How to drive
in snow and icy Roads
Driving in severe winter weather conditions can pose many challenges, and where possible it may be best to avoid driving at all unless your journey is essential.
But if you do need to use your car, prepare yourself with some things mentioned below.
Consider
carrying in the car ....
·
Allow extra time before you set off to de-ice the car, and
·
expect journeys to take much longer.
·
Check traffic reports and plan your journey around major roads, which
are more likely to be gritted or cleared.
·
Avoid shortcuts on minor roads.
·
Wear warm clothes and comfortable shoes.
· Pack a coat, hat, gloves, sturdy boots and a blanket to keep you warm in case you do get stuck or have to leave your car.
·
Take some food such as chocolate and biscuits, as well as water and a
hot drink if you can.
·
Make sure you have any medication you need.
· Always carry a fully-charged mobile, a shovel to clear snow and some old bits of carpet, or cat litter, to put under the tyres if you get stuck.
Preparing car for Driving in Snow and ice?
·
Consider buying winter tyres, which offer extra grip, especially if you
live in an area which regularly experiences snow. If you have standard tyres ,
make sure they're inflated at the right pressure, and that each has good tread.
·
Car batteries run down more quickly in winter. Take regular long
journeys to keep yours running well or consider using a trickle-charger.
·
Keep screen wash topped up, and use a proper anti-freeze at the right
concentration to prevent ice.
·
If there is a risk of windscreen wipers freezing overnight, place
cardboard between the blades and the windscreen.
·
Keep your fuel tank topped up so if you are caught out, you have enough
fuel to make it home, or run the engine to keep warm.
· But if you do get stuck, make sure snow doesn't block the exhaust, because noxious fumes can leak into the vehicle.
How should you Drive in snow and ice?
IClear all snow and ice from the windscreen, windows and roof of the car before setting off.
·
Don't use boiling water to de-ice windscreens - hot water can crack the
glass, and the water will only freeze again on the screen, or on the ground
where you are standing.
·
Check your lights are clear of snow and are working.
·
Maintain the right speed: too fast and you risk losing control, but
driving too slowly means you might lose momentum when you need it.
·
Brake, steer and accelerate as smoothly as possible, and drive so that
you do not rely on your brakes to be able to stop.
· Remember stopping distances are up to 10 times greater in snow and ice.
Leave more space behind the car in
front than you usually would.
On motorways, stay in the lane
clearest of snow, ice and slush, and keep within existing tyre tracks if you
can.
What should you do
if your car gets stuck in snow or ice?
·
If you get stuck, don't try to keep moving if the wheels spin - it will
only dig you in deeper.
·
Use a shovel to clear snow from under your tyres. Pour cat litter, sand
or gravel in front of the wheels to help them get traction.
·
Shift from forward to reverse and back again. Give a light touch on the
accelerator until the vehicle gets going.
·
If you can't move your car, you can stay warm by running the engine. However,
it is vital to ensure exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow because highly toxic
carbon monoxide gas could enter the car.
·
If there is any risk of fumes coming into the vehicle, do not run the
engine. Even if it is safe, don't run it for more than 10 or 15 minutes in each
hour.
·
Stay in or close to your car.
·
In heavy snow, it is easy to get disorientated and lost or separated
from your vehicle. You can hang a piece of brightly coloured cloth on your car
to let you or others find it.