The UK is due for more severe winter weather and snow-covered roads this year. Most local councils are well stocked with salt and grit, but you must do your bit.
It may be picture-postcard material for photographers but the weather never fails to take its toll on unprepared motorists.
The conditions last year saw a record number of calls to breakdown companies, with many unable to get to work hitting the economy hard.
At SADE Limited our team of expert drivers have come up with a few tips on how to beat these adverse conditions...
Never start your journey in bad weather without looking at the forecast first, is your journey worth the risk is the first question?
Leave extra time to defrost the windows and let the engine warm up before you head into the winter winds.
Plan your journey well in advance and try to stay on major routes as these are more likely to be gritted.
Try to carry a spare set of shoes in the car as your boots may slip on the pedals after being out in the snow.
Do not make any sudden manoeuvres. Accelerate, steer and brake in a gentle fashion. Smoothness is the key.
To avoid wheel spin on snow, consider choosing second gear for pulling away and don't use too much throttle.
Try to make sure you brake in a straight line and brake in a progressive manner - if you brake mid-corner you will run the risk of skidding.
If you do lock the brakes up, release the brake pedal to gain control of the vehicle again, then re-apply brakes more gently.
Try to keep a large gap between you and the vehicle in front of you as you will need up to ten times more stopping distance than you would in the dry.
Do not stop on a hill if possible, as you will struggle to get traction when you go to move off.
Descending hills should be completed in a controlled manner - choose a low gear and when possible refrain from using the brakes, instead letting the engine assist in slowing the car down.
If you stall going uphill or downhill, do not depress the clutch, keep the gear engaged and just start on the starter.
If you do get stuck, clear the snow from the driven wheels and if you have a sack or an old rug in the car, lay this in front of the driven wheels and this will aid traction to get you going again. Tying string to the blanket and car will assist you to keep moving until you find a safer spot to stop again and remove the blanket
If only one wheel is spinning, and you have drive to rear wheels only, consider lightly applying the handbrake to equalise the differential and it will then apply power equally to both wheels.
Finally, remember always carry a warm Hi-vis coat, your mobile phone, some drinks and refreshments, a blanket and torch, just in case you get stuck somewhere for a prolonged period. Even if your well prepared it may not be you that gets stuck, but others may prevent you from moving forward.
