How to drive safely in WINTER

For any motorist, icy or snowy weather adds an extra layer of difficulty to a journey. But there are measures you can take to make sure that both you and your car are well prepared

IN ADVANCE

◆ If the conditions are bad, stick to main roads and let someone know what time you’re expected to arrive.

◆ Always make sure you have warm clothes, walking shoes and a working mobile phone in the car, plus an in-car charger.

◆ Ensure your car is prepared: make sure the wiper blades aren’t worn and are free of dirt, and the antifreeze and coolant are at the required levels. If you haven’t had the antifreeze changed in the past two years or topped up the coolant with water, get the level checked and adjusted by a garage.

◆ Check the tread and pressure of your tyres – a deeper tread depth (for example, 3mm) will give your tyres better grip.

ON THE ROAD

◆ Avoid sharp movements, whether that’s turning the wheel quickly, accelerating too rapidly or slamming your foot on the brake. Fast movements can cause the car to slide. Looking ahead and anticipating hazards, such as bends and roundabouts, will ensure any movements needed are gentle and made within plenty of time. ◆ Ideally, slow the car by taking your foot off the accelerator rather than hitting the brake.

◆ Be aware that even when ice seems to have melted, patches can still remain under the shadows of trees, bridges and in dips in the road.

◆ If you live in an area where winters are harsh, you might want to invest in winter tyres (from £50). These have a different tread pattern to standard tyres that gives more stability on snow and ice. For more information, see theaa. com/driving-advice/safety/ winter-tyres-in-the-uk.