Tips on winter driving as first cold weather arrives

With the arrival of the first cold weather across Europe, we felt now was a good time to remind everyone about our tips for winter driving, intended to help keep you and your drivers safe this winter.

Preparing to travel

Check the local and national weather forecasts. Listen to the local and national radio for travel information. Use the internet for up-to-the-minute reports. Leave 10 minutes early to give you time to prepare your car.

Don't drive off without clearing all windows of snow and ice. In extreme weather, it's worth carrying a mobile phone with fully charged battery, torch, first-aid kit, blankets, warm coat and boots, snow shovel, warning triangle, an old sack or rug to put under the wheels if you do get stuck, and water repellent spray.

Plan routes to favour major roads which are more likely to have been treated. Put safety before punctuality when the bad weather closes in. Better still, use conference calls or video conferencing where appropriate.

Electrics

Avoid running car electrics any longer than necessary; turn the heater fan down and switch the heated rear window off once windows are clear. When you're starting up the car, ensure that non-essentials like lights, rear screen heater and wipers are all turned off.

Antifreeze

The majority of cars use long-life antifreeze and it is absolutely essential that you don't mix these with other types as this can cause sludge to form in the engine. If you're not sure what type of antifreeze is in your car, take it to a dealer. Traditional glycol-based antifreeze should be changed at least every two years.

Vision

Through the winter months, dazzle from the low sun can be a particular problem. Improve vision significantly by making sure that the windscreen is clean – inside and out. Scratches, abrasions and chips on the outside can also worsen the dazzling effect of the sun.

Keep the windscreen and other windows clear; if your vision is obscured through dirt, snow or even sticker-infested car windows, you could face a hefty fine in several countries.

Check windscreen wipers and replace if necessary. Make sure that wipers are switched off in the park position when leaving the car, when there's risk of freezing. If you don't and the blades freeze to the screen, you could damage the blades or wiper motor when you turn the ignition on. Windscreen washer fluid should be topped up and treated with an additive to reduce the chance of freezing in frosty weather.

Lights

Check that all bulbs are working and headlights are clean and aimed correctly. You must use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced. You may also use front or rear fog lights but these must be switched off when visibility improves as they can dazzle other road users and obscure your brake lights. Keep the number plates clean too, as you can be fined if they are dirty and illegible.

Tyres

Check all tyres for condition, pressure and tread depth. Do not let your tyre tread go below 2mm. Don't reduce tyre pressures to get more grip – it doesn't work and reduces stability. Check you have a working jack and wheel brace - and that you know how to change a wheel if necessary.

If you live in a country where winter tyres are mandatory, including Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic, make sure you switch to them in plenty of time before the bad weather arrives. Make sure you follow company fleet policy.

Driving in snow and ice

Stopping distances are 10 times longer in ice and snow. Gentle manoeuvres are the key to safe driving. Wear comfortable, dry shoes: cumbersome, snow-covered boots will slip on the pedals. Select second gear when pulling away, easing your foot off the clutch gently to avoid wheel-spin.

When climbing a hill, it's important to avoid having to stop on the hill by waiting until it is clear of other cars or by leaving plenty of room between you and the car in front. Try to maintain a constant speed, choosing the most suitable gear well in advance to avoid having to change down on the hill.

When driving downhill, reduce your speed before the hill, use a low gear and try to avoid using the brakes. Leave as much room as possible between you and the car in front. Always apply brakes gently. Release them and de-clutch if the car skids.

If you have an automatic then, under normal driving conditions, it's best to select 'Drive' and let the gearbox do the work throughout the full gear range. In slippery, snowy conditions, you can make driving much safer by selecting '2', which limits the gear changes and also makes you less reliant on the brakes. Many modern cars have a 'winter' mode which locks out first gear to reduce the risk of wheel spin.

If you do get stuck, straighten the steering and clear the snow from the wheels. Put a sack or old rug in front of the driving wheels to give the tyres some grip. Once on the move again, try not to stop until you reach firmer ground.

If you require any further information or advice on the above, please email info@fleetlogistics.com.