here are some tips for driving in snowy conditions:

1. Do not accelerate aggressively

   Snow and ice reduce traction, making it more difficult for your tyres to grip the road. This means that you'll need more time to stop and turn, so it's important to reduce your speed to allow for extra time to react.

2. Increase your distance from the car in front

   Snow and ice can also make it more difficult to see the road ahead, so increasing your following distance is important to give yourself extra time to react to any obstacles or hazards. A good rule of thumb is to increase your following distance to at least three times the normal distance.

3. Use your headlights

   Snow and ice can reduce visibility, so it's essential to use your headlights to make sure that other drivers can see you. This is especially important when driving in heavy snow or fog.

4. Stay in control

   Snow and ice can make it more difficult to control your vehicle, so it's important to stay in control at all times. Avoid sharp turns and sudden movements, and be prepared to brake slowly and smoothly if necessary.

5. Be prepared

   It's always a good idea to be prepared when driving in snowy conditions. This means having a winter emergency kit in your car, including items such as an ice scraper, a tyre pump and a flashlight. It's also a good idea to have your mobile phone charged and with you in case of an emergency.

6. Check your tyres

   Regular tyre checks are important, no matter the weather conditions. However, in snowy conditions, it is vitally important that you check your tyres before setting off to drive. Look for any bulges or rips within the tyre tread and remove any debris if needed. You should also check your tyre tread depth.

7. Check tyre pressures

   As well as checking your tyre tread depth, you should also ensure that your tyres are inflated to the correct tyre pressures. Under-inflated tyres can be dangerous, especially in the snow.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that you stay safe when driving in snowy conditions. Remember, it's always better to be cautious and take your time than to rush and risk an accident. So, slow down, increase your following distance, use your headlights, stay in control, and be prepared.

All Season and Winter Tyres

When driving in show, all-season and winter tyres are better suited than your conventional summer tyres. To find the perfect all-season or winter tyres for your vehicle please enter your vehicle registration number into the lookup at the top of this page.

Car Safety Inspections and Tyre Checks

We understand that it can be somewhat daunting when driving in icy conditions or snow. Due to this, we offer a FREE tyre safety check at all of our branches, which can be booked online. Alternatively, we offer a thorough car safety inspection to ensure that your vehicle is safe for the road, giving you that extra peace of mind.

Jack Underwood

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