Last Updated on 3 years by UK Malayali
❙ Ensure the vehicle is roadworthy for the conditions by performing a vehicle daily inspection. Note: during periods of extreme cold then you will need to increase the strength of the windscreen washer solution, check the manufacturers’ instructions, but most recommend a 50/50 mixture for extreme conditions.
❙ Stopping distances are 10 times longer in ice and snow. Gentle maneuvers are the key to safe driving.
❙ Select second gear when pulling away, easing your foot off the clutch gently to avoid wheel-spin. Most modern cars will pull away without the need to use the accelerator.
❙ When climbing a hill it is important to avoid having to stop on the hill by waiting until it is clear of other cars or by leaving plenty of room between you and the car in front.
❙ Try to maintain a constant speed, choosing the most suitable gear well in advance to avoid having to change down on the hill.
❙ Use the highest practical gear, unless descending a hill. When driving downhill, reduce your speed before the hill, use low gear and try to avoid using the brakes. Leave as much room as possible between you and the car in front.
❙ If you are driving an automatic vehicle in slippery, snowy conditions you can make driving much safer by selecting ‘2’, which limits the gear changes and also makes you less reliant on the brakes. Many modern autos have a ‘Winter’ mode which locks out first gear to reduce the risk of wheel spin. Check the handbook if you’re not sure.
❙ If you do get stuck, straighten the steering and clear the snow from the wheels.
❙ For snow conditions, snow socks have been provided to assist with traction. Remember to remove the snow sock as soon as you are clear of the snow, otherwise, they will be damaged.
❙ Spray some WD-40(multi-purpose lubricant) in the wheel well to stop snow accumulation.
❙ Put some Rain-x(Rain Repellent dramatically improves wet weather driving visibility) on your headlights and fog lights to help keep them clean.
❙ Using first gear provides maximum control when descending hills.
❙ Clear ice and snow from all windows and lights – even the bonnet and roof – before driving. Don’t forget your number plate too!
❙ Use all controls (steering, brakes, throttle, etc) gently to help prevent loss of traction and control.
❙ Ensure you have enough fuel to complete your journey.
❙ If planning a long journey or venturing off-road, ensure you have plenty of warm clothing, food, and water in case of emergency.
❙ Mix three parts vinegar to one part water and spray on all your windows at night. In the morning, they’ll be clear of an icy mess. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which raises the melting point of water preventing water from freezing!
❙ Rub cooking oil on the rubber seals around car doors & rub it in with a paper towel. The cooking oil prevents water from melting into the rubber
❙ De-ice your lock in seconds with hand sanitizer! Just put some hand sanitizer gel on the key & the lock; the problems are solved!
Snow and ice driving tips
Tires: Remember you are reliant on the amount of grip offered by your tires.
Four-wheel drive: Always select 4 low for snow and ice, once on to a better surface such as slush and melting snow and ice 4 high can be selected. When no ice or snow is present use 2 high.
Diff lock: Always engage diff lock if available or, on modern Land Rovers, select the snow and ice setting on the Terrain Response knob.
Speed: Always avoid excessive speed. Drive steadily, ensuring you can stop within the distance you can see to be clear (remembering the stopping distance in ice should be 10 times that of a dry road surface and good grip).
Sudden movements: Avoid any sharp movements of the steering wheel or sudden braking or acceleration, as it could send your car into a slide.
Braking: On snow and ice, always brake gently and in plenty of time. If you do need to brake more urgently, use the antilock braking system (ABS) to achieve some steering control. In vehicles without ABS, apply gentle cadence braking, which basically means lots of short, sharp applications of the brake pedal in rapid sequence whilst steering the vehicle in the desired direction.
Keep your distance: If traveling with other vehicles, avoid traveling too close to the car in front.
Remember: Four-wheel drive vehicles can only provide better traction when there is traction on the road to be had. They will still slide on ice and compacted snow, so drive according to the conditions.