Here in the UK, our winters can be unpredictable at best and chaotic at worst. We can go from spring-esque temperatures, to icy frosts overnight, or from clear skies to inches of snow in a matter of an hour or two and being prepared for every eventuality can feel like an impossible task. If we had every piece of equipment needed for every weather system that the UK sees, most of us wouldn’t have space left in our boots for anything else! For this reason, it can be easy to get caught out while out on the roads and even end up in standstill traffic if things get really bad. It’s always best to avoid travelling in bad weather, but what if there was no warning, or you have to travel? 

Prevention Is Key

First things first, and you know we have to say it – prevention is key. You should prevent getting stuck in poor weather when you can and it can be as simple as watching the weather reports and adjusting or cancelling your journeys accordingly. If there is even the slightest hint that there could be snow, you should be prepared. It’s easy enough to convince ourselves that the snow won’t settle or it won’t be too bad, but when you end up miles away from home stuck in an icy slush puddle, you’ll wish you’d been smarter about your choices. If you know it’s going to snow before you leave home and you have to leave home regardless, maybe consider adjusting your travel times, or sticking to main roads that are likely to be well-gritted. 

Have A Bad Weather Kit

You should always have a bad weather kit in your car over the course of winter – you never know when the weather can turn. Even between popping into a supermarket and returning to your car, a frost could’ve settled on your car and without the right equipment, you could be waiting a while for things to defrost! Your Bad Weather kit should include: 

• Ice scraper
• De-icer
• Torch and spare batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Warm Clothes, including waterproofs and high-vis jackets
• Non-perishable snacks 
• Water 
• Sturdy footwear/boots to change into
• A shovel
• Jump leads
• Warning triangles
• Contact information for a breakdown service. 
• Blankets for all passengers

Having a kit that includes all of the above, as well as other essential items such as entertainment if you get stuck, spare power banks for your phone and other comforts can ensure that you aren’t left cold, hungry or thirsty if you get stuck on the motorway in the snow or ice.

What Does The Highway Code Say?

The highway code is a great place to go if you’re unsure of what to do in certain situations. It outlines the dos and donts of driving in all kinds of weather conditions. On ice and snow, it says:

• Check local weather warnings for ice and snow. Do not drive unless your journey is essential. If it is essential, take great care and allow more time for your journey.
• Take an emergency kit of de-icer and ice scraper, torch, warm clothing and boots, first aid kit, jump leads and a shovel, together with a warm drink and emergency food.
• Before you set off you should do the following:
  • Clear all snow and ice from your windows
  • Ensure all lights and number places are clear and clearly visible
  • Make sure all windows and mirrors are demisted
  • Remove all snow from the car that could fall off
  • Check your planned route for delays and check no further snowfall or further bad weather are predicted
• When driving in icy/snowy conditions:
  • Drive with care. Don’t rely on road treatments. 
  • Keep your distance from other road users as stopping distances are ten times greater in wet or icy conditions
  • Take care when overtaking, particularly salt-spreading vehicles and other de-icing vehicles.
  • Watch for snowploughs which may throw snow to the sides. Do not overtake them unless the lanes are clear.
  • Be prepared for sudden changes in conditions
  • Listen to travel bulletins and take note of any signs. Adjust accordingly. 
• Keep driving slowly and carefully, avoiding sudden actions that could cause control loss. You should:
  • Drive slowly in a high gear, accelerate and brake gently.
  • Drive particularly slowly when turning or around bends as loss of control is more likely. Brake progressively before any bends. 
  • Check your grip on the road surface and keep note. Tyres are typically silent on ice. If you are on ice, maintain a steady steering wheel and don’t panic.

If you have to head out on icy roads, it’s always best to make sure your car is in its best shape first. A full service can not only ensure that everything is in good working order, but it gives you peace of mind that you’re safe on the roads. If you do find yourself stuck in bad weather or your car isn’t handling the ice well, our team can help find the source of any problems you might face. Simply get in touch with our team for vehicle repairs or car servicing, today.