As winter approaches, the landscapes can quickly change into treacherous roads, demanding drivers to adapt their techniques and change standard tyres to Bridgestone Tyres Leicester. Driving your vehicle in snowy conditions on UK roads can be a challenging and potentially hazardous experience, even for the most experienced drivers.
In this blog post, we will cover some tips and tricks to remember when driving on snowy roads. If you are interested in knowing more about snow or winter tyres then keep reading.
Is it Necessary to Drive in Snow?
When you are going on a winter road journey, you need to ask yourself if it is necessary or important. It’s always recommended to venture out in severe weather only if you really need to go. Planning around forecast weather warnings may be your best way to avoid the worst weather.
If you are going to drive a long way from home. Use smartphone apps to check what the weather and traffic conditions are like on your route. Keep focusing on radio announcements to know real-time information.
5 Checklist Before You Drive Off to Winter Trip
While you prepare yourself for cold temperatures by wearing warm clothes. But don’t forget that your car needs to be in tip-top shape to take on the weather, too. Doing the following inspections before heading off the journey will help reduce the risk of any obstacles on the way:
Check the tread depth of your tyres, while the legal limit of tread depth is 1.6mm, it’s recommended to have at least 3mm of tread depth when you driving in winter. You may want to consider switching to winter or all-season tyres while driving in winter conditions.
Ensure the wipers are working properly and de-ice the screen on the driver’s view is free of obstructions.
Check if coolant and screenwash have sufficient levels, if required top up both things.
Check your vehicle batteries, because most of the common reasons for breakdowns are flat batteries, ensure it’s all working properly or get a mechanic to check its condition.
Ensure all the lights are working properly, especially if you notice any faults then replace them with new ones.
Keep a few winter essentials in your car to ensure a smooth experience during the winter months.
6 Tips to Drive Your Vehicle in Snow
There is no exact process to follow when driving in the snow as it can differ for each motorist. But, it helps to keep in mind some tips and tricks when driving in the snow:
Going downhill- Use a combination of downshifting gears on a manual transmission vehicle and braking if needed when going down a slope as this will offer more control when driving at high speeds.
Gear changing- If you own a manual transmission vehicle, starting it in the second gear can help reduce wheel spin. For automatic transmissions, if you have it, using the “L” (low) gear mode can offer better control on slippery surfaces. Some automatic vehicles have specific snow or ice driving modes which are designed to be used only in snowy conditions.
Driving Style: The key to driving in the snow is to avoid any jerky or sudden movements such as quick acceleration or hard braking. Smooth steering also helps have better handling over the vehicle and prevents the risk of skidding.
Skidding- If you feel yourself skidding or losing control over your vehicle, the first thing you need to do is stay calm. Steer gently in the same direction the vehicle is moving to avoid hitting the brakes.
Around corners- Ensure you don’t oversteer or make sudden movements that could lead to skidding on smooth surfaces.
Maintain sufficient distance between cars- Increase your distance between your vehicle and the vehicle on your front at least three times the normal distance to allow ample time to react to any sudden changes ahead.
Is it Safe to Drive in the Snow?
Driving on snowy roads is safe if you take the necessary precautions, adapt your driving style and a prepared for the driving conditions. In general, it is not recommended to drive in icy and snow conditions if you are new to driving. A few things you need to consider before trying to drive in the snow:
Does your vehicle have proper tyres or tyres with good tread depth?
Are you confident enough in your driving skills to tackle harsh conditions?
Does your vehicle have traction control and ABS to prevent the risk of sliding or skidding?
Are your headlights and brake lights in good working condition?
Are the roads on the route being monitored?
It is important to remember that it’s safe to stay off the roads during severe weather conditions. If you are not confident in your ability to drive in such conditions, it might be better to avoid it and consider alternative transportation ways.
Snow Socks or Snow Chains?
Most people don’t know what snow socks are. Snow socks also known as tyre socks or textile snow chains are fabric covers that fit over your regular Tyres Leicester. They are made from durable, high-strength materials and feature a specially designed textile pattern that grips the road surface to provide improved traction on snow and icy roads.
These chains are easier to install and remove than snow chains; they are preferred by many drivers. Snow socks also usually produce low noise or vibration and are easier on vehicle handling when compared to regular snow chains.
