Winter roads can be treacherous, as the nights draw in and surfaces get slippery. Taking time to prepare your car will help keep you safe.
This guide looks at some straightforward ways to improve your safety on winter roads – and prevent you becoming stranded in the cold.
We’ll start with what to pack before you leave the house, then look at how to prepare your car, then finish with some winter driving tips.
Every car should carry an emergency kit during the winter months – particularly if you’re driving in remote areas or far away from home. In extreme circumstances, being properly prepared for a breakdown or the car getting stuck could save your life.
Here’s a full list of what you should pack:
We cover the issue of winter tyres and whether they are necessary in a separate guide. However, the short answer is that winter tyres are beneficial – and will improve road safety – once the outside temperature drops below 7deg C. If you can afford the upfront cost, we recommend using them during the colder months.
You should also check the condition of your spare tyre and jack, and replace worn wiper blades if necessary. Keeping a windscreen scraper and a hardy pair of gloves in the car will prove invaluable on frosty mornings, too.
On that note, make sure your windscreen washer bottle is brimmed with the correct fluid. It contains anti-freeze properties that soapy water doesn’t have.
Keeping your car’s fuel topped up is also important in harsh weather. When the gauge drops below half-way, refill the tank. If you get stuck on a snowy, deserted road, keeping the engine running and the heater working could be vital.
Lastly, consider the right cabin temperature for winter driving, as wearing bulky clothes will limit your movement. Research by Seat recommends a temperature of no more than 21.5 deg C to feel comfortable and stay alert. Driving with an interior temperature of 35 deg C is similar to having a blood alcohol level of 0.5g per litre.
Driving in winter weather demands a slower, more cautious approach. Visibility may be limited, and grip can’t be taken for granted.
Remember, the most important safety feature of any car is the driver, so heed the following advice to reduce your risk of an accident:
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