If you find yourself driving in the snow, it’s crucial to have adequately prepared. The combination of more challenging road conditions and increased breakdowns mean carrying out some simple pre-driving prep is more crucial than ever. To give drivers a helping hand, classic vehicle insurance specialist, Footman James, is on hand to share some tips for driving when these conditions…

  • Give yourself at least an additional 10 minutes to get ready for driving in poor weather conditions. This will provide you with the time to carry out any necessary vehicle maintenance that could be required, such as applying de-icer to your windscreen.
  • If you can, plan a route that sticks to major roads or bus routes, as they’re more likely to have been gritted and cleared.
  • If you’re braking, try to avoid locking the wheel. Similarly, try not to spin them if you’re accelerating – instead, stick to gentle manoeuvres. It’s also worth remembering that the stopping distance when braking can be up to 10 times longer in these conditions.
  • Don’t drive in wet shoes – instead, change into dry footwear. Not only will this be more comfortable for you, but it also prevents your shoes slipping on the pedals.
  • Make sure you clear any snow off of the roof of your vehicle – this will prevent it from sliding off when you’re driving, which could obstruct your rear window or windscreen It’s also essential to do as driving with snow on the roof could result in three points on your licence and a £60 fine, as it can be hazardous to other drivers.
  • With visibility decreased, it’s important to ensure your bulbs are working properly, with the lenses clean.
  • Make sure your windscreen washer fluid is topped up, but not with tap water. Screen wash will reduce the risk of freezing, which could be another element that could impair your vision when driving.
  • Check the condition of your tyres, ensuring they are neither over-inflated nor under-inflated – this could be dangerous in icy conditions.
  • Make sure you have any breakdown and accident phone numbers to hand – while you hopefully won’t need them, it can be better safe than sorry.

Footman James’ Managing Director, David Bond, said: “These simple steps can help ensure that you stay safe not only driving through winter, but through unexpected bouts of bad weather. Knowing what to check and how to address issues before you set off and whilst driving in such conditions can make all the difference to your safety and that of other road users.”

If you’re looking for to prepare your van for winter, picking out the best motorhome covers and best motorhome cleaners will be crucial steps. Alternatively, you may be on the lookout for a new van, in which case, why not visit our guides to the best family motorhomes and the best van conversions over £50,000 – they’re both full of brilliant suggestions.

You can also find more about the best motorhome manufacturers and the best van converters out there in our roundups, while our motorhome reviews section provides impartial opinions on the latest releases.

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