Top Tips for Safe Winter Driving

Before the winter season hits, it’s essential to ensure your vehicle is ready to handle the cold and icy conditions. Proper preparation can prevent many common winter driving issues and ensure your vehicle runs smoothly. Here’s what you need to do:

Check Your Tyres

Your tyres are your first line of defence against slippery roads. Ensuring they are properly inflated and have sufficient tread depth is crucial for maintaining traction. Consider switching to winter tyres, which are designed to provide better traction in snowy and icy conditions. Winter tyres are made from a different rubber compound that remains flexible in cold temperatures, enhancing grip. Remember, tire pressure can drop with the temperature, so check it regularly to maintain optimal performance and safety.

Tyre issues are the leading cause of winter breakdowns, accounting for 19.1% of breakdowns on major roads, according to National Highways. Ensuring your tyres are in good condition can prevent this from happening.

The RAC advises using a 20p coin to test your tyre tread depth. If the outer band is visible when the coin is inserted into the tread, your tread depth is too shallow.

Ensure Vehicle Fluids Are At Safe Levels

Top up all essential fluids, including antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, oil, and brake fluid. Make sure to opt for a winter-grade oil if necessary, as it flows better at lower temperatures, providing better engine protection. Using a winter-grade windshield washer fluid can also prevent it from freezing and ensure you have clear visibility.

Inspect Brakes and Lights

Ensure your brakes are functioning correctly, as stopping distances can increase on icy roads. Regular brake inspections can help identify wear and tear before it becomes a safety issue. Check that all lights are working, including headlights, taillights, and turn signals, to ensure visibility in low-light conditions. Dirty or dim lights can impair visibility, so clean them regularly and replace any burnt-out bulbs promptly.

See the Quartix Check vehicle inspections app solution to integrate vehicle inspections checklists into your fleet tracking system. Your drivers can use the inspections app to report any vehicle safety issues before they cause any disruption to their journey.

Light Settings for Winter Weather

Your lights are vital for your safety and the safety of others. Not only do they help you see more clearly on the road, but they also signal your intentions to other road users. It’s crucial to familiarise yourself with your car’s light settings.

Ensure that your front and rear lights are switched on in low visibility conditions. However, avoid blinding other drivers with full beam or fog lights unless necessary. Don’t rely on automatic settings or daytime running lights, as these can leave you with inadequate lighting, particularly at the rear. Fog lights, in particular, should only be used when visibility is significantly reduced and must be switched off when conditions improve.

Prepare a Winter Emergency Kit

Equip your vehicle with an emergency kit containing items like blankets, a flashlight, first aid supplies, non-perishable snacks, water, and a snow shovel. These items can be invaluable if you get stranded in severe weather. Consider adding items like a portable phone charger, extra batteries, and hand warmers for added security. You may also want to store extra footwear, such as boots or firm-grip shoes, in case you need to walk in snowy conditions. A mat or piece of carpet can also help provide traction if you become stuck.

To further improve safety, vehicles can be equipped with a safety pack, including a high-visibility jacket, warning triangle, serviceable spare tyre, de-icer and screen wash, jump leads, and sunglasses for harsh winter sunshine.

Minimise Winter Breakdown Risks

Winter breakdowns have risen by 22% in the past five years, particularly on motorways and major A roads. Tyre-related issues are the top cause of breakdowns, followed by loss of power. Keeping your tyres in good condition and carrying a basic safety pack can help you handle unexpected situations, including needing assistance on a cold, snowy day.

Battery Levels in Cold Weather

Cold weather can affect your car’s battery performance significantly. It’s wise to test your battery to ensure it’s in good condition before winter sets in. If your battery is more than four years old, consider having it checked or replaced, as cold temperatures can reduce its efficiency. A battery that was working fine over the summer can quickly start causing problems when the temperature starts dropping.

If you are able to monitor battery levels in the winter, such as through a vehicle tracking system, this can also help you avoid unwanted delays. 

When it comes to EVs, batteries perform best between 20-30 degrees and lose efficiency in cold weather. Winter weather affects an EV’s charging speed, range, and efficiency. Low temperatures can affect charging as the battery needs to warm up first before it can charge at faster speeds, which can result in at-home charging taking an hour or longer, while rapid charging on the public network may also take an extra 15 minutes or so.

Plan extra time for charging and more frequent charging stops in winter weather.

Driving Techniques for Winter Conditions

Driving on ice and snow requires a different approach than driving on dry roads. Adapting your driving style to the conditions can greatly improve your safety and reduce the risk of accidents. Here are some techniques to help you drive safely:

• Slow Down: Speed limits are based on ideal conditions, not snowy or icy roads. Reducing your speed gives you more time to react to any hazards, such as unexpected ice patches or skidding vehicles. This is especially important when driving on ice or through snow, where control is easily lost. Driving slower also reduces the severity of any potential collisions, making it a crucial adjustment during winter.
• Increase Following Distance: Increased stopping distances mean you should leave more space between your car and the vehicle in front of you. A good rule of thumb is to maintain a distance of at least six seconds. This extra time allows you to react calmly and effectively if the vehicle ahead of you suddenly stops or loses control.
• Gentle Movements: Avoid sudden movements such as sharp turns or harsh braking, which can cause your vehicle to skid. Make gradual adjustments to steering, acceleration, and braking to maintain control. Practicing smooth and steady driving not only enhances safety but also helps in maintaining better fuel efficiency.
• Use Low Gears: When driving in snow or on ice, use lower gears to maintain better traction. This can be particularly helpful when going uphill or downhill, where the risk of losing control is higher.
• Know How to Handle Skids: If your vehicle starts to skid, remain calm and avoid slamming on the brakes. Instead, steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go and ease off the accelerator until you regain control.

Understanding Winter Driving Dangers

Winter driving presents several unique challenges. Being aware of these dangers can help you prepare and respond appropriately.

• Black Ice: Black ice is a thin layer of ice that forms on the road and is nearly invisible. It often occurs in shaded areas or on bridges, catching drivers off guard. Drive cautiously and be prepared for sudden patches of ice, particularly in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are lowest.
• Snow Drifts: Wind can blow snow across the road, creating drifts that can be difficult to see, especially at night. Slow down when approaching areas where snow drifts are common, as they can cause a sudden loss of traction.
• Reduced Visibility: Snowfall can significantly reduce visibility, making it harder to see other vehicles, road signs, or obstacles. Ensure your windshield wipers are in good condition and your windshield is clear of snow and ice.
• Slippery Intersections: Intersections can be particularly hazardous in winter conditions. Approach them slowly and be prepared for other drivers who may not be able to stop in time.

Additional Winter Driving Advice

The following tips can further enhance your safety while driving in winter conditions. Incorporating these practices into your routine can make a significant difference in your winter driving experience.

• Plan Your Route: Before heading out, check the weather forecast and road conditions. Plan your route to avoid areas known for hazardous road conditions.
• Stay Informed: Listen to local news or use apps to stay updated on weather and traffic conditions. This information can help you make informed decisions about your travel plans.
• Keep Your Fuel Tank Full: A full fuel tank can help prevent your fuel line from freezing. It also ensures you have enough fuel in case of unexpected delays.
• Avoid Cruise Control: Do not use cruise control on slippery roads. Maintain full control of your vehicle to respond quickly to sudden changes in road conditions.
• Stay Connected: Ensure your phone is fully charged before you leave, and carry a car charger. This will allow you to call for help if you encounter trouble on the road, ensuring you can reach emergency services or roadside assistance. Share your travel plans with someone so they know your expected route and arrival time. Vehicle tracking systems are invaluable in the event of an emergency, allowing help to be sent to your exact location quickly.

For more driving tips appropriate for the season, TTC Group has some useful resources.

Spotting Signs of Driver Fatigue

Fatigue can be a greater risk in winter months, especially with shorter daylight hours. Experts warn that the very early hours of the morning and between 2 pm and 4 pm are when we are mostly likely to feel sleepy. Long, monotonous driving, particularly on motorways, also carries a higher risk than navigating through urban areas or country roads.

Experiencing heavy eyelids, frequent yawning, unintentionally veering onto the hard shoulder road marker, or feeling like your concentration is drifting, are all signs that drowsiness may be affecting you. Recognise these signs and plan breaks and rest periods during long trips to ensure that you stay alert.

Staying Safe on the Winter Roads

Driving in winter conditions requires preparation, patience, and caution. By taking the necessary precautions and adjusting your driving habits, you can minimise the risks associated with winter driving. Remember, safety should always be your top priority. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be better equipped to handle whatever winter throws your way.

For a comprehensive vehicle tracking solution to keep your company drivers safe and connected all year round, check out our vehicle tracking system. Benefit from live tracking updates with traffic information, geofencing alerts and in-depth driver behaviour analysis.

Safe travels!