How to drive in winter conditions and snow

From iced-up windscreens to sliding on ice and getting stuck in the snow, driving in the winter poses all kinds of challenges. But knowing how to react can help you avoid any accidents.

We've rounded up the best expert advice and tips on how to tackle some of the most typical winter driving challenges, so you can stay as safe as possible.

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How to drive safely in winter

Good driving techniques are particularly important in tricky conditions – the secret is simply to employ a calm, relaxed approach. Here are some top tips:

• Use higher gears Pull away in second gear rather than first, as this reduces the chance of spinning the wheels and digging yourself into a rut. Some automatic and electric cars will have a special gear or setting for this. 
• Use your car's efficiency or economy mode This will normally dull the accelerator's responsiveness, making it easier to get going without spinning the wheels.
• Be very gentle with the clutch and throttle This will also help to reduce the chances of wheelspin.
• Brake early and smoothly This reduces the chance of skidding and helps you remain in control of the car.
• Be delicate with the steering A tyre's side-to-side grip is reduced in cold, wet conditions. The faster you travel and the more you need to turn, the less the tyres will grip. Once you're sliding sideways, it’s even harder to regain control.
• Use major routes where possible These are much more likely to have been gritted, and the higher volumes of traffic usually help to prevent snow from settling. Leave much bigger stopping distances (up to 10 times greater) between you and the vehicle in front.
• Above all, reduce your speed The car will be easier to control, and you'll have much more time to react to developing situations.

How to de-ice your windscreen

De-icing is an annoying chore, but follow our tips below to make it as quick, easy and effective as possible:

• Use any warm-up or remote-start features your car has.
• Start the car as soon as possible to allow the engine to warm up and produce hot air for the cabin. Ensure the blowers are pointed at the windscreen, rather than at your feet.
• Use a scraper or a plastic edge to remove ice from glass areas. Be careful around the edges, as you may risk damaging paintwork or seals.
• Use de-icer if you have it; definitely don't use hot water as a shortcut as this can damage your windscreen.
• Ensure your windows are completely clear before setting off. Peeking through a makeshift porthole is dangerous and illegal.
• Remove any snow from your roof, bonnet or boot, or it will blow off. This could be dangerous or distracting to other road users, or it could fall onto your windscreen when you brake, blocking your view.

For more control over your car when the temperature drops, why not try a set of new winter tyres? We explain how winter tyres work

The right way to demist your car

• Start the heater on cold, then slowly increase the temperature.
• Put air-con on if you have it – this will help to remove moisture from the air in your car.
• If you've got a setting to demist your windscreen, or heating elements in your front or rear screen, use them.

Demisting your car effectively is essential – not doing so can obstruct your view, which means you’ll be driving illegally and putting yourself and others in danger.

Mist is actually condensation that forms when hot air (normally from your heater) hits the cold surface of your windscreen, so it's best to avoid setting the heating straight to hot.

Don't open the windows – the humidity that creates the mist comes from the environment and, because the car isn't air-tight, opening the windows can make it worse.

Should you buy snow socks for your car?

Snow socks are not a substitute for winter tyres. Instead, they can help you get home after an unexpected snowfall, or get you moving off your driveway until you reach a gritted surface or a more major road that's been cleared. 

The principle is that you keep your snow socks in your boot, then when you get stuck you simply slip them over your car's driven wheels and continue on your way. Once you're clear of the hazard, you take them off again.

Snow socks are a user-friendly substitute for snow chains. They vary in price, typically costing less than £50 a pair. In our experience, they definitely work, so there's no harm in having them. However, if the snow is so bad that you can't even get off your driveway or out of your housing estate, that would suggest you might run into trouble later in your journey.

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