The predicted snowy weather is set to test the skills of UK drivers this week with sub-zero temperatures expected in most regions.
Adverse weather conditions, poor visibility and very low temperatures usually cause a spike in accidents, but here at WJ King, we want to see you tackle these conditions calmly and confidently.
The golden rule: “Anticipate what’s ahead and take it easy
How do you drive down a steep road? Using the engine to brake is fundamental. Driving downhill in low gears will help you stay in control and it takes a lighter toll on the brakes. Stay calm and don’t make sudden manoeuvres: When driving on snow, pay careful attention to dark patches on the road where there could be black ice.
Only use the fog lights in extreme conditions: Their use should be restricted to when visibility is poor. Fog lights deliver added brightness and are useful during heavy rain or in dense fog, however they can dazzle oncoming traffic if used incorrectly.
Parking in sub-zero temperatures: Put the car in ‘P’ for park if the car is automatic and either in neutral or first gear if it’s a manual. Put the wiper blades up so they don’t stick to the windscreen during a snowfall or if the temperature falls sharply.
Inspecting the vehicle regularly: Using winter tyres or even authorised snow chains while increasing the distance to the vehicle in front are further recommendations that will help make winter travel safer.
Most of us tend to dress for the weather. In this case, it means wrapping up with a hat, gloves, scarf, a big winter coat and appropriate shoes. So it makes sense to use the same concept when out on the road and adapt your driving behaviour depending on the weather conditions.
- If the weather conditions are severe in your area, you should take notice of police advice and simply not travel. However, in exceptional circumstances if you must go out then make sure you drive safely with extra caution on icy roads
- At least triple your stopping distance and approach every junction expecting to stop well before the stop or give way line - it can take up to ten times as long to stop according to Highway Code advice. Every steering, acceleration or braking input should be as smooth and gentle as possible and select second gear when you pull away in icy conditions. Less torque will help prevent wheel spin
- Salt will often make the windscreen, headlights, number plate and rear parts of your car very dirty. Cars without headlamp washers, for example, will lose an estimated 40% of luminosity and possibly all their focus in about 20 miles on a damp, gritted motorway. When travelling long distances it is advised that you stop regularly at service stations to clean your windscreen and headlights with a clean cloth. Or keep a filled bottle of water in the car boot to give your lights, windows and mirrors a quick wash over – a handy investment is to top up your windscreen washer reservoir when needed too
- Never ignore any warning lights. If one appears, get it checked out sooner rather than later. Being stuck on the side of the road is never good, but breaking down in freezing conditions is a high-risk situation
- Always carry a winter driving kit including an ice scraper, de-icer, blanket, torch, shovel, something to eat and a fully charged mobile phone
- When driving on a busy road avoid overtaking a gritting lorry, as the road ahead may not be treated yet. If you have any doubt, don’t risk it. And make sure to never overtake a snow plough in heavy snow conditions
- While roads may be gritted to give you better traction, some areas may not be completely treated which can leave ice patches exposed. You should therefore drive at a steady pace, ensuring the safety of you and your passengers. On the roads you use regularly, watch out for water running across the carriageway as this can wash away salt
- It’s important that you keep your car clean throughout the winter as the salt in grit can cause corrosion to any exposed parts. Ensure that you thoroughly wash the underneath of your car when you can to stop salt from settling
- Don’t forget to wash/rinse alloy wheels too; the smallest scratch can quickly become a large corroded area
- Just because the winter sun is out does not mean the roads might not be icy. Micro climates of icy patches will linger in areas such as bridges and exposed sections, where the sun has not yet reached
- Keep the tread on your tyres above 2mm - 3mm is ideal. The more tread you have the more water they can cope with. Letting your tyres get down to the legal limit of 1.6mm is not recommended, and don’t forget you can always consider winter tyres if you are in an area where they will benefit you. The following link will give good safety tipshttps://www.tyresafe.org/tyre-safety
Preparation is the key to avoiding a dangerous situation whilst driving in snowy or icy conditions. Don’t rely on the performance of your car systems to get you out of trouble – allow time, make sure you have good visibility all round and carry the right equipment. If conditions are extreme remember the best advice is not to travel.
Why not have peace of mind and let WJ King do a winter safety check on your vehicle for just £29.95. To find out more visit: https://www.wjking.co.uk/offers/service/