Thick snow, gale force winds and temperatures as low as -5C are expected to hit the UK this weekend.

In the second part of our winter driving guide, we show you five expert driving techniques.

Part one: Essential checks

Extreme weather is expected around the east coast of England and north-east parts of Scotland this weekend as an ‘arctic blast’ approaches.

The Met Office has predicted snow showers and winds as strong as 70mph. Our essential tips explain how to stay safe on the road:

1. How to avoid skidding

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.

View our essential winter driving slide show:

2. 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 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.

Stopping distances are ten times longer in snow, so keep manoeuvres gentle.

3. Strong winds

Check for weather warnings on the radio or Internet before setting out.

Take extra care when driving alongside cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders – strong gusts can blow them off course.

High-sided vehicles such as caravans and coaches can also veer off course from strong winds, so be careful when passing them.

The motorists’ guide to tornadoes

4. Heavy rain

Stopping distances double in the wet – it can take 46m to stop after braking at 30mph.

Avoid driving through flooded roads, as they can ruin your engine and reduce the effectiveness of the brakes. If you have to pass through a flood, use first gear. Move at a slow pace and keep your revs high to avoid stalling the engine.

Test your brakes after passing through water. If they feel spongy or slack, pull over - your car may not be safe to continue until weather conditions improve.

If you live in an area under flood warning, park your car on higher ground if it’s safe to do so, and take any important items out of your car.

View our step-by-step car check guide:

Aquaplaning and how to avoid it

‘Aquaplaning’ occurs when your car makes contact with a layer of water 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.

5. Thick fog

If fog is preventing you from seeing less than 100 metres ahead, switch your fog lights on. Switch them off once conditions improve to avoid dazzling other drivers.

• Switch on your dipped headlights after turning off the fog lights
• Use your windscreen wipers and screen demisters to prevent glass from steaming up
• Listen carefully for oncoming traffic at junctions and around corners

Thick fog can suddenly reappear, so drive at a safe speed and be prepared to slow down further if necessary.

Video: Winter driving

Watch this footage of a Volvo V70 driving in the snow:

View our winter driving slide show

Part one: Essential checks