Essential Winter Driving Tips
Learn how to prepare your car and adjust your driving for snow, ice, fog, strong winds and reduced visibility.
Winter Driving Starts Before You Set Off
Snow, ice, fog, heavy rain and strong winds can quickly make familiar roads more difficult. Visibility may fall, stopping distances increase and the car may respond differently when grip is reduced.
The safest decision may sometimes be to delay the journey. When you do need to travel, a few checks before leaving can reduce the chance of problems once you are on the road.
Give yourself extra time, plan the route and avoid rushing. Smooth, patient driving is far safer than trying to maintain your normal pace in difficult conditions.
Prepare the Car for Winter Conditions
A clear windscreen and a roadworthy vehicle matter even more when visibility and grip are poor.
Clear the Whole Car
Remove ice, snow and condensation from every window and mirror. Clear the lights and number plates, and remove loose snow from the roof before driving away.
Check Tyres and Fluids
Make sure the tyres are correctly inflated and have sufficient tread. Check the screenwash, coolant and fuel level, or battery charge if you drive an electric vehicle.
Carry Useful Supplies
Keep warm clothing, a torch, phone charger, scraper and de-icer in the car. For longer journeys, take water and any medication you may need if delays occur.
Use Smooth Inputs and Leave Much More Space
Snow and ice reduce the amount of grip between the tyres and the road. Steering, braking and acceleration should all be gentle and progressive.
Pull away carefully, avoid sudden changes of speed or direction and leave a much larger gap from the vehicle ahead. Braking distances can increase dramatically when the road is slippery.
Look well ahead for shaded areas, bridges, exposed roads and quiet side streets where ice may remain even when the main road appears clear.
What to Do on Slippery Roads
Small, deliberate actions give the tyres the best chance of maintaining grip.
Reduce Your Speed Early
Slow down before bends, junctions and downhill sections. Avoid heavy braking once the car is already turning.
Increase the Following Gap
Leave substantially more space than normal so you have time to react and brake gently if traffic ahead slows.
Keep Inputs Smooth
Steer, accelerate and brake progressively. Sudden inputs can cause the tyres to lose grip.
Slow Down and Make Sure You Can Be Seen
Fog can reduce visibility very quickly, especially on rural roads, exposed routes and faster roads. Adjust your speed so you can stop safely within the distance you can see to be clear.
Use Dipped Headlights
Switch on dipped headlights when visibility is reduced. Do not rely on automatic lights to detect fog for you.
Use Fog Lights Correctly
Front or rear fog lights may be used when visibility is seriously reduced, generally below around 100 metres. Switch them off when visibility improves.
Leave a Bigger Gap
Increase the distance from the vehicle ahead and avoid following its rear lights too closely. Keep looking well ahead for changes in speed and road position.
Do Not Use Full-Beam Headlights
Full beam reflects back from the fog and can make visibility worse. Use dipped headlights, reduce your speed and keep the windscreen clear with the demister and wipers.
Expect Sudden Movement and Exposed Sections
Strong winds can push vehicles sideways, particularly on open roads, bridges and when passing gaps in hedges or buildings.
Reduce Your Speed
A lower speed gives you more time to react if the vehicle is moved by a sudden gust.
Hold the Steering Wheel Securely
Keep both hands on the wheel and make small, controlled corrections rather than sharp steering movements.
Give Others More Space
Take extra care around cyclists, motorcyclists, high-sided vehicles and vehicles towing trailers, as they may be affected more strongly.
Protect Your Visibility and Reduce the Risk of Skidding
Heavy rain reduces visibility and can create standing water on the road. Tyres may lose contact with the surface if the vehicle enters water too quickly.
Slow down, increase the following distance and use dipped headlights when visibility is poor. Keep the windscreen clear with the wipers, demister and ventilation.
Avoid driving through floodwater when you cannot judge its depth. Water may hide damage, cause the engine to stop or push the vehicle away from the intended path.
Be Ready if the Journey Does Not Go to Plan
Winter conditions can cause congestion, road closures and unexpected delays. Carry a few essentials and make sure someone knows your route when travelling in severe weather.
Keep Your Phone Charged
Take a charged phone and an in-car charger. Avoid using the phone while driving and stop somewhere safe before making a call.
Carry Warm Clothing
Keep a coat, gloves, blanket, torch and water in the car. These can make a long delay much safer and more comfortable.
Know When to Turn Back
Conditions may worsen faster than expected. Do not continue simply because the journey has already started.
Plan the Journey Around the Conditions
Check the weather forecast, traffic information and any reported road closures before leaving. Choose main roads where possible, as they are more likely to have been treated during icy conditions.
Tell someone where you are going when travelling in severe weather, particularly on rural or unfamiliar routes. Allow enough time so that you are not tempted to rush.
If official advice recommends avoiding unnecessary travel, postpone the journey unless it is essential.
Become More Confident in Difficult Conditions
Good winter driving is built around preparation, patience and smooth control. Explore our other learner and new-driver guides for more practical road-safety advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to some of the most common questions about driving in snow, ice, fog and other difficult winter conditions.
How much should I increase my stopping distance in icy conditions?
Stopping distances can be much longer on snow or ice. Reduce your speed early, leave a very large gap and brake gently so the tyres are less likely to lose grip.
When should I use fog lights?
Fog lights should only be used when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than around 100 metres. Switch them off once visibility improves.
Should I use full-beam headlights in fog?
No. Full beam can reflect back from the fog and make it harder to see. Use dipped headlights and reduce your speed.
What should I carry in the car during winter?
Useful items include warm clothing, gloves, a blanket, torch, scraper, de-icer, phone charger, water and any medication you may need if the journey is delayed.
Is it safe to drive through floodwater?
Avoid driving through water when you cannot judge its depth. Floodwater may conceal damage, affect the brakes, stop the engine or move the vehicle away from its intended path.
Should I cancel a journey because of severe winter weather?
Sometimes postponing the journey is the safest choice. Check the forecast, road closures and official travel advice before setting off, particularly for rural or unfamiliar routes.