When we expect freezing conditions we normally get a weather warning from the Met Office, however, you should always take extra care when travelling in winter. IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards, Richard Gladman, offers advice to motorists on how to cope with driving on road surfaces that are covered in frost, ice or snow.
- If the weather conditions are severe in your area, you should take notice of police advice and simply do not travel. However, in exceptional circumstances, if you must go out then make sure you drive safely with extra caution on icy roads.
- At least triple your stopping distance and approach every junction expecting to stop well before the stop or give way line (it can take up to ten times as long to stop according to Highway Code advice). Every steering, acceleration or braking input should be as smooth and gentle as possible and select 2nd gear when you pull away in icy conditions (less torque will help prevent wheel spin).
- Salt will often make the windscreen, headlights, number plate and rear parts of your car very dirty. When travelling long distances it is advised that you stop regularly at service stations to clean your windscreen and headlights with a clean cloth. Or keep a filled bottle of water in the car boot to give your lights, windows and mirrors a quick wash over – a handy investment is to top up your windscreen washer reservoir when needed too.
- Never ignore any warning lights. If one appears then get it checked out sooner rather than later. Being stuck on the side of the road is never good, but breaking down in freezing conditions is a high-risk situation.
- Always carry a winter driving kit including an ice scraper, de-icer, blanket, torch, shovel, something to eat and a fully charged mobile phone.
- When driving on a busy road avoid overtaking a gritting lorry as the road ahead may not be treated yet. If you have any doubt, don’t risk it. And make sure to never overtake a snow plough in heavy snow conditions.
- While roads may be gritted to give you better traction, some areas may not be completely treated which can leave ice patches exposed. You should, therefore, drive at a steady pace, ensuring the safety of you and your passengers.
- It’s important that you keep your car clean throughout the winter as the salt in grit can cause corrosion to any exposed parts. Ensure that you thoroughly wash the underneath of your car when you can to stop salt from settling.
- Don’t forget to wash/rinse alloy wheels too; the smallest scratch can quickly become a large corroded area.
- Just because the winter sun is out, does not mean the roads might not be icy. Microclimates of icy patches will linger in areas such as bridges and exposed sections, where the sun has not yet reached.
- Keep the tread on your tyres above 2mm (ideally 3mm), the more tread you have the more water they can cope with. Letting your tyres get down to the legal limit of 1.6mm is not recommended, and don’t forget you can always consider winter tyres if you are in an area where they will benefit you.
Richard said: “Preparation is the key to avoiding a dangerous situation whilst driving in snowy or icy conditions. Don’t rely on the performance of your car systems to get you out of trouble – allow time, make sure you have good visibility all round and carry the right equipment. If conditions are extreme remember the best advice is not to travel.”
So, stay safe on the roads and enjoy the winter months ahead.
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