Motorists given ten tips about winter driving as UK climate maps forecast snow

As WXCharts predicts snowfall and colder temperatures across the country this week, UK motorists are set for dangerous driving conditions.

Continental Tyres, a leading tyre manufactures, has shared tips on what drivers can do to help before setting off and when out on the road to ensure they are well-placed to avoid any especially tricky situations.

Steve Howat, Continental Tyre Group’s Safety Expert has offered guidance on everything from windscreen washer to what tracks to avoid.

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Windscreen washer

Fill up your windscreen washer: Ensure the car is topped up with windscreen washer – with a strong antifreeze concentration, so you can maintain visibility despite gritty slush and spray.

Time

Allow plenty of time: This is key – including when you first go out to the car. Driving with snow on the windows, mirrors and roof is hazardous and could be illegal, as is driving without full visibility because you haven’t let windscreen demist properly. More than half of drivers admit to clearing just a small ‘porthole’ to see through, despite the danger.

Tyre tread

Check your tyre tread: It’s easy to check your tread – and if you don’t have a tread gauge, a 20p will do the trick. Place the coin in the groove of the tyre and if you can see the border above the tread, it’s likely you need a replacement.

Main roads

Stick to main roads where possible: Being open to making slight detours on major roads, instead of using back lanes, is actually likely to save you time, because there’s a greater chance they’ll be cleared and gritted.

Winter tyres

Fit suitable tyres for your typical driving conditions: Summer tyres won’t perform as well as all-season or winter tyres in wintery conditions – the rubber hardens in the cold weather, reducing grip and increasing your braking distance. Look at fitting winter or all-season tyres, which offer much better traction in the cold and wet.

Slowly does it

Take it slow and smooth: The golden rule is that all of the controls on your vehicle – brakes, steering, acceleration and gears – should be operated slowly and smoothly. Gently accelerate and shift up the gears as quickly as possible to limit the chances of your wheels slipping.

Lights

Ensure visibility: Your headlights should be on – with fog lights too, when visibility drops below 100m.

Distance

Keep your distance: Maintain a greater braking distance to the vehicle in front of you; as much as ten times the usual recommended gap is advised in rain, ice and snow.

Steady speed

Keep it steady: Hold a steady speed when climbing hills, and going down the other side, use a low gear and try to avoid braking. Coming into a bend, start to brake before you begin to turn the wheel. If your car loses grip, it’s best to ease off the accelerator and keep your wheels pointing in the direction you want to travel in. And if the car begins to skid, it might feel counter-intuitive, but steer gently into it – keeping your hands on the wheel and feet off the brakes.

Tracks

Avoid car tracks: Avoid driving in the tracks of other vehicles, because packed snow is icier than fresh snow.

Conclusion

Steve Howat, Continental Tyre Group’s Safety Expert, commented: “It’s your tyres that form an essential bond with the road, so it’s worth paying them some attention. The grooves in the tyre help to dissipate surface water and reduce the risk of aquaplaning, not to mention improving braking performance in icy conditions. If you decide to replace your tyres this winter, the best option is to replace them with the same tyres the car came with as new.

“As well as looking at your tyres, there are other important safety checks you can carry out before you set off, and if you can adapt your driving style too, you’ll be well-placed to avoid any especially tricky situations.”