Tips for Winter Driving

Friday, December 18, 2009 - antosh

by MC2 Stefanie Antosh

Tips by Chris Hawkey, formerly Chartered Institue of Transport

With the new-fallen snow around SHAPE and Belgium, there are a few things to remember about safe driving during the winter months. Here are a few tips to keep in mind from a seasoned winter-weather driver:

Winter tyres really are a good idea - all winter. Always maintain correct tyre pressure.
In snow and ice - use low revs, high gears to stop wheel spin.
Check your anti-freeze, and put de-ice in your screen-wash.
If you have ABS brakes - use them in emergency.
It's a good idea to practise to get the feel - find an empty car park, brake hard and prove to yourself that they work.
Aviod using brake in icy conditions - slow down with your gears.
If you slide our of control, engage ABS brakes hard, engage clutch and allow car to roll to halt under ABS and dead-weight.
Use dipped headlights and rear lights always in dull, wet or snowy conditions. Remember: headlights are there so that YOU CAN BE SEEN, not to light your way! Ladies TAKE NOTE - using your lights doesn't waste the battery - the power comes from the alternator.
Park in gear - don't engage handbrake in freezing conditions.
When starting the engine in cold weather, lights off, fan off, clutch engaged - give the engine, starter and battery an easy time!
If on a long journey - take a sleeping bag or blanket and a hot drink.

Keep these tips in mind along with maintaining a sensible speed and hopefully they will help you avoid a serious accident in these difficult road conditions. Have a safe holiday and arrive in one piece!