The icy winter season has officially begun - and here's how you can embrace it.
With temperatures to dip below zero for the first time this year and an amber snow warning being issued throughout the UK, frosty road conditions are set to make life difficult for drivers making the early-morning commute.
Unfortunately, one road accident happens every hour in snowy, icy and foggy conditions – most of which are preventable with increased driver caution and appropriate vehicle checks.
Whether it be a quick morning commute or a long journey in treacherous conditions, here's our advice on approaching cold weather conditions.
De-ice your car properly
It's easy to lose patience when defrosting your car in the morning – especially if you're running late. But it's illegal to not fully de-ice your windows in cold conditions before setting off.
By failing to do so, you run the risk of a fixed £60 fine and three points on your licence.
Aside from traditional window scrapers and cans of de-icer, there are many ways to speed up the process of clearing your windows.
For example, use three parts vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle. Vinegar is a natural antifreeze – even one quick spray will begin to break down the ice on your windows.
Also, try putting warm water into a sandwich bag, seal it and drag the bag slowly across the face of the window. This is a much safer alternative than pouring boiling water on a windscreen that can fracture the glass.
Salt and dish soap are great additives to warm water solutions because of their defrosting properties – making them a great alternative to scraping.
As tempting as it is, you shouldn't leave the car running and let the aircon defrost the car. Not only is it harmful to the environment, but it's also illegal. If the police catch you leaving your car idling, you face fines of up to £40.
Driving safely in freezing conditions
It goes without saying that you should drive more carefully in icy conditions. Being more vigilant might spare you a costly accident – or even worse.
When you're driving, go easy on the throttle. Black ice that's difficult to see can make the wheels spin up quickly, causing the car to oversteer. Be extra careful if you have a rear-wheel-drive vehicle - the rear can understeer and slide in frosty conditions.
Higher gear gives you more control in tricky conditions. Moving off in second gear reduces the torque going through the wheels – letting you gradually pick up speed without losing control.
Be sure to leave a longer gap for the car in front as treacherous conditions extend braking times. On the motorway, leave a four-second gap to give you enough time to brake in a sudden emergency in poor conditions.
Perform safety checks
Although we all forget from time to time, checking your car before setting off is crucial. Not only does it prevent accidents, but it saves you from being stranded out in the cold.
Make sure you double-check the tread depth of your tyres. If there is little to no tread – or the edges are smoothed over – get them changed before driving in icy conditions.
It's also important to check the battery before a journey. Cold temperatures slow the chemical process that creates and stores power and can kill the battery over time.
Always carry jump leads and use a thermal blanket to protect the battery while the car's not running.
Finally, it's vital to monitor antifreeze levels in engine coolant. Too little, and the engine will seize up in frosty conditions.
If you're unsure, get your vehicle looked at by a professional before setting off.
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