Help & Advice, Driving in Hazardous Water | London, Kent, Surrey

Want to find out how to drive safely in bad weather? Read our top tips on the best ways to avoid an accident in snow, heavy rain and fog.

Driving in snow and ice

The most important thing to remember about driving in snowy or icy conditions is to only make journeys that are absolutely essential. The chances of being in an accident increase significantly when there is snow or ice on the roads, meaning finding an alternate transport method is a favourable solution.

Should you decide to venture out in your vehicle in snow or ice anyway, the following guidelines can help you reach your destination safely.

Leave plenty of time to prepare your vehicle

Leave 10–20 minutes of extra time to get your vehicle ready. You’ll need to clear all windows of snow and ice with a scraper and possibly a de-icing spray; it’s essential to make sure you have full visibility by clearing your entire windscreen rather than just a small hole. Be sure to check your roof for snow as well – you need to get rid of this prior to departure, as it can slip over your windscreen during your journey and obscure your view.

Travel equipped

Keep your scraper and de-icer in the car at all times. Other worthwhile equipment worth popping in your boot in the winter months includes a torch, tow-rope, first-aid kit, jump leads, shovel, an old sack or rug and warm coats, blankets etc.

Plan Your Journey

Leave plenty of extra time for your journey, and navigate a route that encompasses as many major roads as possible, as these are more likely to have been gritted. DO NOT try to rush in hazardous weather conditions, it’s important to prioritise safety over punctuality and accept the possibility of being late.

While on the roads:

If your vehicle slips, carefully release the clutch and turn the steering wheel to the same direction as the skid. Once you’ve straightened up, steer back along the road. Don’t attempt to brake – particularly if you don’t have anti-lock brakes: this could lock your wheels up and cause you to skid further. Do not attempt to counter steer, as you are likely to over-compensate and lose further control of your vehicle.

Summary

Remember, stopping distances are ten times longer in ice and snow. Leave plenty of room between yourself and other drivers.
Take all manoeuvres slowly and gently. Always apply brakes gradually.
Select the highest gear possible at all times, while avoiding sudden or drastic gear changes. Pre-empt hills or declines and choose the correct gear in advance to avoid changing while on a climb or descent. Start off in second gear with plenty of revs. Contrary to popular belief, using a higher gear will improve control and reduce the likelihood of your wheels spinning.
Should you get stuck in a snow drift, put the handbrake and hazards on, then straighten the steering and clear the snow away from the wheels. Place an old sack or rug in front of the driving wheels to give them some resistance. Once you manage to start moving again, try to keep going steadily until you reach firmer ground.

To be extra safe, you can always book your car in for a seasonal check at one of our dealerships.

Book a seasonal check

All-New Nissan LEAF & MICRA Tour