Driving in the snow can be a daunting task, especially in the UK where snowfall is not as common as in other parts of the world. However, with some preparation and knowledge, you can safely navigate the roads even in the snowiest of conditions.
Prepare your vehicle
First and foremost, make sure your vehicle is ready for the winter weather. This means checking the tire pressure and tread, as well as making sure the brakes, wipers, and lights are all in good working order. It’s also a good idea to keep a shovel, blanket, and extra warm clothing in your car in case of emergencies.
If you want to be fully prepared, invest in winter tyres. They will not allow you to drive recklessly, but they will help you move through icy and snowy conditions.
Drive slowly and carefully
Once you’re on the road, remember to take your time and drive slowly. Accelerate and decelerate gently to avoid skidding, and try to avoid sudden steering movements.
Avoid using your cruise control, as it can cause you to lose control of the vehicle on slippery roads. If you do start skidding you may start to panic and turning off cruise control to regain control of your vehicle will take longer than expected.
Increase your following distance
When driving in the snow, it’s important to increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. This will give you more time to react to any sudden changes in road conditions. Use your low-beam headlights and fog lights to increase visibility, and be sure to turn them off when they’re not needed to avoid blinding other drivers.
What to do if you start to skid
If you do start to skid, remain calm and avoid slamming on the brakes. Instead, take your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. This will help to straighten out the vehicle and regain control.
What to do if you get stuck on a snowy road
In the event that you do get stuck in the snow, do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper and make it harder to get out. Instead, try rocking the car back and forth by shifting between forward and reverse gears. If that doesn’t work, use a shovel to clear away the snow from the tires and try again.
The worst-case scenario is getting stuck in the snow whilst low on fuel. If this is the case call your breakdown service and they may be able to help.
Conclusion
Overall, the key to driving safely in the snow is to remain calm, drive slowly, and increase your following distance. By following these tips, you can navigate the roads safely and confidently even in the worst winter weather.
In the unfortunate event of a collision, if the damage is minor you are likely to want to fix your vehicle. At Assignton Autos we scrap cars so we have access to a wide range of car makes and models for spare parts. We are based in Sudbury but cover much of the east of England, including Romford, Chelmsford, Braintree and Lowestoft.
