Driving In Snow & Ice – Hints & Tips
The blog this week is about driving during times of snow and ice in your Volvo or Toyota. Temperatures have plummeted this week and many of us have seen some snow too. So we thought it was apt to give you some hints and tips to help you navigate the roads during the great British winter. Read on to find out more...
- When Did You Last Check Your Tyres?
- Make sure you have checked the tyre treads – use the 20p method we have spoken about many times in previous blogs. If you can see the rim on the 20p once you have inserted it into the tread then it is time to change your tyre. Check all tyres at various spots around it.
- Check your tyre pressures for better traction. If unsure what they should be then look in your owners manual.
- Clear Any Snow & Ice From Your Vehicle
- Before you start your journey remove snow from all windows, mirrors, roof, bonnet, and not forgetting your lights.
- Snow left on the roof can slide down onto your windscreen or fly into drivers behind you! Don’t be an ignorant driver – it can be terrifying to have a big mound of snow hit your windscreen from the car in front of you!
- Warm Your Car Up
- Start your Volvo or Toyota and let the demister clear the inside. Don’t attempt to drive off with poor visibility through your windows – you need a clear vision – especially as the mornings are dark and the evenings are getting darker quickly. You need to see not just cars but cyclists and pedestrians.
- Slow Down
- Slow acceleration – you do not want to wheel spin – especially on ice
- Slow steering – do not yank on your steering wheel
- Slow braking – be gentle – no stomping on the brake pedal
On ice and snow, smoothness is more important than speed. Leave extra time for your journey. Get up 15 minutes earlier if you know there is going to be a frost or snow during the night to make sure that you have the time to prepare your car for the journey.
- Increase Your Following Distance
- Leave 8–10 seconds to the car in front of you because you will need more time to stop your car than during normal dry weather.
- Use Low Gears
- Using a lower gear will help with the traction and reduces wheel spin.
- Avoid Using Your Cruise Control
- Why? Well, It can cause unexpected acceleration or loss of control.
- Know Which Type Of Brakes You Have
- If you have ABS braking: Press firmly and hold. You may feel pulsing—this is normal.
- If you have Non-ABS: Pump the brakes gently to avoid locking wheels.
- What To Do If You Start To Skid
- Front-wheel skid (car doesn’t turn):
- Ease off the accelerator
- Gently steer in the direction you want to go
- Rear-wheel skid (back end swings):
- Ease off the accelerator
- Steer into the skid (towards the direction the rear is sliding)
Don’t slam on the brakes This almost always makes skids worse. Stay Calm!
- Black Ice Awareness
- Black ice is common on and under bridges, in places where the road is in a shadow of a tree or building, at crossroads and obviously during the early mornings and evenings. Hopefully the councils are on top of the weather and are out gritting at the appropriate times.
- If the road looks shiny like it’s wet but it’s below freezing → assume that it’s ice and proceed with caution.
- If You Hit Ice
- Don’t brake & don’t panic – easier said than done we know!
- Don’t steer sharply, just lift your foot off the accelerator and keep the wheel straight until you regain traction.
- Driving Uphill
- Build momentum up before the hill
- Don’t stop halfway up – you will have trouble getting any momentum to start again
- Maintain a steady speed – gentle on your accelerator
- Going Downhill
- Shift to low gear when navigating a downhill, use your brakes gently and intermittently always keeping your speed low.
We have written many blogs over the years but make sure that you have a winter car kit in your boot. Things like a coat, blanket, hat, gloves, scarf. Kitty litter works well if you start wheel spinning. Always make sure that you have half a tank of fuel or your car is fully charged. Batteries will deplete quicker in EV’s the more things you are using – ie lights, wipers and heaters! Happy Safe Motoring Folks!
ACC UK Limited
Farnborough, Hampshire
Serving surrounding areas across North Hampshire and Surrey
Call us today to book in your MOT, service or repair
Here at ACC UK Ltd, Winners of The Motor Trader Independent Garage of The Year 2015, 2019 & 2020, GRA – Outstanding Automotive Service Excellence 2025, Motor Trader Indies Garage of the Year Award 2025, The IGA Big Awards 2022, The Inspire Customer Service Excellence 2016 Award, The Eagle Radio Customer Focus 2017 Business Award, The Workshop Magazine Workshop Manager of the Year 2017 Award, The LiveWire Excellence In Vehicle Servicing 2019 Award and The Aftermarket Excellence Award for Best Website 2019, The Eagle Radio Biz Award – Entrepreneur of the Year 2020 & the SME News Magazine Most Trusted Car Servicing Provider 2020, we pride ourselves on offering an outstanding customer experience for a fraction of the cost of a dealership. Give us a call and let us quote you for your next service or repair on your Volvo or Toyota. We service all areas around Farnborough, Fleet, Aldershot, Farnham, Guildford, Frimley, Camberley, Hook, Sandhurst, Crowthorne, Yateley, Hampshire and Surrey. We offer free collection and drop off services. We also have a fleet of courtesy cars to allow you to get on with your schedule whilst your Volvo or Toyota is with us. Happy Motoring from all at ACC UK Ltd – Independent Volvo & Toyota servicing, repair and MOT specialists based in the heart of Farnborough, Hampshire
