11 Tips For Driving In Harsh Winter Conditions

Driving in winter can be challenging at the best of times. Ice, snow, driving rain. They can all cause issues for safety, and crucially for your car. In winter, driving safely and avoiding an accident is crucial. So, before you start searching for polaris snowmobile dealers near me, check out this guide to staying safe out on roads when they’re snowy and icy. 

1. Preparation is key 

Before you start on your journey, it’s important to plan carefully. Make sure to check out the weather to anticipate what you’ll be in for so you can prepare accordingly. Take a close look at the roads and consider where you may be exposed to the elements. It’s also important to remove all snow and ice from your car — in some countries, it can actually be illegal to drive with any snow or ice on your car.

2. Check your tires 

The grip on your tires can be dramatically reduced in winter, so making sure your tires are in top condition before you head out can save you from accidents or danger later down the line. If you can’t check the tires yourself, take it to a professional to ensure you’re good to go before you make a journey in winter. 

3. Slow down 

When you set off, keeping yourself and your car safe is the most important thing. When the weather gets bad — whether that’s torrential rain or heavily falling snow — make sure to stay at a reasonable speed. 

4. Be aware of black ice 

Black ice can be a terrifying prospect for drivers. It’s almost impossible to spot and can be very difficult to avoid. So, while you might not be in a position to stop driving because of ice on the roads, take every precaution to keep yourself safe. That means driving slowly and making careful maneuvers. 

5. Invest in snow tires 

Winter tires can make a huge difference to your safety while you’re out in all weathers. They’re often made from specialized rubber that has increased grip in dangerous or wet conditions. Winter tires work best below 7 degrees and significantly outperform summer tires in harsh winter conditions.  

6. Keep space

To keep your car safe, keep your distance from other drivers. While you may trust yourself implicitly, you have to prepare for other drivers not being so careful. If you’re nervous on long roads, you can keep miles between yourself and other cars to ensure there are no collisions if any accidents occur ahead of you. 

7. Know your safe maneuvers 

Make sure you avoid breaking when you are turning — this stops you from skidding or making any dangerous maneuvers. When you’re going downhill, make sure you’re in a low gear and avoid breaking unless you really need to. And when you are accelerating, make sure to do that gently. This will keep you safe in dangerous conditions. 

8. Keep your screen clear 

To keep your screen clear from fogging up in the cold, use the heater and air-con to remove the dog. You can keep it clear from frost for a prolonged period of time with specialized products on the market — they can be incredibly useful for keeping you safe for the whole winter period. 

9. Make your car visible 

In really bad conditions — a winter storm or a particularly foggy night — do your best to make your car as visible as possible. That means keeping your lights on full beam if that’s possible. And if you do have to stop as a result of a storm, tie anything bright (ideally neon) around your car to help emergency services and teams find you. 

10. Carry a breakdown kit

No, it’s not tempting fate. Keep the essentials with you at all times, so that if you are caught out you can keep yourself and your car safe and ready for roadside collection. Breakdown kits are personal, but it’s usual to keep a torch, blanket, food, a mobile phone power kit, and a high-visibility jacket. You can also pick up a ready-made kit online. 

11. Essential journeys only 

In incredibly harsh conditions, only make essential journeys that can’t be helped. Driving in the snow can damage your car, even without an accident. So, if you’re in any way unsure about whether or not you should drive, then decide not to. 

Hopefully, this guide has given you some information on driving in harsh winter conditions and keeping your car as safe as you can. Stay safe out there!