Winter driving tips

Below are some useful tips to consider when travelling in winter when driving conditions may not be very good.

Before you go:

• Is your journey essential?
• Allow an extra 10 minutes to prepare the car
• Make sure all windows and mirrors are clean and clear from frost, ice or snow and carry a scraper and de-icer
• Check the weather forecast
• Make sure your wipers and lights are clean and in good working order
• Consider taking a torch, blanket, food, wellingtons, warm clothing and a spade
• Tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to arrive

When driving:

• Allow extra time for your journey
• Adjust your driving to suit the conditions
• Remember stopping distances can be 10 times longer in ice and snow compared to a dry road
• Apply the brakes gently and manoeuvre carefully
• When there is poor visibility or snow, use dipped headlights
• If you need to abandon your car, try to park considerately to facilitate gritting activities and allow access for other road users, and let the local police know

Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter

• Have your vehicle serviced
• Refill it with antifreeze
• Lights can get really dirty with all the salt on the road, wipe them over to make sure you can see and others can see you
• Check your tyres are correctly inflated to the manufacturers' pressures and have a good amount of tread on them
• Make sure your washer bottles are topped up and your windscreen wipers are in good working order

Things to take with you in the car

• Take a map with you in case of any unplanned diversions
• Ice scraper and de-icer
• Torch and spare batteries
• Warm clothes and a blanket
• Boots
• First aid kit
• Jump leads
• Mobile phone charger
• Food and a warm drink in a vacuum flask
• A shovel
• Road atlas
• Sunglasses (the glare off snow can be dazzling)
• Any personal medication