Here at ACC UK Ltd of Farnborough Hampshire, Independent Volvo and Toyota Servicing, Repair and MOT Specialists we like to give you weekly tips, help and advice concerning all aspects of motoring. This week our blog is all about keeping safe when driving in Hail and Ice.

Ice is one of the most hazardous of all driving conditions. Black ice is particularly treacherous because it is transparent and harder to spot compared to snow, frozen slush or thicker white ice.

As a result, many drivers often don’t realise they are actually driving on ice and don’t reduce their speeds.

Here are some useful tips for driving in ice:

  • Only drive if it’s absolutely necessary and don't be afraid to turn back if you think the conditions are too treacherous
  • Make sure your windows are properly de misted before you start driving. A couple of extra minutes on the drive can save you a lot of pain and heartache and money in the long run.
  • If you’re driving to meet someone, let them know where you are travelling and when you expect to arrive, that way if something happens on your journey they will be alerted quickly when you dont arrive
  • You may need to leave as much as 10 times the normal recommended gap between you and the car in front - this is to enable you to stop safely if an accident occurs ahead of you or if you go into a skid you are not too close to the car in front and gives you the time to correct your skid
  • If you do encounter a skid, steer gently into it - for example, if the rear of the car is sliding to the right, steer to the right. Do not take your hands off the steering wheel or stamp your foot on the brakes - this will not help
  • Controls such as the brakes, as well as the steering, accelerator and even gear changing should be operated both smoothly and slowly - dont panic
  • A higher gear may be more appropriate to aid the tyres gripping when moving off on packed ice, also make sure you have sufficient tread on your tyres - bald tyres are not only illegal but will compromise your driving ability.

Driving In Hail

Hail storms are extremely dangerous to drive in. Not only can they cause extensive damage to your car but can also be harmful to anyone who decides to venture out of their vehicle. If you have to travel, plan your route to avoid known affected areas. We also recommend informing relatives and friends of your intended route in case of an emergency.

The following tips should always be followed when driving in hail storms:

  • · Stay inside the vehicle. Hail falls at fast speeds, and can cause injury
  • · If hail is severe, stop driving and pull over to a safe place so the hail doesn't break the windshield or any windows. Stop under an overpass if you can, or pull out of traffic lanes and on to a hardshoulder
  • · Keep your car angled so that the hail is hitting the front of your car. Windshields are reinforced to withstand forward driving and pelting objects. Side windows and backglass are not and are much more susceptible to breakage
  • · Avoid ditches due to possible high-rising water


If you get a chip in your windcreen get it seen to straight away. A chip can quickly turn into a crack in these dipping temperatures. The windscreen will be severly compromised. Your insurance company normally covers the cost of repairing a chip and this doesnt affect your no claims discount - so dont put off to tomorrow what you can do today! ACC UK Ltd are independent Volvo and Toyota Servicing, Repair and MOT Specialists based in Farnborough Hampshire. We Service and Repair and MOT Vehicles for our clients across Hampshire, Including Aldershot, Fleet, Camberley, Frimley, Hook, Farnham, Guildford and Surrey, Bracknell, Sandhurst, Crowthorne, Wokingham and Berkshire. We pride ourselves on offering a dealership service for your Volvo and Toyota requirements at a fraction of the price. We also offer free courtesy cars and free pick up and collection services - just ask at time of booking if you require one of these. Let us quote you happy on your next Volvo or Toyota Service, Repair or MOT. Happy Motoring from all at ACC UK Ltd of Farnborough Hampshire!