Fleet management

Winter driving: Essential tips to navigating winter roads

  • 27/01/25
  • 4 min

Winter driving can be challenging, but with the right preparation and precautions, you can stay safe and confident on the road.

Cold temperatures, icy conditions, and reduced visibility all pose unique risks that require extra care and attention. By ensuring your vehicle is ready for the season and following key safety practices, you can navigate winter roads with peace of mind.

Close-up on vehicle tyre in snow

Prepare Your Vehicle

As the saying goes, "fail to prepare, prepare to fail," and this is especially true when it comes to winter driving. A well-maintained vehicle is your best defence against harsh conditions, reducing the risk of breakdowns or accidents:

  • Inspect your vehicle’s battery, heated windscreen, and all lights to ensure they are functioning correctly.
  • Clean your windscreen and wipers, making sure the washer fluid reservoir is filled too.
  • Verify tyre pressures and confirm that all the tyres are in good condition.
  • Ensure that the brakes are fully operational.
  • Check that all other fluids are adequately topped up.
  • Monitor your fuel level to prevent the risk of running out.

Prepare Your Journey

While verifying your vehicle’s mechanical status is critical, it is also vitally important you are also ready for whatever your journey may throw at you:

  • Map out your route – along with an alternative journey – and stay updated on weather and traffic conditions to ensure a smooth trip. Ideally, allow for extra time before you set off.
  • Inform someone of your destination and your expected arrival time.
  • Pack spare clothes, a flashlight, drinking water, and a snack for your convenience.
  • Make sure your phone is fully charged and that you have a charger with you.
  • Dress suitably for the weather, including a hat, scarf, and winter coat.
  • Choose comfortable and dry footwear for driving.

Winter Driving Essentials

Investing in the right equipment is also essential, with every vehicle's toolkit benefiting from items such as:

  • Ice scraper
  • Shovel
  • De-icer
  • Anti-freeze
  • Washer fluid
  • Water
  • Snowbrush
  • AdBlue
  • Bulb kit
  • Rock salt

Snow & Ice 

Conditions can change quickly in all seasons, but especially during the winter. Once you've started your journey, stay extra cautious and aware of the environment around you:

  • Start moving, gradually easing off the clutch to prevent wheel spin.
  • Maintain a steady speed and try to minimise gear changes.
  • Drive cautiously and make slow, gentle driving inputs to ensure safety as, in snow and ice, stopping distances can be ten times longer than in dry conditions.
  • When braking is necessary, apply the brakes carefully.
  • Look ahead to prevent any sudden steering or braking movements.
  • Keep a safe speed and distance from other vehicles and avoid tailgating at all costs.
  • If you find yourself stuck in the snow, straighten the steering wheel and clear any snow from the tyres and rims. Placing a sack or an old rug in front of the driving wheels can provide the tyres with additional grip.
  • Driving in the dark can be exhausting; take breaks to ensure your safety.

Remember, if you need assistance while on the road, Fraikin’s dedicated service team is available 24/7, 365 days a year.

Whether you have a question or face an emergency, help is just a call away:

Contact your service team on 0300 200 3911, or for emergencies, you can reach us at 0800 650 650.

Stay safe, and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need support during your journey.

Did you know?

Rule 123 of the Highway Code states that:

  • You MUST NOT leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road.

Rule 229 of the Highway Code states that before you set off:

  • You MUST be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows
  • You MUST ensure that lights are clean and number plates are clearly visible and legible
  • Make sure the mirrors are clear and the windows are demisted thoroughly
  • Remove all snow that might fall off into the path of other road users
  • Check your planned route is clear of delays and that no further snowfalls or severe weather are predicted.

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