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5 tips for safe winter driving

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Safe_winter_driving
Safe winter driving means getting your car ready for difficult conditions, and changing some of your own driving practices

This content has been provided on behalf of Gilvar Linings

GONE are the long afternoons of motoring through the countryside and cruising along the coast; stopping to enjoy a picnic in the sunshine or take in the sights.

Winter driving awaits, and as temperatures drop and the nights draw in, it’s time to get your car ready for another winter on the roads. There are a few key things to make sure you have covered before you set out this season, so read on for 5 top tips to keep you driving safely right through until spring.

 

Watch the weather

The prospect of driving in treacherous conditions can be daunting for even the most experienced of motorists.

Make sure that you keep a close eye on the elements, and watch out for weather warnings which could hamper your journey.

When conditions get particularly bad, consider whether your trip is essential, and stay off the roads if you can.

If you do have to head out, leave yourself plenty of time to reach your destination safely, bearing in mind that snow, ice and wintry fog can make driving slow going.

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Get your car covered

Breakdown cover is a must for any motorist, but can prove particularly useful during the colder months.

The risk of accidents significantly increases as the weather worsens, and lower temperatures can also take their toll on older vehicles.

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If you want the peace of mind that you’ll have someone to call in the event of a bump or breakdown, make sure that you have up to date breakdown cover in place before you hit the road.

 

Check your tyres

Whatever the weather, it’s essential to take good care of your tyres, but maintaining safe tyres becomes even more important during the winter when road surfaces can become difficult to navigate.

Your tyres should be inflated to the recommended pressure and have suitable tread depth, and if you are going to be travelling in seriously snowy or icy conditions, it might be worth investing in a set of winter tyres.

The rest of your car should be ready for winter too, so make sure it has been recently serviced to ensure that it will be in full working order. If your car battery is more than four years old, it might be time for a replacement, and planning ahead could help you to avoid an inconvenient (and chilly) breakdown.

 

Pack some essentials

You never know what awaits you on the winter roads, so be prepared for all eventualities by keeping your car stocked with a few essentials.

Warm clothes and winter footwear are good things to have to hand, whilst a blanket could prove indispensable if you do get stuck out in the snow. If you’re going on a long journey, it might be worth packing a flask of hot tea or coffee too. 

Conditions can change quickly, and a day which starts out fine can quickly turn cold and icy.

With this in mind, keep de-icer and a scraper in your car, and pack a torch. Remember that the sun can be just as bright in the winter, so sunglasses could prove useful.

 

Drive carefully

It should go without saying, but the way you drive is the most important factor in safe winter motoring.

You might be an experienced driver, but you should still be wary of the weather, and equally, if you are a less-than-confident motorist, it might be worth remaining off the roads when conditions are particularly bad.

Always stick to the speed limit and leave plenty of space between your car and other vehicles – especially when the roads are icy. Remember that your journey may take much longer during the winter, so make sure you head out early to avoid having to rush.

Keep these tips in mind and your time on the roads this winter can be safe and successful.

Hayley Francis wrote this post on behalf of Gilvar Linings, whose top quality road markings always stand out – whatever the weather.

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