We all know driving in Winter can be a drag - here's our guide to the 10 things to watch out for while you're on the road
We all know driving in Winter can be a drag - here's our guide to the 10 things to watch out for while you're on the road
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Created 11/12/12
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1
Black ice
Black ice can be deadly, and it attributes for many deaths on the road each year. The worst part of it is, it's near impossible to tell when you're approaching it from behind the wheel. To combat the threat of black ice always stick to a conservative speed while driving in Winter conditions at all times, and don't ever leave yourself in a position where you've got to brake sharply - black ice can cause your brakes to fail, with potentially fatal consequences.
2
Winter breakdown
If your car malfunctions and you're left stranded in Wintry conditions then you're in a difficult position for all sorts of reasons. First off, if your car has broken down on a main road then put your hazard lights on to make other drivers aware that you're there. Second off, you've got to think of your own wellbeing while waiting for help. Wrap up very warm to avoid the threat of hypothermia creeping in - keep a large coat and blanket in the boot of your car at all times.
3
Conditions underfoot
Driving on snow is very difficult. In most cases it isn't advisable to even contemplate putting your car on a Winter road unless it's been gritted. If you insist though (and only if it doesn't look too dangerous) then make sure your car is fitted with either winter tires or snow chains.
Snow chains can be a little hard to come by unless you already have them, but they're without question the safest option.
4
Getting caught in a blizzard
One of the most unenviable positions to be in on the road, if you're out when a blizzard hits it's not pleasant. The first thing to do is stop - don't drive in a blizzard, no matter how much you feel like you need to be somewhere. Pull over to the side of the road (make sure this is far enough over than no-one will crash into the back of you) and put your emergency lights on. Wrap up warm and wait for things to calm down a little, or call the emergency services.
It goes without saying that you shouldn't ever set off in blizzard-like conditions either.
5
Keeping your car visible
When you're out on the road you've got to take every precaution you can to keep your car visible in dull conditions. Put your lights on even if it's only starting to get a little dark, and don't be afraid to use your full beams if needs must. Make sure that snow and sludge are cleared from your lights as well - many people forget about this when they get in their car and assume their lights will be fine. They won't, this sludge can seriously dull your visibility levels (and others' visibility of you) increasing the likelihood of any accidents occurring.
6
Locks frosting up
If there has been overnight snow and ice, you'd better learn to live with the fact your locks might have frozen up. It's easily solved, but it's still annoying if you need to be somewhere in a hurry. Either schoosh some anti-freeze into the lock or warm it with a lighter til the ice thaws. Whatever you're doing, don't force the key. If it breaks or the lock itself becomes damaged you're in trouble.
7
Getting stuck in snow
It's happened to the best of us - you've parked on a slight incline, it's snowed overnight and now you're stuck. Nightmare. Keep a shovel in your boot to dig yourself out, but if you are on an incline and it doesn't look like it's happening once you start your car then don't risk it. There's a high chance your car can spiral out of control once you restart (especially considering the icy conditions).
8
Broken defrosters
A defroster can break in your car at any time really, but the worst case scenario is that it breaks in the dead of Winter. If it does go, then don't drive - your defroster needs to be working properly if you're going to be driving in the cold.
9
Grit
Grit definitely makes the roads safer places in the Winter, but it has it's dangers as well. Namely the chips it can cause in paint, or worse still for safety's sake, auto glass. If grit causes a crack in your windscreen then stop and get it sorted as soon as possible. It goes without saying that you need to see where you're going in harsh conditions…
10
Your battery
It's easy to take your battery for granted, but remember that it's only a finite source of power and is designed to run out one day. Couple that with the fact that cold weather levels can affect its performance, and it becomes pretty obvious why you should be checking it regularly!
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