Driving in winter conditions

Preparing your car for winter

• Check antifreeze levels
• Ensure battery is in good condition
• Check wiper blades and screenwash
• Consider winter tyres
• Keep fuel tank at least half full

Winter emergency kit

Keep these items in your car during winter:

• Ice scraper and de-icer
• Torch with spare batteries
• Warm clothes and blanket
• First aid kit
• Phone charger
• Water and snacks

Driving on ice

• Reduce speed significantly
• Increase following distance to 10 times normal
• Use highest gear possible for traction
• Brake gently. avoid sudden inputs
• If you start to skid, steer into it

Driving in snow

• Only travel if essential
• Clear all snow from your car including the roof
• Pull away in second gear
• Leave much more time for your journey
• Avoid hills if possible

Driving in fog

• Use dipped headlights, not full beam
• Use rear fog lights only when visibility is below 100 metres
• Slow down. you can only see a short distance
• Don't rely on the tail lights of the car ahead
• Use windscreen wipers and demister