A Class School of Motoring proudly serving the whole of Kent with driving lessons

Driving in Snow, Ice and Fog

Driving in the winter can be very dangerous. Even the most experienced drives can get caught out when driving in the winter. There are so many different aspects to think about. Is the visibility going to be ok.(Fog or snow). Are the roads going to be safe (Ice or snow). Always allow extra time to get to your destination when the winter sets in as driving conditions will affect your timing.

Driving in snow

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• When steering in the snow turn the wheel slowly and never snatch at the wheel as this will cause you to skid and lose control.
• When you accelerate, do so gently. If you accelerate too quickly the wheels will spin and you can lose control. Keep the car in a high gear this will prevent wheel spin.
• Don't drive fast and avoid sudden braking. Whenever possible use your engine brake by changing down into lower gears.

Visibility

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• Remember when you drive in the snow your visibility will be impared.
• Make sure that your lights are on so other drivers can see you.
• Fill up your windscreen washer with a good quality non-freezing concentrate.
• Make sure your window wipers are in good condition. They will need to be in good repair if they are going to keep your windows clear.
• Increase the gap between you and the vehicle in front. With snow and ice on the road stopping distance can increase 10 fold.

Keep your journey safe

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• Make sure all of the lights are working correctly on the car.
• Make sure that you have a good battery and fully charged. (Cold winter mornings can kill a battery if its not at its best)
• Keep as much fuel in the car as possible as there will be delays and running out of fuel can be unpleasant and dangerous.
• Keep your mobile phone charged in case of an emergency.
• Listen to the local radio for travel problems.

Driving in fog

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• When entering a fog area slow down a bit as your visibility will be impared.
• Turn your lights on in the dipped position, if you cannot see more than 100 meters in front turn your fog lights on.
• If it looks like the fog has cleared stay alert as fog can be patchy, going from a fine mist to a dense blanket of fog.
• Stay alert when driving in fog as other drivers may not reduce their speed or even have their lights on, therefore causing danger on the road.

General winter advice

Winter driving is a dangerous time to drive, learning how to drive in the snow, ice or fog only comes with experience. You will hear on the news when weather is too bad to drive and the safest advice is stay at home. Although this may be the wisest statement it is not always practical so if you drive, make sure you drive with care and the danger of driving in winter can be kept to a minimum. Other things to consider as the winter arrives.

• If your car is in need of a service now is the time to get it serviced. If you are running low on essential fluids the winter driving will soon get through them and possibly cause the car to break down.
• Make sure your tyres have the correct tread depth. 1.6mm is the legal minimum but to cope with snow and ice it is advisable to have 6mm.
• Make sure you have de-icer in the car. And a shovel in the boot if driving in snow.
• Keep a first aid kit in the car along with a blanket and a torch with spare batteries.
• If driving in the snow take a flask of hot drink and some food in case you get stranded, as some snow and ice covered roads can render driving impossible.

Here at A Class school of motoring we wish you all the best when driving in the winter months.