Driving in the snow: complete guide

View our step-by-step winter check gallery:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Refill with a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze – this helps prevent your car’s engine block cracking due to freezing.
4. Anti-freeze testers indicate how much the car temperature can fall before the water will freeze.
5. Check your tyres’ tread depth. The legal requirement is 1.6mm, but at least 3mm will provide better grip in snowy conditions.
6. Make sure your tyres are inflated to the recommended pressure, as found in your vehicle handbook.
7. Check for any damage or foreign objects stuck in the tyres.

3. De-ice your windows

Driving with an unclear windscreen could result in a fine of up to £1,000 for restricted vision, so follow these tips to make sure your car is fit to drive:

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

Stay near your car when de-icing. Lock your doors, switch the engine off and put the handbrake on. Cars left running and unlocked are more exposed to theft.

Avoid using hot water to de-ice your car – this can refreeze or shatter the glass.

4. Drive safely in snow and ice

1. 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.
2. If conditions are particularly bad, ask yourself whether you need to travel.
3. Stopping distances are ten times longer in snow, so keep manoeuvres gentle. Try and keep to major roads rather than smaller, quiet roads.
4. If your tyres suddenly become quiet, this could be a sign you’re driving on ice, so take great care and slow down.
5. 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.
6. Avoid revving the engine in thick snow – this could cause the wheels to dig deeper into the snow.
7. Put the car into its highest gear and lightly manoeuvre the car forwards and backwards to slowly creep out of the snow.

View our step-by-step winter driving gallery:

5. Avoiding skidding

Skidding is often caused by a combination of poor weather conditions and speeding. To avoid it, make sure you:

• 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’ is another type of skid. This 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 your car aquaplanes, try not to brake hard or steer suddenly. Let the car coast, to reduce speed and regain grip.

For more information on driving in wet weather, read our guide on how to drive in a flood.

What to do if you get caught in a snowdrift

If you get completely stuck in snow, remain in the car and call for help, unless help is visible within 100 yards. It’s a good idea to tie something brightly coloured to your aerial.

In deep snow, avoid pushing a car or shovelling snow. For more information on how to pull over in dangerous road conditions, read what to do in an accident.

What to do if you get stuck on ice

Try to drive gently in a higher gear to avoid wheelspin, and avoid harsh braking and acceleration. If you start to skid, gently ease off the accelerator and avoid braking.

If braking is necessary, pump the brakes - don't slam them hard. Try to stop in a safe place and call for help.

Are you stuck in the snow?

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