Snow and ice

Is your journey really necessary?

In winter, especially if the weather doesn’t look good, check the local weather forecast before setting out. If snow or ice is forecast, don’t drive unless your journey is essential.

Before setting off

If you consider it necessary to travel, it’s useful to carry the following in case you get stuck or your vehicle breaks down

• warm drink and emergency food
• warm clothing and boots
• de-icer/ice scraper
• torch
• first-aid kit
• spade or shovel
• jump leads
• blanket
• old sacks.

You should also

• clear all snow and ice from all of your windows so that you can see clearly all round
• ensure all lights are clean and free from snow so they can be seen by other road users
• make sure the mirrors are clear and the windows are demisted thoroughly so that you have the best visibility possible
• clear snow from the bonnet and roof so that it doesn’t fly off and cause a danger to other road users such as motorcyclists or cyclists.

Starting off on snow

If you experience wheelspin when you’re starting off in deep snow, don’t race the engine, because the wheels will dig in further.

Try to move the car slightly backwards and then forwards out of the rut. Use the highest gear you can.

In these conditions, it’s worthwhile carrying a spade and some old sacks to put under the wheels. These can be useful to help get you going when you’ve become stuck in snow.

Moving off in snow and ice can sometimes be improved if your vehicle is equipped with traction control. Traction control works by using sensors that ‘brake’ the wheels that have wheelspin while supplying more power to the wheels with the most traction. Some vehicles also have features that limit the amount of power coming from the engine. Remember that traction control doesn’t mean you’ll never get stuck in snow – it’s designed to stop the wheels of your vehicle spinning out of control on slippery surfaces.

Snow chains are also available. These can be fitted over existing wheels and tyres to help avoid getting stuck and to reduce the danger of skidding.

Snow socks are a popular alternative to snow chains. They can be fitted on to the wheel quickly and are relatively lightweight.

Driving in snow

When falling snow reduces visibility, use your dipped headlights as you would in heavy rain or fog. Falling or freshly fallen snow need not cause too much difficulty, providing you remember to

• increase the gap between you and the vehicle in front, remembering to look in your mirror before slowing down
• test your brakes, very gently, from time to time, but be sure to look in your mirrors before braking. Snow can pack behind the front wheels or around brake linkages under the car and so affect steering and braking
• be prepared to clear the windscreen by hand. Your wipers, even with the aid of the heater, may not be able to sweep the snow clear. Snow might collect and pack around your lights and indicators
• drive with care, even if the roads have been treated. Conditions can change over very short distances
• try to find out about weather and traffic conditions ahead by listening to travel bulletins on the radio and noting any information on the variable message signs.

In areas that are subject to prolonged periods of snow, it may be an advantage to fit

• snow chains or socks
• mud and snow (M and S) tyres with a tread pattern designed for these conditions.

Snow will cover up road markings – take care when you can’t see which road has priority.

Driving in icy conditions

Overnight freezing can result in an icy surface, especially on less frequently used roads. Look for signs of frost on verges, etc.

It’s even more dangerous when the roads are just beginning to freeze or thaw.

The combination of water and ice adds up to an extremely slippery surface.

Rain freezing on roads as it falls (black ice) is an invisible danger. If you skid on black ice it will be similar to aquaplaning and your steering will feel especially light.

When driving on ice

• you need to keep your speed down
• treat every control – brakes, accelerator, steering, clutch and gears – very delicately.

If it’s very cold, treat all wet-looking surfaces as though they’re frozen, because they probably are. If the road looks wet but there’s no sound from the tyres, expect ice.

Braking on snow and ice

All but the most gentle braking will lock your wheels on packed snow and ice.

If your front wheels lock, you can’t steer. If you can’t steer, you can’t keep out of trouble.

For vehicles without anti-lock brakes (ABS), in slippery conditions, repeatedly applying and releasing the brakes will slow the vehicle down and enable you to keep control.

Using this method will allow some degree of steering control.

Get into a lower gear earlier than normal. Allow your speed to fall and use the brake pedal gently and early to keep your speed well under control.

Braking distances

Braking distances on ice can easily be 10 times normal distances.

Downhill braking

Downhill braking calls for careful speed control well before reaching the actual hill, as well as while you’re on it.

By selecting a low gear, the engine compression will help to hold the vehicle back and reduce the overall speed.

Anti-lock brakes

ABS may reduce the risk of vehicle instability when braking on snow and ice.

However, it can’t compensate for poor judgement or excessive speed, and it won’t give the vehicle’s tyres any more grip.

Cornering on snow and ice

Time your driving and adjust your speed so that you don’t have to use your brakes at all on a bend.

Approach a corner at a steady speed, using the highest gear possible.

• Be gentle with the accelerator.
• Don’t use the clutch unless you absolutely have to.
• Steer smoothly – sudden movements must be avoided.
• Take just as much care coming out of a turn.

Braking on an icy or snow-covered bend can be dangerous. The cornering force will continue to pull you outwards and the wheels won’t grip very well. This could cause your vehicle to spin.

Climbing hills on snow and ice

Speed must be kept down on icy and slippery roads. But this can bring with it other problems.

For example, when going uphill you might lose momentum. Trying to regain speed and keep going could cause wheelspin and loss of control.

If you have to stop, it could be difficult to start again.

Leave a good gap between you and the vehicle in front. If it stops you’ll at least have a chance to keep going while it restarts, or even pass it altogether.

To reduce the chances of wheelspin, use the highest gear you reasonably can.

Don’t rush a hill thinking you’ll change into a lower gear on the way up. Before reaching the hill, change into a gear that will take you all the way up.

Changing gear isn’t easy on an icy slope. It takes very delicate footwork to avoid wheelspin and loss of speed.

Winter service vehicles

In winter, look out for large vehicles with flashing amber beacons, such as salt spreaders (also known as ‘gritters’) or snow ploughs. These vehicles travel at slow speeds – around 40 mph – even on the motorway.

Salt spreaders

Salt spreaders are used to treat roads when freezing temperatures are forecast. Salt lowers the freezing point of the road surface and prevents ice from forming.

If you see a salt spreader ahead

• slow down
• stay well back because salt or spray can be thrown across the road
• only overtake when it’s safe to do so.

In freezing conditions, always drive with great care even if the roads have been treated.

Snow ploughs

Snow ploughs are sent out to clear the roads when snow falls.

If you see a snow plough ahead

• keep well back as often snow can be thrown up on either side
• don’t overtake unless it’s safe to do so – there may be uncleared snow on the road ahead.

Other vehicles causing a hazard

If a vehicle heading towards you is obviously out of control, try to make maximum use of engine braking if there’s time. If you must use the brake pedal, be as gentle as possible.

Avoid braking and steering at the same time to get out of the way. Both can lead to loss of control in icy conditions.

Constantly assess what’s ahead. Be prepared, and look for escape routes.