Winter Driving Advice And Tips For Driving On Black Ice And Snow

Whether you love the festive season or not, there’s one thing most drivers can agree on – driving in icy conditions is not fun!

Winter can transform roads into icy challenges, demanding extra caution and preparation from drivers.

Whether you’re navigating frosty city streets or snow-covered rural routes, understanding how to drive on black ice and snow is essential for staying safe.

Keep reading for our practical tips for winter driving.

What is black ice and how do you drive on it?

Black ice is a thin, transparent layer of ice that forms on roads, often making it hard to spot. It’s most common in shaded areas, bridges, and overpasses during early mornings or late evenings.

How to drive on black ice:

• Stay calm: Sudden movements can cause skids. Avoid sharp turns or braking.
• Ease off the pedals: Gently lift your foot off the accelerator if you feel the car losing traction.
• Steer into the skid: If your car starts sliding, steer in the direction of the skid to regain control.
• Use low gears: This helps maintain better control and reduces wheel spin.

What’s the best way to drive in snow?

Driving in snow requires a combination of preparation, skill, and patience.

How to drive in snow and ice:

• Reduce speed: Drive slower than usual to give yourself more time to react to changes in road conditions.
• Maintain distance: Keep at least a 10-second gap between you and the vehicle ahead to allow for longer stopping distances.
• Avoid sudden actions: Brake, accelerate, and turn gently to avoid losing traction.
• Use your headlights: Even during the day, low-beam headlights can help improve visibility for you and others.

What gear is best for snow?

For drivers of manual vehicles, selecting the right gear is crucial for maintaining control on icy and snowy roads:

• Start in second gear: When pulling away, starting in second gear can help reduce wheel spin by providing smoother power delivery to the wheels.
• Stick to low gears on descents: Use first or second gear when driving downhill to control your speed without relying too much on the brakes, which could cause skidding.
• Avoid high gears on slippery roads: While higher gears can reduce wheel spin on flat surfaces, avoid over-revving in lower gears, which can also lead to loss of traction.

By managing your gears carefully, you can maintain better control and reduce the risk of slipping in snowy conditions.

Essential winter driving tips

Here are some additional tips to help you drive safely during winter conditions:

• Check your tyres: Ensure your tyres are properly inflated and have adequate tread depth for better grip on icy surfaces.
• Pack an emergency kit: Include essentials like a shovel, blankets, flashlight, ice scraper, and snacks in case you get stranded.
• De-ice your car thoroughly: Clear all windows, mirrors, and lights before setting off to ensure maximum visibility.
• Avoid cruise control: This feature can be dangerous on icy roads as it may cause sudden acceleration.

Hire a rental car to ease your worries

If you need a reliable vehicle this winter, PSD Vehicle Rental offers a range of cars and vans equipped to handle challenging conditions.

Whether you’re planning a long journey or need a temporary vehicle, our fleet is regularly maintained to ensure safety and performance.

Whether you need a car for a day, a week, or longer, we’ve got you covered. Explore our fleet and book your vehicle today by visiting our website or contacting our team for personalised assistance.