Preparation is often the best part of value when driving in winter conditions. First, listen to local and national radio stations for weather and travel tips. When meteorologists advise against driving unless ‘absolutely necessary’, they are usually not doing it for the sake of your health. Driving in adverse winter weather, such as icy and snowy conditions, requires focus and making sure your vehicle is in peak roadworthy condition. Here are some tips to remind you to drive safely in winter weather conditions:

Pre-driving tips

• Batteries can cause problems in cold weather, especially if the car is likely to sit idle over the weekend or for longer periods. Use a trickle charger if possible to charge the battery before it is needed. Shut down the car’s electrical system before you start diverting as much power to the engine as possible, and use the starter in short bursts with a break in between if there are problems.
• A frozen engine can break the bank, so always make sure your antifreeze levels are topped up. Check the specifications of your car and use the recommended antifreeze. Warm steam coming out of the engine a few minutes into your trip indicates a frozen radiator, stop the car and allow the radiator to thaw. It won’t save you time, but it will save you money.
• Remove snow or ice from the windows before you leave. If road conditions are poor, clear vision gives you maximum time to spot problems and stop safely without that ‘ice dancing’ feeling. Again, be sure to fill the windshield washer with the correct fluid to ensure good visibility and safety.

On the road Advice

• Once in the car, remove the top layer of clothing. Your boots at least as they will probably be wet and also give you less control over the pedals. A thick coat can be very restrictive when behind the wheel.
• Use second gear to start in icy conditions because the higher gear you can drive, the more likely you are to avoid wheel spin.
• When going up hills try to keep moving, if there are queues of traffic ahead wait until you can run clear, stopping and starting slowly usually means wheelspin and skidding. On a downhill trip, use a low gear and slow down before you hit the hill. A low gear should help keep it from breaking up, but if you need to use the brakes, do so very gently.
• Be very careful and keep a good distance from the car in front and from emergency vehicles. If other cars are ‘locked in’, apply gentle pressure on the brakes until you have understood the message.

Vehicle maintenance

After an extended period of driving in icy conditions, your car will need antifreeze top-ups for both engine and windshield washing. Check that the tires are properly inflated and that the tread depth is correct. When conditions are cold, the roads regularly fill with sand. The combined sand and salt can cause corrosion, especially if there are chips or scratches in the paint on the underside of your car and around the wheel arches. If left to develop unhindered in these areas of car rust, long-term damage will result. Rust treatment is more difficult to deal with than rust prevention, so making sure your car’s rust protection remains intact is vital. Clean the underside of the car as soon as possible and use a suitable rust treatment product to ensure problems don’t develop unseen. It is advisable to do it as soon as possible and not leave it for the summer.