How to drive safely in snow and ice

With ice and snow on the way, our easy-to-follow tips could keep you safe when driving in cold conditions.

Snow driving

The Met Office has issued amber warnings for snow and ice across parts of the UK today. Areas of North Wales, Shropshire, the Pennines and the Peak District are likely to see ‘persistent and at times heavy’ snowfall.

Such conditions make travel potentially dangerous, so you should limit driving to necessary journeys only.

We have pulled together advice on driving in snow and ice from National Highways and professional racing driver Jordi Gené. Read on for how to stay safe when the going gets slippery.

Look well ahead

Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost

The first rule of driving in the snow is one you should apply to driving as a whole: anticipate what is ahead. It’s all the more pertinent in low-grip conditions, however, given that it takes you so much longer to slow down or even steer the car.

Snow can delay drivers’ reaction times by 34 percent, while National Highways says it can take up to 10 times longer to stop in icy conditions.

The slower you drive, and the more distance you allow to the vehicle in front, the more time you have to react. “Anticipate what’s ahead and take it easy, that’s the basic rule for driving in harsh conditions,” says Jordi Gené. 

Use engine braking

snow driving cold snap 2019

A useful technique for steep descents is called engine braking. In a car with an automatic gearbox, you simply release the accelerator. In a manual, you can select a lower gear that sees the engine revs rise higher (e.g. shifting from third to second).

While using your foot brake could easily cause the wheels to lock up and skid – or activate the anti-lock braking system (ABS) – engine braking will slow and control the wheels without grabbing at them like brake pads or shoes.

Engine braking should thus limit the risk of accelerating or skidding. Then you can start to carefully apply the brakes. “Driving downhill in low gears will help you stay in control and takes a lighter toll on the brakes,” adds Gené.

Keep it smooth

Snow driving

You should keep a careful eye out for dark patches of black ice on the road. Once in a low-grip area, it’s important to not make sudden adjustments to the car’s controls. Yanking the wheel or stomping on the brake pedal will only increase your likelihood of losing grip. The goal should be to pass over or through ice and snow as smoothly as possible.

Overtakes are rarely a risk worth taking in these conditions, even if the temptation is there with gritters out on the roads.

“It’s important to stay calm and avoid making sudden manoeuvres,” says Jordi. “You have to turn the wheel gently and lightly step on the brake until you’ve passed the ice patch and the wheels begin to grip again.”

Use fog lights if needed

snow driving cold snap 2019

This is for the benefit of other road users. Fog lights are only for when fog, rain or snow is particularly dense, such that it could prevent other drivers from seeing you.

Fog lights, particularly at the rear of the car, are not fitted to help you see outwards. They are for other road users to see you more easily.

Park your car properly

cold snap 2019

Good, you’ve arrived. Time to lift the wipers up so they don’t stick to your windscreen and rear window. Also, make sure you leave the car in first gear (manual gearbox) or Park (automatic). This will increase the likelihood of it still being there when you return.

Other than that? Winter tyres are a game-changer for driving in cold weather, although few drivers in the UK use them.

Snow chains are also an option in the most extreme circumstances. However, if the weather warrants them, perhaps it’s best not to make the journey at all.

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Motoring Research team
Motoring Research team
News, reviews, advice and features from the award-winning Motoring Resarch editorial team.

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