Tips for driving in bad weather

Monday, 28 June 2021

Winter has arrived, so here are some top tips for safe driving in wet, snowy and icy conditions. Video first published in June 2021.

Winter is in full swing, so here’s a quick refresher on how to drive in adverse weather.

Make sure you can see

Restoring vision is easy, though the process depends on where the obstruction lies.

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.

**READ MORE:

* Your car's winter survival kit

* Winter is here - here are some top tips for safe driving

* Five things to check on your car for winter

* Car 101: five important bits under your car's bonnet

Black ice is invisible. It’s called ‘black’ because you can see the tarmac right through it.

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.

Wet roads means less control. Take it easy on the pedals to avoid sliding out.

What the heck is black ice?

Well, confusingly, black ice is clear. And that is exactly why it is so dangerous.

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.

Sometimes there will be signs telling you chains are needed, but not always.

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.

Be gentle on the pedals

And on the note of losing control, a measured approach to both your accelerator and brake pedals is a must.

Don't leave the fluid check to just oil. Have a look at your coolant levels and your window washer fluid too.

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.

When do I need chains?

Generally speaking, if you are in an area where chains are needed, there will usually be signs telling you they should be fitted. But not always.

If you are not used to driving in such conditions and don't have a 'feel' for when conditions require chains, then just remember that chains need enough of a layer of ice and/or snow to provide a compacted surface for them to dig into and do their job.

The easiest thing you can do to drive safer in the wet and icy is to simply relax.

Chains and tarmac are not a combination that will produce good things - because when they meet both can be damaged - and a maximum speed of between 30 and 50km/h should be observed, although this can vary depending on the recommendations of the manufacturers of both your chains and your car.

Should I check anything specific on my car?

Nothing super specific. Just the stuff you check normally. You do check these, right?

Start with the various fluid levels – check (windscreen washer, oil, transmission fluid and water) are topped up and that everything associated with them is in good condition.

Move on to the condition of your battery and its connections and that its fluid levels are good (if that applies).

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, check your tyres are at the correct pressure and have no visible faults, as well as a healthy amount of tread.

But most importantly, relax

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.