Winter Driving

Winter driving can be challenging and unpredictable. The best way to stay safe on the roads in winter is to be prepared and fit winter tyres to your vehicle.

Tips for safe winter driving

• Be prepared and carry a survival pack in your car, including food, water, a blanket and warm clothes. Also keep a shovel in your boot, just in case.
• Keep your phone fully charged and carry an in-car charger.
• Fit winter tyres, or if you don't, have your summer tyres checked before winter descends.
• Check your battery - in cold weather batteries are under extra pressure and are more likely to fail.
• Keep your windscreen washer fluid topped-up as your windscreen will get dirtier in the winter.
• Check your coolant - antifreeze protects your engine against low temperatures.
• Adjust your driving style to the conditions and reduce your speed. Use higher gears, be very gentle with the clutch and throttle and break and steer carefully - as soon as you're skidding you've lost control.
• If conditions are bad you should consider whether your journey is really necessary and if in doubt don't travel.