Winter driving tips

We want you to be safe on the road this season, so we’ve put together a few handy winter driving tips to help you look after yourself and your riders come sleet, snow or rain.

You need to step more carefully on a slippery surface – and so does your car. If you’re driving in frost or snow, make sure you check that your tyres are ready to handle it. It’s also important to remember that cold weather can affect tyre pressure, so they should be filled up and have a good tread before you set out.

It’s better to be safe than sorry, so make sure you slow your speed and leave a larger gap between yourself and others drivers when driving in snow, heavy rain or hail. Visibility is often much lower than on a sunny day, and you need to leave yourself longer reaction times.

It’s always a good idea to have a winter emergency car kit, but it’s especially important when it snows. As well as essentials for your car, such as jump leads, a tool kit and a torch, make sure to keep some extra warm clothes, boots and blankets on hand in case you end up stuck somewhere. A first-aid kit, snacks and water are handy, too.

While cold-weather safety comes first, there are other things to consider when driving in the winter, too – such as keeping your car clean. Having mats to put down on the floor to catch snow or sludge and using wax to keep salt from sticking to your car’s exterior can save you a lot of hassle in the long run. Cold winter air can also damage the upholstery from drawing out the moisture. Wiping it down and applying a conditioner can protect the seat-leather and dashboard from damage, as well as staining from general winter muck that the mats don’t catch.