Ease your speed, learn about 'threshold braking', and get familiar with your car's traction control - these essential winter driving tips could keep you safe through the coldest months of the year.
Across the UK, winter has well and truly begun.
The Met Office is forecasting 'widespread overnight frosts for much of the UK in the coming days and a risk of snow for some regions'.
That means motorist need to have their head in the game when it comes to staying safe on the roads, especially with the busy festive season approaching.
But how should you really deal with treacherous black ice? And how can you prep both your vehicle and your passengers for the slippery season?
Read on to find out.
Understand black ice hotspots
To steer clear of black ice hazards, you first need to understand some of the possible danger zones.
Certain locations experience faster cooling, have a reduced exposure to sunlight, and lack ground insulation, and it's these places where conditions are conducive to the swift formation of black ice.
Bridges, overpasses and shaded areas in particular can pose big problems, so approach with extra caution.
Keep your distance
This is an obvious one, but sometimes easy to forget when you're in a rush to pick up the kids from school or to make your train on time.
Black ice - a thin, transparent layer of ice on the road that's invisible to drivers - can catch even the most seasoned drivers off guard. Slow down when you know it's freezing outside, because reducing your speed gives you more time to react to any unexpected loss of traction.
Keep a good distance from the vehicle in front so you have a buffer in case of sudden stops, or skids. Also, use your full headlights, even during the day. It could help you to spot hidden patches of ice, and also makes it easier for other drivers to spot you on the road. It's a simple yet effective safety measure.
Master winter steering and braking techniques
Making sure you have complete control of your car is crucial when dealing with black ice - and how you steer and brake can have a big impact when you're on slippery roads.
The aim of the game here is to not panic. When you experience a sudden loss of grip, the overriding temptation might be to slam on the brakes and to make sudden evasive steering movements. But that's a no-no.
Instead, use a light grip on the steering wheel and make small, controlled movements to navigate the icy patches.
When it comes to braking, it’s important to use a technique called 'threshold braking'.
Apply the brakes with steady, firm pressure, but avoid throwing on the anchors. This allows you to maintain control while slowing down gradually. It also gives your car's anti-lock braking system (ABS) the best chance of performing at the optimum level.
Know your car's safety features
Understanding your vehicle's safety features is also vital during winter with the increased likelihood of encountering hazardous roads.
All cars manufactured since 2004 are fitted with ABS, and it's tech that stops your wheels from locking up in snow and ice when you apply the brakes, thus helping to prevent calamitous skids.
Likewise, all new cars also come with Traction Control - a system that uses the same sensors as your ABS tech to prevent wheel spin, thus helping you to maintain grip on the road. You can turn a Traction Control system off by pressing a button in your cabin that looks like a silhouette of a car with two wavy 'skid' lines underneath it. You might have accidentally turned the switch off without even realising. It's important you double-check that the system is turned on and working properly.
Some modern lease cars also have different drive modes - including 'Snow' and 'Ice' - which balance the power output to make sure you always stay on the straight and narrow. If you think your car might have those modes, figure out how to turn them on and how to use them.
Stock up on supplies
It pays to keep an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times, should the worst happen, including items like a flashlight, blankets, and non-perishable snacks.
If you find yourself in a difficult situation, having these supplies can make a significant difference.
Invest in winter tyres
Winter tyres enhance traction on icy roads - and they're a proactive step for better stability and control.
While they're an additional expense, you should consider getting a set for the colder months, which can be swapped for regular tyres when the snow and ice begins to thaw in spring.
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