Tips for driving in colder weather

The UK will soon experience colder temperatures, which can disrupt roads and cause issues for drivers.

Here are a few thoughts from the Underwoods team on how to best tackle the change in conditions during winter:

Defrost fully before your journey

We are often in a rush before our work journeys or school run, but is always prudent to ensure the best visibility. Before you drive, you must make sure your vehicle is properly defrosted. A trusted ice scraper and some spray-on substances that dissolve snow and ice from your screen are usually the quickest way.

Please do not only focus your attention on the front and rear windscreens, your side visibility and mirrors are also important to clear, as well as your front and rear lights and your indicators. Good to ensure those around you know where you are going!

If there is heavy snow, ensure you clear your roof, perhaps using a soft broom. This will ensure drivers behind, cyclist and even pedestrians aren't getting your roof top snow in their face.

Also at this time of year, make sure your screenwash is filled and diluted suitably to clear any ice forming whilst you drive.

Beware of 'Thieves'

On the coldest days the best thing to do is start your engine, set all windscreen clearing options on and turn the heat up while you clear the exterior.

However, don't be tempted to leave your vehicle unattended. Should some unscrupulous individual decide to drive off in your vehicle - your insurance company may not pay out.

Many modern vehicles will allow the car to run without the key in the ignition, so thieves may not get far, but best to err on the side of caution is our recommendation.

Take your time

When you are aware of colder weather conditions on the road, give yourself more journey time. With more time you can drive a little slower which will give you a greater reaction period to respond to a potential issues such as skidding or sliding on ice or snow. You will naturally be more prepared for changes in the traffic ahead or from side roads by just bringing the speed down. There is no harm in that!

Space to react

As well as going slower ensure the space between you and the vehicle in front is generous. Slippery conditions and being too quick on the brakes can end in a costly disaster. By increasing the space, you are simply giving yourself greater time to react. It only takes one person to slow suddenly for an unfortunate chain reaction to occur.

It has also been proven that by leaving a larger gap actually helps the traffic to move along more effectively. If only more drivers would do this at all times.​

Keep on major roads

Throughout Essex and Suffolk we are blessed with beautiful back roads winding through our countryside. However the Council gritters don't often visit them. Our local Council gritters do a great job, but mainly focus on major roads and residential areas as they are unable to access smaller, narrow country roads. If you are not sure if the gritters have been, you are probably best to use major roads. This may take more time than your cross country short cut, but think about that extra time to add to your journey, just for safety's sake.

Not sure? Stay home!

If you are in any way unsure about the road conditions or your ability to handle them safely, best stay at home unless the journey is unavoidable. 

We particularly recommend staying at home if you’re not confident about driving on snow or ice. Best to be safe than sorry.

What to take with you

If you must go out and the weather is particularly poor, especially in heavy snow, we recommend taking a few emergency items with you such as; a shovel, broom, big bottle of water, snacks, warm clothing including wellington boots (not necessarily suitable for driving ) and not forgetting your trusty ice scraper and windscreen clearing liquid.

If you would like to prepare your vehicle for Winter, click here to learn about our Underwoods Winter Health Check or call your local Underwoods Motoring.

Safe journeys everyone.

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