This guide provides essential advice for how to drive in ice and snow, with tips to stay safe and answers to common questions.
Driving in ice and snow is challenging and hazardous, but the risks can be significantly reduced with the right preparation and care. Our unpredictable British weather means motorists should be ready for icy and snowy roads at any time during the winter months.
What are the hazards of driving in ice and snow?
When driving in snow and ice, the primary hazards include reduced traction, limited visibility, and extended stopping distances.
Ice, particularly black ice, can be almost invisible, making it difficult to detect until it is too late. Snow can mask road markings and obscure hazards, increasing the likelihood of skidding and accidents.
Shiny or glossy patches on the road often indicate ice, and reduced road noise from your tyres or a feeling of light steering also suggest icy conditions.
The Highway Code website states that you must not drive in snowy or icy conditions unless your journey is absolutely essential. The website also has very useful information about driving in other types of adverse weather, such as fog.
Prepare your vehicle
Make sure your vehicle is safe before you undertake a journey. Here is how to prepare your vehicle:
Ensure tyres have sufficient tread depth
Adequate tread depth provides better grip, especially on icy or wet roads. The legal minimum in the UK is 1.6mm, but 3mm is recommended for winter driving.
How to check tread depth:
- Use a tread depth gauge (available at most car accessory shops).
- Alternatively, use a 20p coin. Insert the coin into the tread. If the outer rim of the coin is visible, the tread is likely too shallow.
- Inspect all tyres, including the spare if you have one.
- Look for signs of uneven wear or damage and ensure tyres are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
Check wipers and screen wash
Functioning wipers and screen wash help maintain clear visibility in adverse weather.
How to check:
- Inspect the wiper blades for cracks, splits, or signs of wear. Replace if necessary.
- Fill the screen wash reservoir with a winter-grade screen wash that includes anti-freeze properties. Avoid plain water, as it can freeze.
- Test the wipers and washers to ensure they operate smoothly.
De-ice and defrost your car
Driving with reduced visibility due to ice or mist is dangerous and illegal in the UK. Your mirrors, headlights and number plate must also be clearly visible.
How to de-ice and defrost:
- You can use a scraper or de-icer spray to remove ice from all windows, mirrors, and lights. De-icer spray is bad for the environment, so you might choose to fill a sealable freezer bag with warm water from the tap (never boiling water from the kettle) to rub across the windows. However, the AA do not recommend this hack because the melted ice could re-freeze and also hot water may cause the windscreen may crack.
- Start the engine and set the heater to defrost mode, directing air onto the windscreen and rear window. Use the rear demister if available. To de-mist a car, turn the air conditioning on and use a lint-free cloth to wipe the inside.
For more advice, see the AA’s tips on how to defrost a windscreen.
Carry winter essentials
Being prepared ensures you can manage unexpected situations like breakdowns or delays.
What to pack:
- Scraper and de-icer. For clearing ice from windows, mirrors, lights and number plate.
- Torch. Preferably a wind-up or battery-powered one with spare batteries.
- Warm clothing and blanket. In case you need to wait in the cold.
- Phone charger: Keep a fully charged power bank or car phone charger to stay connected in an emergency.
- Other items to consider. Non-perishable snacks, water, and a first-aid kit.
Plan your journey
- Check weather forecasts and avoid non-essential journeys in severe conditions.
- Stick to main roads where possible, as they are more likely to be gritted.
- Allow plenty of time for your journey, so you can drive slowly and calmly.
How to drive in ice and snow
Follow these tips for driving in ice and snow:
- Wear sunglasses if needed. Sunglasses help reduce the glare from low winter sun and white conditions.
- Drive in a high gear. Use the highest gear possible without stalling, as this reduces wheelspin.
- Turn off cruise control. Always turn off cruise control in icy or snowy conditions, as it may cause unexpected acceleration if the tyres lose grip.
- Drive slowly and calmly. Drive as slowly as possible without getting your car stuck in the snow, because you are less likely to lose control of the car and if you have an accident or skid it will be less serious. Always be patient and stay focused.
- Avoid wheelspin. Accelerate very gently and smoothly to maintain traction. Use a light foot on the throttle to avoid sudden outputs.
- Slow down safely. Decelerate gradually by lifting off the accelerator early.
- Brake gently and progressively. The AA advises cycling down through the gears so you brake using the engine. Always slow down before you approach bends and brake before you turn the steering wheel.
- Maintain distance. Increase your following distance to 10 times the normal gap. This allows more space for the car to stop, reducing the risk of collisions.
If you slide on ice avoid hitting the brakes. Steer gently in the direction your wheels are skidding to regain control.
For further advice on driving in snow and ice, please read the AA’s Expert tips for driving in snow.
How to drive on black ice
Driving in black ice is particularly dangerous because it is almost invisible and significantly reduces tyre traction. Watch for shiny patches on the road, particularly on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas, as these are more likely to freeze first.
If you encounter black ice, remain calm and avoid sudden movements. Gradually ease off the accelerator to reduce speed without braking, as sudden braking can cause skidding.
Use engine braking by shifting to a lower gear if possible, slowing the car without applying the brakes. Hard braking should be avoided, but if you must brake, do so gently and progressively.
Follow ‘How to drive in ice and snow’, above.
Driving an automatic car in snow and ice
Consult your manual to find out what features your car has to assist you when driving in icy conditions.
If your vehicle has a winter or snow mode, activate it to adjust the throttle and gear changes for better traction.
Follow ‘How to drive in ice and snow’, above.
Common questions about driving in ice and snow
Is It better to turn off traction control in snow?
Traction control prevents wheel spin, so it is generally best to leave it on (this may vary between vehicles, so always consult your manual). However, traction control can make it hard to move a car in heavy snow, so you may need to turn it off in that situation.
What is the best speed to drive on ice?
Drive slowly and cautiously. Speeds should be well below posted limits, normally 20-30 mph or slower than usual, depending on conditions.
Why won’t my brakes work in the snow?
Snow and ice can reduce braking efficiency because tyres do not grip well on icy roads. If the power sent to the tyres through braking or accelerating is greater than the grip the tyres have on the road the wheels will spin.
Praxis42 Driver Awareness Course OnlineTop of Form
When driving in any weather conditions, safety is a priority. Did you know that most accidents on the roads involve professional drivers? That is because they are more likely to be driving while tired than other drivers.
Our Driver Awareness Couse Online provides those who drive for work with a through understanding of safe driving practices, including how to drive in ice and snow, and prepares them for unforeseen incidents. The course is perfect for new drivers as part of induction training, and as a refresher for experienced drivers.
Find out more about the Driver Awareness Course on our website or talk to our friendly team to find out how we can tailor the course to your organisation and drivers: 0203 011 4242/info@praxis42.com
