Driving in icy/winter conditions
Tips for driving in icy conditions
 Slow down, steer gently and avoid braking or acceleration
 Leave a bigger gap between you and the car in front
 If you skid, do not brake harshly,
 If you travel across black ice and the steering feels light, don’t brake, just ease off the
accelerator
Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter, tips from the AA.
Antifreeze – check coolant level regularly and, if required, top-up with a mixture of the
correct type of antifreeze.
Battery – the most common cause of winter breakdowns. A battery more than five years old
may struggle in the cold - get it checked and replaced if necessary to avoid the
inconvenience of an unplanned failure.
Fuel – keep at least a quarter of a tank in case of unexpected delay.
Lights – check and clean all lights regularly to make sure you can see and be seen clearly.
Carry spare bulbs.
Tyres – should have at least 3mm of tread for winter motoring. Consider winter tyres for
improved safety. Check pressures at least every fortnight.
Windscreen – reduce dazzle from the low sun by keeping the screen clean inside and out.
Screen wash – use a 50% mix of a good quality screen wash to reduce the chance of freezing
in frosty weather.
Locks and door seals – stop doors freezing shut with a thin coat of polish or Vaseline on
rubber door seals. A squirt of water dispersant (WD-40) in locks will help stop them
freezing.
Winter emergency kit – it is worth keeping these items in your vehicle
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Blanket, rug or sleeping bag
Shovel
Bits of carpet or thick cardboard to place under driven wheels to help regain traction on
ice or snow
Salt, sand or cat litter – to help clear snow and ice
Reflective jacket(s)
Ice scraper and de-icer
Torch and batteries
Tow rope
Snow chains (if you live in a remote or rural area)
Battery jump leads
Bottled water
Snacks – chocolate or cereal bars
Extra screen wash
When bad weather is forecast
 Warm winter coat, scarf, hat, gloves and warm clothes
 Waterproofs
 Sturdy boots
 Flask of hot drink
Be Prepared be Safe