Winter is here - here are some top tips for safe driving
Sunday, 14 June 2020
Winter is well and truly here, with parts of the country being gripped by record low temperatures. That means driving requires some different approaches in order to stay safe and keep that no-claims insurance discount going.
No vision? No worries.
Obviously, the above applies to stationary vehicles. We would suggest worrying if you can't see while driving at any speed.
Anyway, restoring vision is easy but the process changes depending on where the obstruction is.
If the inside is fogged up, then using the de-mist function of air conditioning is the easiest and most effective way. Let it do its thing and it will clear the screen in no time.
If your car doesn't have a de-mist function - or no air con - then just start the fan blowing on cold air on the windscreen and gradually increase the temperature.
If it is iced up on the outside, then some room temperature water poured over the windscreen will thaw things nicely, just make sure you scrape the melting ice off (with a plastic scraper - never metal, it can scratch) quickly and get your wipers on to prevent it re-freezing.
And NEVER use hot water, as this can cause the windscreen to crack.
What exactly is black ice?
Black ice is super smooth ice - without the white 'frosted' finish of normal ice - that has formed from a pool or puddle of water on a road surface. The 'black' part comes from the fact that it looks like a perfectly innocent section of black tarmac.
If you hit some black ice, you pretty much have no control, so get off the gas and stay off both it and the brake pedal, they will only make things worse.
Unlike any other situation you shouldn't turn into the skid because you need to know exactly where your wheels are pointing when the grip comes back.
What should I check on my car?
Check your various fluid levels (windscreen washer, oil, transmission fluid and water) are topped up and that everything associated with them is in good condition.
Check the condition of your battery and its connections and that its fluid levels are good.
While you are in the engine bay you should cast a quick eye around all the belts and hoses, making sure they all look healthy and are tight.
Check that your windscreen wipers and lights function properly and that there are no obvious faults, such as cracked and stiff wiper blades or cracks or moisture in the lights.
And finally, and most importantly, check your tyres are at the correct pressure and have no visible faults, as well as a healthy amount of tread.
Be gentle on the pedals
Because you have less grip and traction in wet, snowy or icy conditions, a gentle, measured approach to both your accelerator and brake pedals is required.
It is pretty obvious that going easier on the throttle will mean less chance of wheelspin and doing likewise with the brakes will lessen the chance of locking up.
It is also pretty obvious that these are less crucial in modern cars with traction control and ABS brakes, but it will still help massively, especially if your car is a few years old and, as such, has less sophisticated systems than the latest cars.
Whatever the level of electronic systems your car has, however, a gentler approach will always make life easier (and safer) in adverse conditions.
Be relaxed
Driving in bad weather can be intimidating, but being tense while behind the wheel will only make it worse.
If you can drive competently in dry weather, then you can do it in bad weather as well, just remember to take everything easier, do everything slower and leave more space.
And, of course, if the weather gets too bad, or just too much for you, then pull over as soon as it is safe to do so.
But if you are really nervous about driving in bad weather, then just ask a friend or family member for a ride - there is no sense in becoming a statistic just because you are too proud.
Be prepared
No matter how well maintained your car is, or how experienced in winter driving you are, accidents can still happen. That is why they are called accidents.
So being prepared for the worst is a sensible - even life-saving - thing to do, particularly if you are heading out on a long trip.
Carrying even a basic winter survival kit is a very good idea and you can check out our list of recommended essentials in this article.