Driving in the Snow

Driving in the Snow

Snow driving can be dangerous if it is not done properly and safely. The safest thing to do is to avoid the snow, but if you absolutely must go out in it. Drive safe. Due to the cold weather the roads can be slippery. People drive slower and journeys can take longer, be prepared. It is important to follow safety procedures before starting any journey, but especially one in the snow.

Prepare yourself, your passengers, and your car for the journey ahead and be aware of how the weather can quickly change. If you follow some of these tips you will have a safe journey and could even enjoy the snow before it turns into a wet mess once more.

1. Check your tyres

They are the things that are going to keep you on the road if you hit some snow or ice and lose control. Make sure that they are new, well inflated, with good tread. You could even have some snow tyres just in case. Putting a metal chain wrap around your tyres can give extra grip, especially on those country roads.

2. Check your lights

It gets dark and cold outside, and you will need your lights to work well. Check the bulbs, full beam, half beam, side lights and indicators. Make sure that they all work well and shine bright.

3. Windscreen

You need to be able to see. Get winter-grade windscreen wash and fill up your tank. Make sur that your blades are clean and touch your windscreen all the way across. You do not want patchy wipers.

4. Warm the car before setting off

Warming up the car means that the snow and ice will melt off before you get going. Make sure that every window is clear, even if you do not look out of it often, you still need 360 degrees clear vision in these conditions.

5. Pack for a long journey

You never know, but sometimes people get stuck on the road. Have extra warm clothes, food, drinks, games for passengers, music, and blankets. Short journeys can turn into long nightmares in the snow falls heavily. Make sure that you have extra socks, good shoes and high visibility clothing, just in case you need to step outside.

6. Know your route

Know where you are going, do not deviate. Tell others your route, so they can listen to the news and weather forecast for you. Find places where you can go off route, if needed. Locate Turning places where you can turn around if the weather takes a turn for the worst. Know where the petrol stations are and try as much as possible to stick to main roads.

7. Stay smooth and chill

Sudden acceleration or braking is what causes the more skids in bad weather. Use the gears to slow down, stay at a steady, consistent speed. On hills, leave a lot of room between you and the car in front. If people overtake, let them. Do not race, it is not good weather for road rage or competitions.

8. Have emergency numbers in your phone

Breakdown cover, insurance details, family members and emergency services should all be stored in your phone. And make sure that your phone has plenty of battery. If you have a power bank, charge that up too.

The Match Me Family is here to help with guides, new cars, better finance and some more advice on driving this winter in the snow. We try to avoid it when driving around Manchester. You should stay home and stay safe and warm too.