Winter means hot drinks and cosy nights in the house.
Unfortunately, it can also mean cold weather and snow-covered roads.
And unless you're the hottest rally driver since Colin McRae, that means you're going to have to take a lot more precautions when driving in snow, but also before you even set foot in the vehicle.
We're here to talk you through what those precautions are.
Decide Whether You Need to Drive
The best tip for driving in snow is actually . . . to not drive at all.
You're faaaar better off leaving your car at home than driving out and risking a road collision. Unless your journey is essential, of course.
Like, can't-get-to-work-another-way or wife going into labour kind of essential . . .
Finding another form of transport (ideally your legs) also means that there's now one less car on the road, making things safer for other drivers as well.
But assuming you still have to get behind the wheel and make that journey, here's what you should do.
Check Your Route Before Setting Off
Nope, not because we think you'll get lost.
But there might be a chance that a road is closed off or packed with traffic due to the snow.
There's plenty of free services you can use to check whether that's the case and to identify alternative routes. Google Maps is always a good place to start.
Or if you don't have access to any sort of online tool like that (hey, maybe the snow's knocked out your internet), then it's always worth tuning into the radio and listening out for traffic announcements.
Also, you probably want to avoid side streets and stick to main roads, which are more likely to be gritted and cleared of snow.
Give Yourself More Time for your Journey
It goes without saying that snowy weather has the potential to turn any short journey into a long one.
That in mind, it’s always worth giving yourself more time for your journey when driving in these kinds of conditions.
Again, common sense here.
That way, you won't feel rushed whilst driving and will have more time to anticipate any road hazards, as well as dealing with any possible reroutes and road closures.
Check Your Tyres
You should probably do this anyway (especially before a long journey), but it's especially important if you're going to drive in snow.
Most importantly, make sure they've got the correct tyre pressure. Lower temperatures equate to less grip on your tyres, and you don't want to be relying on dead rubber to get you around.
Then there's the tread depth. The legal tyre tread depth limit in the UK is 1.6mm, but it's best to have comfortably more than that to drive in snow.
A tyre depth gauge only costs a few quid, or you could even use a 20p coin for a more rough measurement.
It's just a case of sitting the 20p coin flat in your tyre's central groove and see how far up the coin the rubber comes. If it’s below the outer rim of your 20p, then you likely need a new tyre.
Avoid Braking
Not completely, obviously!
We don't want a re-enactment of the 1994 movie Speed.
But do try to avoid braking when you don't really have to, and don't slam your foot down too harshly.
The reason being that tyres tend to have a lower grip on snowy roads.
Emergency Kit: Pack for the Worst
In the event that you break down.
Damage limitation here. Think of it like 'insurance'. You want to make that roadside wait as bearable as possible.
Some car essentials include:
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High-vis jacket
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De-icer
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Blanket
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First-aid kit
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Warning triangle
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Jump leads
Most important though is your mobile phone (fully-charged if possible), along with the phone number of a breakdown company.
It might also be worth pouring your hot drink of choice into a flask and having a few snacks handy, too.
Make Sure Your Wipers and Screenwash Are in Check
Switch your wipers to 'Off' before turning the engine on.
If they're frozen to the windscreen, the wiper control fuse could be blown when you start the car up.
And that's bad news in snowy weather – the time when you really need them.
Also, use a good quality screen wash that protects down to temperatures of at least -35, in order to prevent the water from freezing. If you don’t, then your windscreen wipers could be rendered useless in adverse weather conditions.
Install Winter Tyres
Winter tyres are essential in countries like Finland and Iceland, but not so much in the UK where severe weather is actually fairly rare and we barely get a month of snow.
Still, could be a worthwhile investment if you want to be extra safe.
Winter tyres are specifically designed for better performance in icy weather and snow and ice, giving you the best grip and handling on the roads.
Just bear in mind that you'll need to take them off once spring comes along.
Or if you'd rather not have to keep switching, then all-seasons tyres could be a good alternative. As the name suggests, you can leave them on all year round without any hassle.
Don't Drive Fast
Well duuuuuhh . . .
But unfortunately, even the safest driver can get a bit too cocksure from time to time.
Don't let that be you.
Even if you feel like turning into Speedy Gonzales, it isn't worth the risk.
Your car tyres have much less grip in the snow, so there's a far greater margin for error. Instead, maintaining a steady speed and driving safely is paramount. Try to operate your vehicle as slowly and as smoothly as possible. And that doesn't just mean the speed, but also the brakes, steering, and gear changes.
Driving Mode
Not every car comes with a dedicated all-weather mode.
But if yours has it (along with the normal driving mode and probably a high-performance mode), then it's there for a reason.
Use it!
It'll help you in the snow and extreme conditions by adjusting things like your grip on the road and speed sensitivity. (Best to check your vehicle handbook for all the specifics.)
Stopping Distance in Snow
In other words, the time it takes for your vehicle to come to a complete stop after applying the brakes.
If you've learned to drive, then you probably already know that wet weather increases your stopping distance by at least double.
Well, snowy weather increases your stopping distance by TEN.
Yep, so make sure that you brake well in advance.
What Should I Do If My Car Starts to Skid?
Steer into the skid gently.
In other words, if your car skids left, then move the steering wheel LEFT.
Just don't make the mistake of slamming hard on the brakes. That could actually cause the car to spin out completely.
What Gear Is Best to Drive in Snow?
As high a gear as possible.
For example, consider moving off in second gear instead of first (if your car allows it).
At a higher gear, your engine will be using less revs and the wheels won't spin as much on the snow – offering you more control.
And when on the move, don't use a low gear. Try to change up gears sooner than you normally would.
Go Easy On the Throttle
Same as above.
Slippery surfaces in snow and icy conditions will mean that it's easier for your car’s engine to spin the wheels when you press down on the accelerator. So be very careful with the throttle when driving in snowy conditions.
This minimises the risk of wheelspin, keeping you in firm control.
Should I Use Snow Chains?
Snow chains are basically designed to improve grip, and although it doesn't snow that often in the UK, that doesn't mean they don't have their uses.
Snow chains should only be used on a layer of compacted snow and must be removed once you reach a clear section of road. If the roads are fine but the snow chains aren't removed, then you risk damaging your car and the road.
Snow chains are probably going to be most useful in remote and hilly regions of the UK, where the roads tend not to be treated or gritted.
Wear Appropriate Footwear
This one might not seem like a biggie, but underestimate it at your peril.
Different shoes can make a big difference when it comes to controlling the pedals, and if it's been particularly bad weather outside, you might have your walking boots on. Which obviously aren't ideal for driving.
So, do the sensible thing and chuck them in the boot. Then switch to pair of shoes that you can actually drive in.
Or if you don't have a pair to hand and you really have to drive in your boots, then at least dry them off and get rid of any snow. Otherwise, you might find that they slip on the pedals.
Know Your Car’s Limits
Your car is a means of transport, not a workhorse.
Respect it, and it'll (hopefully) repay the favour and not break down, which is the last thing you want on a freezing cold, snow-filled day.
So make sure you’re not pushing it beyond its range or capabilities. No point ploughing through heavy snow if you're not sure the vehicle can take it.
Which is even true if you drive an SUV. Yes, they're versatile, but not all are dedicated 4x4s and they might still struggle in slippery and snowy conditions.
Get a Pass Plus Certification
Due to the cost involved in taking a Pass Plus course, this might not be something we'd especially recommend.
But if you do enrol, you'll be getting quality learning from a professional on how best to drive in snowy and icy conditions. No doubt they'd repeat a lot of the tips we've already mentioned, but they might also have some great secrets of their own as well.
Nothing to lose by getting first-hand learning experience from a master of the trade.
Summary
Driving in snow (and especially heavy snow) can be a risky business indeed.
So, whether it's snow chains, changing gear quicker or driving slower at a constant speed, you'll hopefully be better placed to stay safe on your chilly travels.
FAQs
What is the best way to drive in the snow?
Control your vehicle slowly and smoothly, including brakes, acceleration, gear changes, and with the steering wheel. Gently accelerate using low revs and shift to a higher gear, pulling off in second gear if possible when driving in snow. Maintain a generous braking distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you.
Is it better to drive in high or low gear in snow?
A higher gear is definitely better when driving in snow, as this will avoid wheel-spin. Lower gears increase engine revs and cause the vehicle's wheels to spin more quickly, whereas higher gears help keep wheel-spin to a minimum, allowing your car to effectively navigate slippery roads.