Winter driving safety checklist

Driving in winter

Slippery surfaces, rain and snow, frozen components and spray thrown up by other people’s wheels…driving in winter can be difficult – and potentially dangerous.

To help you prepare for the colder months, we’ve put together some helpful tips and advice.

Preparing your car for adverse weather

Spending a few minutes on some checks before you set off could save you the hassle and stress of being stranded at the roadside.

Equally, regular servicing can help to keep your car in tip-top condition and bring any issues to your attention early.

Unfortunately, however well prepared you are, breakdowns do happen – that’s where breakdown cover comes in. This can ensure you get the help you need, no matter the season. 

Keep your battery well-maintained

Cold, damp weather can play havoc with car batteries, making them less efficient.

Additionally, during the dark winter months, your lights and heater are used more, resulting in increased battery power consumption.

As batteries don’t usually last longer than five years, it might be worth investing in a new one if yours is nearing the end of its working life.

Make sure your lights are clean

Ensure your lights are in good working order so you can see and be seen on dark evenings and rainy or foggy days.

In wintry conditions, there’s often a lot of dirty spray from the road surface that can coat and dim your lights. Give them a good wipe regularly to aid visibility.

Top up your oil

Keeping an eye on your oil levels is a year-round job, but it becomes especially important in winter.

The experience of breaking down is much more uncomfortable – and even dangerous – in the dark and cold.

Don't forget about anti-freeze

Make sure your windscreen wash contains anti-freeze and keep the levels topped up.

As with your lights, your windscreen can get covered in dirt from road surfaces that can quickly reduce visibility, so it’s important you can wash it effectively.

Clear your windscreen before setting off

If you’re in a rush, it can be tempting to set off with the windscreen still partially frozen or steamed up.

Resist the temptation, as reduced visibility means you’re much more likely to have an accident – and be liable for it.

Ensure your tyres are up to scratch

You should check your tyre pressure regularly and ensure that they have a deep enough tread.

The minimum required by law is 1.6mm, but the AA recommends considering replacing a tyre if it has less than 3mm. For people living in colder or more rural areas, winter tyres and snow chains can help with road safety.

Tips for driving in the winter

We’ve covered how to prepare your car before you set off in the cold, but you’ll need to take additional care when driving in the winter too. Here are our top winter driving tips:

Slow down

In the rain, snow or ice, your braking distances are significantly extended, so take extra care.

To avoid sliding out or being unable to stop soon enough, ease off that accelerator a bit. The extra few minutes you might save aren’t worth the risk. 

Take it easy on the pedals

You should avoid heavy accelerating, but also braking, too. If you accelerate too quickly in the snow, you’ll just cause wheel spin, while braking too hard will cause you to skid at a higher speed.

Avoid tailgating

You shouldn’t be doing this at any time, but it’s even more important in wet, snowy or icy conditions.

Braking distances can be up to 10 times further than in normal conditions, and other drivers may lose control of their vehicle and become a hazard.

What to do if you break down in winter

1. Stay calm and pull over safely 

• Move your car to the side of the road away from traffic, if possible 

• Switch on your hazard lights and – if safe – place a warning triangle behind your vehicle. Don't use a warning triangle if you've broken down on the motorway.

2. Make sure you’re visible and safe 

• If it is safe to do so, leave your car safely via the passenger side and stand away from traffic

• If it isn't safe to leave the car, keep your seatbelt on and turn on the interior lights if visibility is poor. 

3. Call for help 

• Use your phone to contact your breakdown provider as soon as you can 

• Let your provider know your location and any landmarks nearby 

• Call a friend or family member so someone else knows where you are

• If you've broken down on a motorway and can't get to the hard shoulder, call 999.

4. Keep your phone charged 

• Always carry an in-car charger or power bank 

• Top up your battery while driving so you have power if you need it in an emergency. 

5. Stay warm while waiting 

• Put on extra layers or use blankets to stay warm 

• If safe, run the engine for short periods every hour to maintain warmth and prevent mechanical issues. 

6. Make your car visible 

• If safe to do so, clear snow or frost from your car to make it easier for rescuers and other drivers to see you 

• Don’t try to dig your car out of deep snow — it can exhaust you and increase your risk of hypothermia. 

Take a look at our breakdown checklist to find out what you should put in your breakdown emergency kit.