Winter Driving Tips

The battery helps start the engine and works harder in low temperatures for a number of reasons - so check its condition. Warning signs that it is struggling include a sluggish, churning, sound as the ignition key turns. It is preferable to replace a battery early than wait for it to fail and cause a breakdown. Life expectancy varies, but a reasonable benchmark is 5 to 7 years.

Windscreen wiper blades improve visibility but perish faster than some people recognise – so check for condition. Signs of excessive wear include a hard texture, splits, and permanent smears on the windscreen. Furthermore, ensure that the vehicle has washer fluid and that the blend of washer/water is correct for the season to prevent it freezing. Consult the bottle for details. Choose fluid carefully as some brands are far more freeze resistant than others.

Good tyres enable a vehicle to steer, brake and handle properly – so check condition. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central 75% of the width, and around the circumference. The RAC, however, recommends “at least 3mm” as the tread clears water so the vehicle makes contact with the road. Insufficient tread might cause it to float which eliminates any ability to steer. Check the tyre pressure too. The correct setting is typically found on a sticker on the b-pillar, or the manual. Also check for bulges, cracking, tearing and punctures. Finally, consider purchasing winter tyres which provide superior traction at lower temperatures

Antifreeze prevents the water that cools the engine freezing so check its level against minimum and maximum markers on the reservoir. The manual confirms where to look in the engine bay. Lack of antifreeze can – in the most extreme case – cause enough damage to write-off a vehicle. Anti-freeze minimises corrosion too.

Winter ice, snow and condensation minimise visibility so clear every window. The vehicle's ventilation system eradicates condensation, even more so if it incorporates an air-conditioning element which is a dehumidifier. Ice can be removed with a spray and scrapper. Never pour hot water onto the glass as any sudden temperature change could make it crack. Finally, remove snow from the roof to prevent it sliding forward and covering the windscreen.

Winter rain, ice and snow minimise traction so the driving style has to be modified. Brake early/smoothly, steer progressively rather than sharply and accelerate without stamping on the throttle. Looking far ahead and anticipating what is required make such tasks easier. Furthermore, switch off cruise control when there is very little grip to ensure optimum control of the throttle. Cruise control, after all, keeps sending power to the drive wheels irrespective of any patches of ice and standing water.

Breaking down or getting stuck in traffic is more hazardous in the winter thanks to the cold and reduced visibility – so pack an emergency kit. Popular items include: a collapsible shovel, high visibility jacket, warning triangle, torch, phone charger, food, drink, warm clothing, foil blanket, de-icer/scraper, snow grips for shoes, first aid kid, snow chains and an emergency battery starter.