Key Points To Know Before You Drive On Icy Roads In Winter

Be it Bristol or anywhere in the UK, driving in winter with snowy roads, ice on every nook and corner, long dark nights, and stormy weather conditions can be challenging. You must check the weather forecast if there is any chance of further storm or snowfall and make your car winter ready. Travelling on the road at this time of the year demands proper planning and preparation. You can take training from instructors enlisted in the UK driving school business directory and get yourself properly organised to get, set and go. 

What to Know Before Going out

Getting out on the road during the chilly weather has a plethora of problems and can place you in any unwanted situation anytime. Your car will not get started as soon as you give the start. The engines are cold like anything, and the car cannot jump into action readily as you are habituated. Know the tips you need to follow when you plan to hit the snowy roads. 

Know the necessity

You need to analyse the necessity of the trip. If it is of utmost necessity, then only go out. It must not be so that you are getting bored and just want to go out for a long drive in the icy condition.

Be well-prepared

Know that roads will be bumpy with unreasonable traffic jams. Roads can be closed, and you need to take a longer route instead of the short way to return.

Your car might get stuck, or the engine can suddenly become faulty. You must take proper guidance and driving lesson tutorials before winter comes. If you are a beginner, then avail the driving lessons in Bristol driving schools. 

Make your mobile phones fully charged before leaving your home. Do not forget to carry extra food, sufficient water, and a few more warm clothes. If you go for a long distance, you might not get food or water outside as the shops might be closed. To be honest, the temperature change is not known to you, and hence it is better to carry a few more warm clothes. 

Check car condition before leaving

Speaking of the car condition, you must check the tyre tread, which has to have a limit of 1.6 mm. However, changing the tyre when the depth goes down from 2.5 mm to 3 mm is recommended during winter. Moreover, check the coolant storage to see if it is topped up correctly. It is anti-freeze and an essential component for cars. It does not allow the water in the engine to freeze when the temperature is low. 

How to Maintain Everything Once you are out on the road

Once you are out, you need to follow specific rules. Let's take note.

Maintain distance

Driving too closely or stopping your car at a close distance might create problems for other drivers. The stopping or braking distance on the icy road must increase from what you usually do. If you leave a 2-3 seconds gap in normal conditions, you must leave a distance of 10 seconds minimum. 

Keep high gear while driving on a snowy road

Your driving style varies when you drive in winter, and the roads are full of snow. In fact, if there is a storm outside, then also you must maintain high-gear driving. When there is ice, try to pull the second gear. The car will take start fast because if you pull the first gear, it would not be helpful since the ice blocks the smoothness of the road. 

Take note of black ice

Black ice poses an excellent risk for drivers in winter. These are transparent ice patches that look almost the same when they fall on the road. These actually appear as a glossy sheen on the road, and you fail to identify the shaded stretches of a bridge, gaps, potholes, and tunnels. 

If you drive on black ice, do not panic and keep the speed the same. Never put the brake suddenly since the tyres will skid. You can slow down the gears if necessary but avoid any sudden movement. 

Keep control on the speed

Driving in winter throws many challenges. For beginners, it is not safe to take the car out when the weather is worst. However, it is necessary, we would suggest you to control the speed. Get familiarised with the road you will be driving so that you do not miss any diversions or turns. Check beforehand if any thoroughfare is closed, or else it will be really troublesome to return from the blocked roads. 

Conclusion

To conclude, winter driving needs proper training. Based on your status of driving (pro or beginner), your driving techniques will change. Many things matter, including visibility, road clearance, downhill or uphill travel, and your experience in driving while you choose to drive in winter. Prepare yourself for unpredictable circumstances and have a grip on yourself.