Driving in Snow: Essential Winter Safety Tips
Winter brings beautiful snowy landscapes — and some of the toughest driving conditions of the year. Freezing temperatures, slippery roads, and poor visibility can all make it difficult to stay safe behind the wheel. Whether you’re driving to work or heading to the mountains, these tips will help you prepare for and handle snow-covered roads with confidence.
Fast Facts
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Operate all vehicle controls — brakes, steering, acceleration, and gears — slowly and smoothly.
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Accelerate gently using low revs and shift into a higher gear as soon as possible.
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Maintain a greater braking distance between you and the vehicle ahead.
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If your car starts to skid, stay calm and steer gently into the skid — never brake hard or release the steering wheel.
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Use your headlights in snowy weather, and if visibility drops below 100 metres, turn on your fog lights (but remember to turn them off when visibility improves).
Why Winter Driving Demands Extra Care
Snow and ice can turn even familiar roads into unpredictable hazards. Cold temperatures reduce tyre grip, while snow and slush can conceal ice patches or obstacles. Drivers often overestimate their vehicle’s traction and underestimate stopping distances — a recipe for accidents.
By preparing your car and adjusting your driving habits, you can significantly reduce the risks of winter driving.
1. Check and Install the Right Tyres
Your tyres are your first line of defence in snowy or icy conditions.
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Inspect tread depth regularly — the legal minimum is 1.6 mm, but deeper tread provides much better grip and braking performance.
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Check tyre pressure often; cold weather can cause it to drop, affecting handling and fuel efficiency.
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Consider winter or all-season tyres for better traction. Look for the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol on the sidewall — it certifies that the tyre meets performance standards for severe snow conditions.
Worn or summer tyres harden in low temperatures and lose their ability to grip the road effectively, especially during braking and cornering.
2. Prepare Before You Drive
Good preparation can make a big difference when the temperature drops.
Before setting off:
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Check weather and traffic reports before your trip and plan extra time for delays.
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Choose main roads whenever possible — they’re more likely to be cleared and salted.
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Clear snow and ice from all windows, mirrors, lights, and the roof. Snow flying off your car can obscure other drivers’ visibility and may be illegal.
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Top up washer fluid with a high-concentration antifreeze solution. Ensure wipers are in good condition.
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Refuel before leaving — running low on fuel in winter traffic or a snowstorm is risky.
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Pack an emergency kit: include water, snacks, warm clothing, a torch, high-visibility vest, warning triangle, first aid kit, and your mobile phone with a car charger.
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Wear appropriate footwear — clean and dry shoes prevent slipping on the pedals.
Also, keep sunglasses in the car; bright winter sunlight reflecting off snow can cause glare and make it harder to see.
3. How to Drive Safely on Snow and Ice
Operate Controls Smoothly
The golden rule for driving in snow is gentle and deliberate movements. Sudden braking, sharp turns, or quick acceleration can easily cause your vehicle to skid.
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Accelerate gently with low revs and shift into a higher gear early to reduce wheelspin.
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Keep your speed low, and be aware of hazards like black ice, snowdrifts, or patches of slush.
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Increase braking distance — leave up to ten times the usual gap between your car and the vehicle in front.
Climbing and Descending Hills
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When climbing hills, leave plenty of space ahead so you can maintain a steady speed without needing to change gear or accelerate sharply.
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When going downhill, use a low gear and avoid braking unless absolutely necessary. Use engine braking by easing off the accelerator instead of relying solely on the brakes.
Handling Skids
If your car begins to skid:
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Stay calm — don’t slam the brakes.
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Ease off the accelerator.
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Steer in the direction of the skid — if the rear slides left, steer left.
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Keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel until control is regained.
Visibility and Lights
Always turn on your headlights in snowy conditions, even during the day. If visibility drops below 100 metres, activate your fog lights, but switch them off once visibility improves to avoid dazzling other drivers.
Avoid driving in the wheel tracks of other vehicles; compacted snow in these areas can be icier and more slippery than fresh snow.
4. Stay Safe and Plan Ahead
Winter driving demands patience, preparation, and awareness. If conditions are severe, it’s always safer to delay your journey until the weather improves.
Remember:
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Smooth, slow inputs are key.
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Good tyres make all the difference.
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Preparation and planning turn a risky trip into a safe one.
Driving in snow doesn’t have to be dangerous — with the right approach, you can enjoy a calm, controlled journey through even the toughest winter weather.