Make sure you’re safe on icy roads: driving in winter
Snowy and icy conditions can prove a real challenge for drivers. You must be prepared and cautious to stay safe. So we’ve got tips on how to prepare to drive in bad weather, what to do if you get stuck, and a winter checklist of what you should pack when making an icy journey.
Before you set off
- Ensure you allow plenty of time – you must drive slower when the weather’s bad
- Give yourself lots of time to de-ice the car and get it started
- Clear all of the windows
- Ensure your fuel tank always contains at least a quarter of fuel
- Plan your route and try to stick to main roads, which are more likely to have been gritted and cleared
- Never let the air out of your tyres – it’s a myth that it helps you grip. It is just dangerous
Good practice when driving on ice or snow
- Allow plenty of space between you and the car in front – stopping time dramatically increases in freezing weather
- Drive slowly downhill in a low gear and try not to brake
- Always use your brakes very gently
- Use your headlights, even in the daytime, if the visibility is reduced
- Only use snow chains when there’s enough snow on the roads (a complete covering of snow), or you’ll risk damaging your wheels and the road
If you get stuck in the snow
If your car won’t start
It’s always a good idea to have your breakdown cover details with you and make sure your mobile phone is charged before heading off. So, if your car doesn’t start, call your breakdown cover company.
Winter driving checklist – essentials to carry with you:
- A fully charged phone
- An in-car phone charger or power pack
- First aid kit
- A map
- Sat-nav
- A rug or material in case your tyres need grip
- A blanket, rug or sleeping bag
- Shovel
- Ice scraper
- Torch and batteries
- Snacks – nuts, chocolate, fruit or cereal bars, and a hot drink in a flask
- Extra screenwash
- Sunglasses (when it's sunny, this helps with glare – especially when there's snow on the road)
- A warm winter coat, hat and gloves
- Waterproofs
- Sturdy footwear
And when you're at home, make sure you stay cosy and get the best deal on your energy! Here's our range of tariffs to suit your needs.
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