The winter is proving to be a challenging one here in the UK, with persistent spells of icy weather and snowfalls. For those of us lucky enough to own a 4×4 vehicle, this should present few problems, although you may want to stock up on spare parts and accessories to see you through until the spring.
However, it’s always helpful to brush up on your winter driving skills no matter what type of vehicle you may be driving. Here’s a quick refresher for getting you and your vehicle winter ready.
What advantages do 4×4 vehicles have in the snow?
Four wheel drive vehicles have equal power distribution to all four wheels, which provides additional traction on slippery surfaces. The extra power also makes it much less likely that you will become stuck in deep snow or mud. However, the vehicle needs to be well maintained and skillfully driven for these advantages to make a difference.
How to prepare your vehicle for snowy conditions
Before setting out in snow, carry out some key safety checks. Check that the depth of tread on your tyres at least meets the legal requirements, and that they are correctly inflated. If you drive regularly in the snow, you may want to consider investing in winter snow tyres or snow chains to provide extra traction.
Check the brake pads and fluid levels, and ensure that the battery is fully charged. If you are going on a long journey or venturing out in particularly tricky conditions, stock up your car with a shovel, blankets, food and water or a flask of hot drink.
Driving safely in the snow
When starting out, use a gentle throttle to avoid spinning the tyres. When approaching bends, drive at a slower speed than usual and take the turn as wide as the road allows to minimise the risk of skidding. Always steer gradually and smoothly rather than make sudden sharp turns.
Start braking early and use gentle pressure to reduce the risk of skidding. Note the type of snow: hard compacted snow tends to be more slippery than fresh layers of powdery snow. If you do feel the vehicle skid, check the surrounding traffic and steer it in the safest direction. Do not stamp on the brakes as this will make the situation worse.
When ascending a hill, approach at a steady speed and maintain it consistently all the way to the top, rather than stopping and starting. During a descent, keep the vehicle in a low gear to control the speed and do not apply the brakes sharply. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you and be aware of any vehicles approaching or behind you.
Stay informed about the weather conditions and keep an ear out for traffic reports of any road closures or accidents. Consider if your journey is essential or if it can be delayed until conditions improve.
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