Driving In Winter Conditions

Driving In Winter

The key to responsible and safe driving in winter is taking the time and effort to plan and prepare properly. Make sure you have a reliable vehicle suitable for the road conditions, know your route and check traffic and weather reports before you set out and during your journey. Be aware of possible alternative routes.

Keep your vehicle serviced regularly; it’s a good idea to have a service before the onset of winter. Check that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure and have sufficient tread – 3mm is recommended for winter driving. Don’t reduce tyre pressure to try to improve grip, as this could impair stability. Check that you have the correct mix of anti-freeze in your radiator. Make sure your windscreen, other windows, mirrors and lights are clean and that all lights are working. Fill your screenwash container. Keep your number plates clean, as it is an offence if they are obscured.

Make sure you have your mobile phone and that it is fully charged. Carry de-icer, a scraper, a torch with spare batteries, water-repellent spray, a reflective warning triangle, jump leads, a tow rope and a first-aid kit. Take a spade or shovel and some sacking or an old rug so you can dig your vehicle out of snow and gain traction. Carry plenty of cloths or rags and take some boots, warm clothes and a blanket. Make sure you take a pair of sunglasses – the sun can be low in the sky in winter and reflect in a dazzling glare from wet or icy roads.

If going on a longer journey, take a hot drink in a vacuum flask and some high-energy food such as chocolate or biscuits. Be aware of the location of services and accommodation en route in case you have to cut short your journey.

Now that your vehicle is prepared, make sure you are too. Drive carefully and adjust your speed to the conditions. Keep your distance from other vehicles and brake slowly and gently. It can take up to ten times longer to stop in snow and ice. If your vehicle skids, take your foot off the brake and de-clutch.

Be alert to features on your route that may lead to increased risk of snowdrifts or ice. Examples are where a route is exposed or elevated, under bridges, or where buildings, trees or other roadside features may shade the road. Be particularly careful of standing water and beware that it may have frozen into sheet ice. Try to maintain a constant, safe speed and not to stop on hills or upward inclines. Be particularly careful on untreated roads. Snow that may have turned to slush will re-freeze if the temperature drops. Beware of thin coatings of ice on the road surface, the notoriously hazardous black ice.

Special equipment for winter driving is available, including winter or all season tyres. These are made of a different type of rubber from ordinary tyres and are more resistant to hardening in cold conditions, which gives a better grip. Snow chains and snow socks are also available from motor accessory shops. These improve grip in snow and ice but are not suitable for driving for any length of time in ordinary conditions.

Don’t feel pressurised by time and always put safety first – a journey is going to take longer in winter weather. On a long journey, take regular breaks. Choose a vehicle, such as from cheap car rental Helsinki, that is suitable for winter road conditions.