How to Drive in Winter

Winter weather produces some of the most dangerous conditions most drivers are likely to face. Especially driving on snow and ice, this is probably the toughest challenge you’ll come across in your driving life. Join us in taking a look at winter driving, where we’ll cover some tips and skills necessary to get through this challenging time of year.

1) Pay Attention

This may sound obvious, as you have to have a good attention span when it comes to everyday driving anyway, but in the winter, you have to pay closer attention. Remove as many distractions as possible by turning the radio down, wind down the windows slightly so you can hear what’s going on around you, and get into a good seating and hand position.

Here’s a tip: picture the sound of your tyres when you’re travelling on a wet road surface. If the road ever appears wet but you’re unsure, if your tyres aren’t making that familiar noise, chances are you’re driving on black ice. Make sure to cautiously slow the vehicle down, pressing on the brakes gently if this is the case.

2) Plan your trip

Before you even set out on your journey, you should know what the forecast looks like. What direction is the weather heading in from and what direction are you planning on travelling? Also make sure you leave plenty of time, because you have to factor in increased stopping distances, other road users that have caused accidents and your lowered vehicle speed.

3) Practice

This is probably one of the best things you can do so you can get more comfortable with how winter driving feels. Go to a secluded place and learn where the tyres are gripping, try different levels of braking and acceleration and see whether the car gets into a skid. Can you feel the ABS safety system kick in, or even the traction control.

If you do happen to encounter a skid, keep both hands on the wheel and avoid braking. You should also try to steer into the skid – this should help get you straight and back on track.

4) Equip your vehicle with the correct tyres

Whether you have a front wheel drive car, a rear wheel drive car, or a four wheel drive the biggest factor of how well you’re going to do driving in the winter are your tyres.

All season tyres may have the traction for you to accelerate, but they won’t have the optimal grip you need to brake or steer effectively.

An all season tyre/summer tyre is constructed out of a hard rubber compound, and when the temperatures drop, this compound gets even harder, resulting in less grip. Whereas a winter tyre is made out of a soft rubber compound, that stays soft and more pliable at very low temperatures. 

5) Drive in a higher gear and keep your distance

As mentioned before, you have to factor in increased stopping distances when it comes to winter driving. Driving in snowy or icy conditions can make your stopping distances 10 times longer, so it’s important to keep a considerable distance between you and other vehicles. Driving in a higher gear can also help you keep in control of the car. 

Driving in the winter doesn't have to be intimidating, and hopefully by following these guidelines, you'll feel a little more at ease on the road. If you're concerned about having a breakdown in the winter, learn more about the AA warranties we have available to boost your driving confidence.