A Checklist for Safer Journeys This Winter
With Storm Éowyn on the way and cold, wet, and windy weather hitting the UK, it’s more important than ever to prepare for safer winter driving.
Winter driving presents unique challenges with colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours. While some of the advice in this guide may seem obvious, it serves as a useful checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared for the road.
Whether you’re driving a petrol, diesel, hybrid, or electric vehicle (EV), taking a few simple steps can make a big difference.
1. Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Conditions
Before setting off on any journey, take time to ensure your vehicle is winter-ready.
Check your tyres: Tyres with adequate tread depth are essential for gripping slippery roads.
The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm, but in winter conditions, it’s wise to aim for at least 3mm.
Consider fitting winter tyres if you live in an area prone to snow and ice.
Top up fluids: Make sure your windscreen washer fluid is topped up with a winter-grade solution to prevent it from freezing. Also, check your antifreeze levels to ensure your engine is protected from the cold.
Inspect your battery: Car batteries work harder in cold weather, so check that yours is fully charged and in good condition to avoid breakdowns.
Check your lights: Replace blown bulbs and remember to carry spares.
Check your wiper blades: Make sure they are in good condition and do not leave smears that can distort your vision.
Tip for EV Drivers
Cold weather can reduce an electric vehicle’s range, so it’s important to plan your journeys carefully. Precondition your EV’s cabin while it’s still charging to preserve battery life and keep your vehicle’s range optimised.
• Drive to the Conditions
Allow extra time for journeys, bad weather can cause congestion and unexpected delays, adjusting your driving style to suit winter weather is essential for staying safe on the roads.
Slow down: Reduced grip on icy or wet roads means stopping distances are much longer. Reduce your speed and leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the one in front.
Brake gently: Sudden braking can cause your vehicle to skid. Instead, apply brakes smoothly and gradually to maintain control.
Use your lights: Ensure your headlights are clean and in working order and use them in low visibility conditions. Remember, fog lights should only be used in very poor visibility.
Strong winds: Stormy weather can cause sudden gusts of strong winds, drive slowly to keep full control and keep a strong grip on the steering wheel.
Open roads and smaller lanes can turn into windy traps. Strong gusts can really throw you around, especially on those smaller roads where wind tunnel effects can catch you off guard.
When the wind howls, play it safe:
Cyclists? Give them room. They’re extra vulnerable in strong winds.
Overtaking? Think twice. High winds can make things unpredictable, so leave plenty of space.
Flooding: With storms comes plenty of rain causing some roads to flood, use an alternative route if possible. Only cross a flooded road if you have no other option. If safe to do so, check for any hidden or submerged obstacles.
Use the middle of the road if it’s safe to do so, roads are designed to drain water off the sides.
Tip for All Drivers
Always check the weather forecast before setting out. If severe weather is predicted, consider delaying your journey if possible.
Fog: Make sure your mirrors are clean and your windscreen, front and rear, are fully demisted. Check your mirrors before you slow down when approaching fog.
It’s not illegal to drive without your fog lights switched on but it’s safer to do so, however you are required by law to use your headlights in foggy conditions.
The Highway Code advises you to turn on your fog lights if visibility drops to 100m or below, remember to switch them off again when visibility improves.
• Pack a Winter Emergency Kit
Be prepared for unexpected delays or breakdowns by keeping a winter emergency kit in your car. Essential items include:
- Ice scraper and de-icer
- High-vis jacket
- Warning triangle
- Torch with spare batteries
- Blanket and warm clothing
- Snacks and bottled water
- Jump leads
- Mobile phone charger
Always make sure you have enough fuel for your journey. For EV drivers, consider carrying a portable EV charger or ensuring you know the locations of nearby charging points in case of emergencies.
• Look After Your Windscreen
Clear visibility is vital for safe driving.
Defrost properly: Don’t be tempted to pour hot water on your windscreen to clear ice – this can cause the glass to crack. Instead, use a de-icer spray and an ice scraper.
Check your wipers: Ensure your windscreen wipers are in good condition and replace them if they show signs of wear. Use winter-grade screen wash to prevent freezing.
• Range Anxiety for EVs
Electric vehicle drivers should be particularly mindful of range in cold weather.
Plan your routes: Cold temperatures can reduce battery efficiency, so plan your journeys to include charging stops if needed.
Precondition your vehicle: Many EVs allow you to warm up the cabin while the vehicle is still plugged in, reducing the need to use battery power for heating.
Use eco-driving techniques: Drive smoothly, reduce the use of heaters, and utilise regenerative braking to extend your EV’s range.
A Final Word
While much of this advice may seem like common sense, it’s easy to overlook essential preparations during the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Taking a moment to run through this checklist can help you avoid unnecessary risks and keep you and your family safe on the road.
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