What to Pay Attention to When Driving on Snowy and Icy Roads

Precautions for driving in snowy conditions: Maintain a safe following distance; observe and assess road conditions carefully; drive smoothly; steer gently when turning; if there are existing tyre tracks in the snow, follow them; be considerate of other road users; exercise extra caution in fog; maintain good visibility; prevent skidding on icy roads; after driving in snow, wash the vehicle promptly once the snow stops.

1. Maintain a safe following distance

Keep a sufficient distance from the vehicle ahead. Particularly in snowy conditions where visibility is reduced, maintain a steady speed and avoid sudden turns or braking.

1. Observe and assess road conditions carefully

Exercise caution, especially on slopes, bends, and bridges covered in snow or ice, and avoid proceeding blindly.

1. Drive smoothly

Avoid unnecessary lane changes and overtaking. When changing lanes, be decisive, signal in advance, and minimise braking, especially sudden stops.

1. Steer gently when turning

Avoid sharp turns. Use the handbrake when parking, and apply the foot brake gently to slow down—avoid slamming on the brakes. Park gradually.

1. Follow existing tyre tracks in the snow

If the tracks are icy and the snow is shallow, drive along them. Snow driving technique: lift the clutch slowly, accelerate gently, downshift to reduce speed, and modulate the throttle.

1. Be considerate of other road users

Anticipate emergencies such as cyclists or pedestrians slipping due to icy conditions. When approaching junctions or crossings, maintain a safe distance from pedestrians and cyclists, and never rush.

1. Exercise extra caution in fog

In foggy conditions, especially at night or early morning when visibility is low, use fog lights, sound the horn periodically, keep a long distance, and reduce speed.

1. Maintain good visibility

Ensure the windscreen, rearview mirrors, and wing mirrors are clean and clear. At crossroads or T-junctions, avoid being obstructed by large vehicles like lorries or buses.

1. Prevent skidding on icy roads

Due to snowfall, especially after sleet, temperatures drop, and a thin layer of ice can form overnight, making the road slippery. Drivers, particularly inexperienced ones, should be extremely cautious.

1. Wash the vehicle promptly after driving in snow

Snow contains increasing impurities that can damage the paintwork, chassis, and tyres, so clean the vehicle promptly. Ensure the windscreen, rearview mirrors, and wing mirrors are clean and clear. At crossroads or T-junctions, avoid being obstructed by large vehicles like lorries or buses.

Snow driving tips:

First, drivers should stay focused, drive courteously and at an appropriate speed, and maintain a safe distance from vehicles in front, behind, and to the sides.

Second, use gears appropriately when starting and driving, lift the clutch slowly, accelerate gently, and start smoothly.

Third, avoid overloading the vehicle, speeding, illegal overtaking, or coasting in neutral.

Fourth, hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands, steer gently, and try to keep the vehicle moving straight. Slow down in advance for hazards or turns, use engine braking by downshifting to control speed, and brake lightly.

Fifth, while driving normally, avoid sudden acceleration, deceleration, sharp steering, or hard braking, as these can easily cause accidents.

Sixth, if the vehicle skids or drifts, ease off the accelerator, steer into the skid, and brake lightly to correct the course.

Seventh, keep a safe distance from cyclists to avoid accidents if they slip.

Driving on snowy and icy roads requires extra caution to ensure safety. The key points to focus on are reducing speed, increasing following distance, using winter tyres, and avoiding sudden movements.

1. Reduce speed: Driving slower gives you more time to react to hazards. Ice can make stopping distances up to 10 times longer than on dry roads.
2. Increase following distance: Maintain at least a 4-second gap from the car ahead to allow for safe braking.
3. Use winter tyres: These provide better grip in cold conditions. All-season tyres may not be sufficient in severe winter weather.
4. Avoid sudden acceleration, braking, or steering: Smooth inputs help maintain control. If your car starts to skid, steer gently into the direction of the skid.
5. Check visibility: Clear snow from the windscreen, mirrors, and lights before driving. Use dipped headlights in poor visibility.
6. Plan your route: Stick to main roads, which are more likely to be gritted. Avoid steep hills if possible.
7. Carry essentials: Keep a winter kit with a shovel, blanket, and de-icer in the boot.

Modern cars with stability control and ABS help, but they can’t override physics. Even a Tesla Model 3 with all-wheel drive can lose traction on ice. If conditions are extreme, consider delaying your trip.

From a vehicle maintenance perspective, preparing your car for winter is crucial. Ensure your battery is in good condition, as cold weather reduces its efficiency. Check antifreeze levels and use a winter-grade screenwash to prevent freezing. Winter tyres are a must—they have deeper treads and softer rubber for better grip. Test your brakes and lights regularly. A well-maintained Ford Focus or Vauxhall Corsa will handle snow better than a neglected performance car.