We reveal five easy ways to beat the big freeze.

1. De-icing your car

An unclear windscreen could net you a fine of up to £1,000 for driving with restricted vision.

1. Turn on the engine and turn heaters up gradually to de-mist windows
2. If you have air conditioning, turn it on (most cars will as you turn on the defroster)
3. Gently lift the windscreen wipers off the glass and replace to ensure they’re not stuck
4. Brush any thick lumps of snow off the windscreen, mirrors and windows
5. Spray de-icer onto the windscreen
6. Use an ice scraper to remove frost from your windscreen

A third of motorists dangerously use hot water to de-ice their windscreens, mirrors and windows – this can shatter the glass or refreeze quickly, restricting your vision.

Stay near your car when de-icing. Lock your doors, switch the engine off and put the handbrake on – if you leave your car running you’ll leave it exposed to theft.

View cars of London in the snow:

2. Driving in snow and ice

Check for signs of ice before driving – most modern cars have ice warning lights and temperature gauges – anything below three degrees centigrade means ice is likely. If conditions are particularly bad, ask yourself whether you need to travel.

Stopping distances are ten times longer in snow, so keep manoeuvres gentle. Try and keep to major roads rather than smaller, quiet roads.

If your tyre noise suddenly becomes quiet, this could be a sign you’re driving on ice, so take great care and slow down.

Look out for salt spreaders and snow ploughs. Both flash amber beacons and will drive at less than 40mph. Avoid overtaking unless it’s safe to do so – the grit can chip your car’s paintwork.

Avoid revving the engine in deep snow – this could cause the wheels to dig deeper into the snow. Put the car into its highest gear and lightly manoeuvre the car forwards and backwards to slowly creep out of the snow.

If you get completely stuck in snow, remain in the car and call for help, unless help is visible within 100 yards. Avoid shovelling snow or pushing a car in deep snow.

3. Avoiding a skid

Skidding is often caused by a combination of poor weather conditions and speeding.

• Leave plenty of room between you and the car in front
• Drive slowly and carefully
• Brake steadily before approaching a corner, and well in advance
• Avoid over-steering and accelerating suddenly mid-turn

If your vehicle loses grip while turning, depress the clutch and turn the steering wheel into the direction of the skid. Avoid braking suddenly – this can lock the wheels and prolong the skid.

Some new cars feature safety aids which can reduce the effect of a skid.

Aquaplaning

‘Aquaplaning’ occurs when your car makes contact with a layer of water or icy slush too fast, causing the tyres to brush against the surface of water rather than the road.

If this happens, try not to brake hard or steer suddenly. Let the car coast to reduce speed and regain grip.

4. Essential checks

Check the water tank under your car’s bonnet once a week or before long journeys. If the level is below the minimum and maximum marks on the coolant reservoir, it’s too low. Refill with a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze to help prevent freezing, which could crack your car’s engine block.

Use a rag to remove the cap if hot, and take care not to spill any coolant – it can damage your skin and your car’s paintwork.

Anti-freeze testers are cheap and a good way to tell how the car temperature can fall before the water will freeze.

Tyres

It’s important to check tyres regularly, as they determine your car’s grip on the road.

• Check the tread depth. The legal requirement is 1.6mm, but at least 3mm will provide better grip in snowy conditions – the more the better
• Make sure your tyres are inflated to the recommended pressure, as found in your vehicle handbook
• Check for any bumps, bulges, splits, cuts, cracks and objects stuck in the tyres

5. Get equipped

Carrying a few small items in your car could come in handy in the event of a breakdown. We’ve come up with ten essential items:

1. Scraper and de-icer
2. Warning triangle
3. First aid kit
4. Reflective clothing – jackets, armbands and stickers
5. Boots
6. Jump leads
7. Food and a warm flask of water
8. Mobile phone with breakdown firm contact details
9. Tow rope and shovel
10. Blanket

View our winter driving advice slide show:

 
View our winter check slide show: