Driving advice for wintery weather
With winter conditions causing chaos on the roads, Mondial Assistance in the UK, provider of roadside assistance services, has released important advice to drivers having to travel in the treacherous conditions. However, warns Mondial Assistance, the best advice is not to drive unless it’s essential!
“As snow and ice continue to cause problems around the country, we are warning motorists to be careful when driving in these conditions,” explains Lee Taylor, Automotive Director at Mondial Assistance in the UK. “We would strongly advise to avoid travelling, but if you do need to venture on to the roads there are a number of driving and survival tips to bear in mind.
“It is essential to drive at slower speeds than usual in these snowy conditions and keep your distance from the car in front. Indicate early before turning or changing lanes, to give other drivers visibility of what you are doing and the chance to react in time. Be aware of black ice, most commonly found in areas that are shadowed from the sun. Your car might be nice and warm, but never forget that it could be below freezing point outside.”
Mondial Assistance also recommends that motorists allow plenty of time for your journey and make sure you have a full tank of fuel before starting off, just in case you need to take an alternative and longer route. Check that the windscreen washer bottle is topped up and contains the correct ratio of screen wash to ensure maximum cleaning and to prevent it freezing.
“In order not to get caught out, UK motorists need to make sure they prepare their vehicle for snowy conditions. After all, prevention is better than cure. So something as simple as keeping a torch and a blanket in the boot of the car can be invaluable in an emergency. Drivers are more likely to take a bag of boiled sweets for the journey, than something as essential as a first aid kit and a shovel! We advise all motorists to ensure they have a membership with reputable roadside assistance provider, as it could be a lifeline out on the road on a cold winter night. Most importantly, trust your instinct and turn back if you think the conditions are too treacherous.”
Driving in the snow advice from Mondial Assistance
Keep an eye on local and national weather forecasts before heading out and avoid travelling if possible
Before you go, make sure you have a hands-free phone and charger, a torch, screen scraper and shovel in the car
Stopping distances are 10 times longer in ice and snow
Gentle manoeuvres are the key to safe driving
Always apply brakes gently. Release them and de-clutch if the car skids
Try to maintain a constant speed, choosing the most suitable gear in advance to avoid having to change down while climbing a hill.
Ensure tyres are in good condition for maximum traction on slippery roads
Use major roads for journeys and beware of black ice
If you do get stuck in deep snow, do not rev the engine, as this will cause the wheels to dig deeper.
Instead, put the car into a high gear and slowly move forwards and backwards to gently creep out of the snow
Keep a note of your breakdown assistance emergency number