From the team at Trust A Garage we would like to wish you a very merry Christmas! With huge volumes of the UK set to hit the roads this Christmas weekend, here is your timely reminder on how to drive safely over the festive period.
Navigating roads during winter, especially in snowy or icy conditions, can pose significant dangers. The key to ensuring safety is adopting a cautious approach. In icy conditions, stopping distances can be up to 10 times longer than usual so it is important that you take it steady.
Before you go
When planning your trip, make sure that you:
- Allocate extra time for winter journeys.
- Plan routes that include major roads, as they are more likely to be cleared and gritted.
- Set your alarm at least 10 minutes early to allow time for de-icing the car.
- Choose comfortable, dry shoes for driving to prevent slipping on the pedals.
- Check fuel levels; ensure there's at least a quarter of a tank for unexpected delays.
- Clear all windows using a scraper and de-icer, and wait until the windscreen is fully demisted.
Driving in wintry conditions
Maintain visibility and prevent fines:
- Ensure the windscreen and other windows are free of dirt and snow to avoid potential fines.
- Clear snow from the roof, as it can slide onto the windscreen, obstructing your view.
- Utilize the air conditioning to demist the screen more quickly and minimize condensation.
- Regularly check and replace worn or damaged wiper blades.
- Avoid leaving wipers on auto when parking in frost-prone conditions to prevent damage to blades or the wiper motor when starting the ignition.
- Use a suitable additive in your screen wash to decrease the risk of freezing.
Driving safely in icy conditions:
- Pull away in second gear, releasing the clutch gently to avoid wheel-spin.
- Apply brakes gently if necessary.
- When driving uphill, maintain ample distance between vehicles or wait for a clear path to avoid stopping midway. Keep a constant speed and minimize gear changes on the incline.
- While driving downhill, reduce speed before descending, use a low gear, and try to avoid excessive braking. Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
Make sure that you can see other road users, and they can see you:
- Check that all car lights are working.
- Keep your number plates clean to avoid fines.
- Use headlights when visibility is significantly reduced.
- If you activate fog lights, remember to turn them off once visibility improves to prevent dazzling other drivers or obstructing your brake lights.
If you are uncertain that your vehicle is fit to drive in adverse conditions, avoid driving unless it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive, it might be worth taking your car to your local garage to check any areas that you are concerned about, for example tyres, battery health or lights.
Have a wonderful Christmas and, above all, stay safe, from all the team at Trust A Garage.