By ROB HULL
Updated: 23:15 AEDT, 19 November 2024
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With winter not officially due to arrive until next month, drivers can be forgiven for being caught out by the early onset of snow and plummeting temperatures this week.
Following what has been an exceptionally mild autumn, including the second warmest October on record, it is unlikely many motorists have already prepared their cars for the Arctic blast experienced across the country.
With icy temperatures predicted for the coming days and the chilly conditions expected to cause disruption on the roads, now is the time to make sure you and your motor are winter ready.
But what are the absolute essential things every driver needs to know and do ahead of the coldest part of the year?
To help you get your ducks in a row, here's our top 10 tips.
It covers everything from simple - but essential - vehicle checks, a list of items you should consider having in the car, and how to cope with winter scenarios, such as getting stuck in snow or skidding on ice.
There are a number of recommended items to carry in the car with you when the snow falls. This includes a shovel, just in case you get stuck in heavy snowfall
Cost-savvy motorists are always urged to empty their vehicles of any unnecessary weight if they want their cars to be as fuel-efficient as possible.
But the rules can be relaxed for the winter if it means saving you from a predicament at the coldest time of year.
There are a number of items you really need to consider storing in the boot or back seats in case you encounter any problems, get stuck or your vehicle breaks down.
These include:
The AA says the most common reason for cars to breakdown in the months of December to February is battery related, so make sure yours is in good health now
- Battery
The most common reason cars breakdown in the months of December to February is battery related. The AA says around a quarter of callouts over winter are for this reason alone.
The reason for this is the far greater strain on your vehicle's 12-volt battery because you're more often using the heater, headlights and wipers - as well as other comfort features like the screen demister, heated seats and, if you're very lucky, heated steering wheel.
While it might seem a little technical if you don't have much vehicle maintenance experience, there are simple battery checks you can carry out yourself.
Firstly, with a cold engine, check the battery terminals are both tight and clean. And when you start the car, listen out for any sign that it might be struggling to turn over.
Alternatively, a number of autocentres and parts and repair specialists - such as Halfords and KwikFit - offer free battery heath checks.
Usually, a car battery is good for between three to five years depending on how often you drive. If yours is older than that and sounding like it's labouring on cold starts, it could be time to replace it.
After battery issues, the second most common reason drivers suffer a breakdown in winter in their tyres, according to the AA. Here's what you need to know about the legal tread depths
- Tyres
Tyres are the second most common reason for breakdown callouts in winter – the AA says around one in six.
It is essential that you look for any damage – nails or foreign objects sticking in the tyres – or any cracks, splits or bulges in the rubber, even on the tyre wall.
5. The quick checks to make before you pull away
Before even considering driving away, there are a number of factors to consider to ensure you will be safe - and legal - when hitting snow-covered roads.
Firstly, have comfortable and dry footwear.
Completely de-ice and demist the windscreen, windows and all mirrors to ensure you have full visibility all around the vehicle.
Remove any snow from your roof to prevent it sliding down onto your windscreen and blocking it. Driving with a pile of snow on the car is also dangerous for the cars behind you, as it blows off. Failing to remove snow can land you with a fine of up to £2,500 if police catch you.
As well as clearing snow off the vehicle, make sure the number plates are clearly visible front and back. Having registration plates covered in thick dirt or snow and is no longer readable is also an offence that could see motorists stung with a fine of £1,000.
Granted you've cleared the snow from all your lights, make sure you are using them correctly.
In heavy snow, make sure that you use your dipped beams; relying on your car's daytime running lights is not enough.
If visibility drops so low that you can't see an object 100 metres in front of you clearly, turn on the fog lights. And remember to turn these off when the visibility improves.
It's also worth carrying a pair of sunglasses in the car - it will reduce the glare of low winter sun reflecting off the snow.
When the snow hits, drive as smoothly as you possibly can and consider using a gear higher than you normally would to prevent the tyres from spinning
When driving in snowy or icy conditions it is essential that you use both the throttle and brake pedals smoothly.
Try to accelerate as gently as possible at low revs, and consider using a gear higher than you would in the dry. Even when moving away from a standstill, consider using the second gear to reduce the chances of the wheels spinning up.
If you drive a car with an automatic gearbox, feather the throttle on acceleration to keep the engine revs low.
Most modern cars are now fitted with adaptable driving modes for different conditions and sceanrios. If yours has this feature, check to see if there is a 'snow' or 'off-road' setting available. If not, use the 'eco' mode, which electronically makes acceleration smoother. And if you have selectable all-wheel drive, it goes without saying that this should be selected.
Always avoid using cruise control in the snow as it will not be able to react to the current conditions. It is always better to be in complete control of your vehicle.
When the roads are compromised by winter conditions and temperatures, it is imperative that you drive at a speed that feel comfortable and safe, especially if tarmac has not yet been gritted.
Be aware of wheel tracks in snow left by other vehicles - the compounding of the white stuff could make it more slippery than driving on fresh snow.
Stopping distances when the road is covered in snow and ice will be dramatically extended, so give as much as 10 times the recommended gap to a vehicle up ahead.
If you're approaching a hill in the snow, leave plenty of room ahead and make sure you are at a constant speed without needing to change gear
If your planned route is particularly hilly, be ready to adapt your driving for an ascent or descent.
When you're about to drive up a hill, leave plenty of room in front so you can maintain a constant speed without needing to change gear.
And when coming downhill, choose a low gear to avoid having to use the brakes as much. Again, leave plenty of space to any other vehicles on the road.
When approaching a bend, make sure you have decelerated before you turn the steering wheel - this means your car's tyres will only need to deal with a change in direction rather than trying to cope with slowing down at the same time.
You need to be particularly careful if your car is rear-wheel drive, as this will make it much harder to drive in snow or icy conditions.
On snow and ice covered roads that haven't been gritted or salted, there is a chance you could encounter a skid.
It's firstly important to try not to panic.
Steer gently into the skid - for example, if the rear of the car is sliding to the right, steer to the right.
And do not take your hands off the steering wheel or stamp your foot on the brakes.
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